The latest update to Samsung’s One UI 7 has introduced a groundbreaking feature that enhances the multimedia experience for users: live YouTube playback notifications that sync across devices. This innovative addition allows users to control and monitor YouTube playback on one device while the video is playing on another, even if that other device is a smart TV.
Cross-Device YouTube Controls
Spotted in the stable release of One UI 7 on devices like the Galaxy Z Fold SE, this feature enables live notifications for YouTube videos playing on other devices in the home. For instance, if you are watching a YouTube video on your smart TV, your Samsung smartphone or tablet can display live notifications showing the YouTube player interface, complete with a progress bar and playback controls. This functionality works seamlessly regardless of the distance between the devices, as long as they are connected to the same network.
Practical Applications
This feature is particularly useful for families or shared households. Parents can easily keep tabs on what their children are watching and even pause the content remotely if needed. It also strengthens Samsung’s ecosystem approach by improving continuity between phone, tablet, and smart TV experiences.
How It Works
The live notifications appear through the Now Bar and the status bar on compatible Samsung devices. Users can expand these notifications to see more detailed controls and information about the playing video. This integration leverages the capabilities of Android 15 and One UI 7 to provide a unified and seamless user experience across different devices.
Impact on Other Features
However, this new feature comes with a trade-off. The Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for YouTube is no longer available when these live notifications are active. This means that if you minimize the YouTube app, the traditional PiP window will not appear, as the system prioritizes the new live notification interface. Other streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+ still support traditional PiP but do not have the live notification feature.
User Experience Improvements
One UI 7 also brings several other enhancements, including a revamped Now Bar that displays real-time information such as live sports scores, music playback controls, and more. The media player has been integrated into the live notifications, allowing users to control their media playback directly from the status bar or lock screen.
Enabling Live Notifications
To enable these live notifications, users need to navigate to the Settings app, then to the Lock screen and Always On Display (AOD) section. Here, they can access the Now Bar settings and select the applications for which they want to see live notifications. This customization allows users to tailor their experience to their specific needs.
Rollout and Compatibility
The One UI 7 update is rolling out to various Samsung devices, including the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6, and more, starting from April 10 in the US. This update will also be available for other Galaxy phones and tablets in the coming weeks.
Future Developments
While this feature is currently unique to YouTube and not supported on the Galaxy S25 series, it hints at broader cross-device control capabilities that could be expanded in future updates, possibly with Android 16.
In summary, the live YouTube playback notifications on One UI 7 represent a significant step forward in cross-device integration, enhancing the user experience and making multimedia management more convenient and unified. As Samsung continues to roll out this update, users can expect a more cohesive and powerful ecosystem that bridges the gap between different devices.