YouTube launches new features: Miniplayer, custom playback speed, sleep timer, and more

YouTube has officially rolled out several new features that were recently in testing, improving the user experience on both Android and iOS devices. The updates include enhancements to the mini player, playback speed controls, playlist features, and more. Here’s a breakdown of the latest additions:
Redesigned Miniplayer for Mobile
The YouTube app now features a redesigned mini-player that resembles a picture-in-picture window. Previously, users saw a small bar above the bottom navigation with a cramped design. Now, the video floats above with a close button at the corner, while the controls for play/pause and 10-second rewind/forward sit just below. A key improvement is that users can now resize and move the miniplayer around the screen for a better viewing experience.
Sleep Timer for Better Control
YouTube has introduced a sleep timer for both free and Premium users. This feature can be accessed in the player’s settings menu, allowing users to set the video to stop playing after 10, 15, 20, 30, or 45 minutes, one hour, or at the end of the video. This update is especially useful for those who watch videos before sleeping, ensuring the app doesn’t run all night.
Fine-Tuned Playback Speed Controls
Another significant update is the new fine-tunable playback speed feature. On mobile, instead of selecting speeds from a rigid list (like 0.25x to 2x), users now have a slider for more precision. The speed can be adjusted in 0.05x increments, offering more flexibility. For quick adjustments, plus and minus buttons are also available, along with some preset speed options for convenience.
Playlist Enhancements
Several playlist features are also part of YouTube’s update. One of the most exciting changes is the ability to create custom thumbnails for playlists. Users can now upload their own images or use AI-generated ones to personalize their playlists. This feature is also coming to YouTube Music and will soon be available on the main site for web users.
Collaborative playlists are another upcoming addition, allowing users to create and share playlists with others using a link or QR code, which will be especially useful on smart TVs. Later this year, YouTube plans to let viewers vote on videos within these playlists, enabling better curation by ranking the most popular content.
YouTube Badges for Recognition
YouTube is rolling out special badges that celebrate user achievements. These badges will highlight unique milestones, such as being among the first paid subscribers to a creator’s channel or completing quizzes accurately. In YouTube Music, badges will recognize top listeners or those who have received hearts from creators on their comments. These new badges will appear in the “You” tab over the next few weeks, providing users with more recognition for their engagement.
Conclusion
These new updates from YouTube aim to improve the overall user experience with more customizable options, better controls, and enhanced playlist features. The ability to personalize thumbnails, collaborate on playlists, and earn badges adds a layer of interaction and recognition that makes the platform even more engaging. Whether you’re using YouTube to watch, listen, or curate content, these updates provide new ways to enhance your experience.
Trouble downloading Google Chrome on Windows? Here’s What’s Happening

If you’ve tried downloading Google Chrome on your Windows PC lately, you might have hit a snag. Many users are reporting that the installer won’t run after they grab it from the official site. Instead of launching, it just sits there, leaving people stuck and frustrated.
The problem seems tied to how Chrome’s download process works. Normally, you click the download button, get a small setup file, and it kicks off the installation. But for some, that setup file refuses to start. Experts think it could be due to Windows security settings blocking it, an antivirus program stopping it, or even a glitch on Google’s end with the file itself.
For now, there’s no official fix from Google, but people have found workarounds. One trick is to turn off your antivirus temporarily while downloading and running the installer—just be careful and turn it back on after. Another option is to download Chrome from a different source, like a trusted third-party site, though you should double-check it’s safe. Some also suggest tweaking Windows Defender settings to let the file through.
This issue popped up around March 25, 2025, and it’s unclear how widespread it is. If you’re facing this, you’re not alone—others are in the same boat, waiting for Google to sort it out. Until then, these quick fixes might get you browsing with Chrome again soon!
New Gemini 2.5 Pro: A sneak peek at Google’s latest experiment

Google has just rolled out an early version of Gemini 2.5 Pro, and it’s already making waves. This new model is still in testing, but it’s showing off some impressive skills. People who’ve tried it say it’s faster and smarter than earlier versions, especially when handling tricky questions or big chunks of information.
The Gemini 2.5 Pro is built to tackle all kinds of tasks—like writing, coding, and even figuring out complex stuff. What’s cool is how quick it responds, which makes it feel more helpful for everyday use. Google says this is just a starting point, and they’re working to make it even better based on what users think.
Right now, only a small group of testers can play with it through Google’s experimental platform. They’re digging into how it works with things like text, numbers, and code. Early feedback hints that it’s a step up from older models, though it’s not perfect yet. Some say it shines brightest when dealing with detailed or creative jobs.
Google hasn’t shared all the details about what’s under the hood, but they’re hinting at big upgrades in how it processes info. The goal? To make a tool that’s super sharp and easy to use for everyone. As testing goes on, we’ll likely hear more about what Gemini 2.5 Pro can do. For now, it’s an exciting glimpse at what’s coming next from Google!
Android
Android Auto’s new update gets Ready for Gemini

Google recently rolled out Android Auto version 14.0, and it’s paving the way for something big—Gemini integration. This update doesn’t bring flashy new features for users to play with right away, but it’s doing important behind-the-scenes work.
The main focus? Getting the app ready to team up with Google’s Gemini AI system. According to experts who peeked into the update’s code, Android Auto is setting up to use Gemini’s smarts down the road. This could mean better voice commands, sharper answers, or even a more helpful driving buddy.
For now, though, things look the same when you connect your phone to your car. The changes are mostly hidden, preparing for a future where Gemini takes the wheel—figuratively, of course!
This update also keeps Android Auto running smoothly with the latest Android phones. It fixes small bugs and makes sure everything works like it should.
While there’s no official word yet on when Gemini will fully join the party, this step shows Google’s big plans for smarter driving tech. If you’ve got Android Auto, your phone might already have this update—or it’ll show up soon through the Google Play Store. It’s a quiet one, but it’s laying the groundwork for exciting stuff ahead. So, next time you plug in, know your car’s system is getting a little brainier, even if it’s not showing off just yet!
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