14 DAY TRIAL // Bad news for Windows Phone fans, as Microsoft has just removed its previously built YouTube application for the mobile platform.
The application has just been updated on Windows Phone Store and has been reverted to a simple web link. The description of YouTube app for Windows Phone has been replaced with a new one that might sound a bit ironic for users:
“Can't wait to see the latest videos posted by your friends? Use this app to play YouTube videos by tapping video links in your email and MMS messages, websites, and apps like Facebook.
Tap the YouTube app icon to open YouTube in the browser, where you can sign in and browse millions of videos, including favorites and playlists.
This app integrates with the Music & Videos hub so you can get to your most-recently played videos and launch YouTube from the hub.”
Microsoft's removal of YouTube app from Windows Phone Store seems to be the result of the conflict between the Redmond-based company and Google.
For those unfamiliar with the incident, Microsoft released its own YouTube for Windows Phone devices several months ago, but a few days later, Google threatened with legal actions against the company claiming that the application violated its Terms of Service.
As WMPoweusers points out, Microsoft tried to settle the conflict and came forward with an official statement confirming its willingness to work with Google to solve this issue.
Unfortunately, it appears that Microsoft and Google could not reach an agreement regarding the YouTube application. This means that all Windows Phone users won't be able to take advantage of Microsoft's YouTube app.
Those who update will notice that there's a new UI, but the application will not work anymore. The only way to see YouTube videos is to tap the special icon to open YouTube in the browser.