YouTube and Google Photos: Updates and support for LA fire victims
YouTube has recently fixed some annoying visual problems in its Android app, specifically with the miniplayer. The miniplayer, which appeared after a redesign in October, had some issues where thumbnails would hide behind the bottom bar, making it hard to see. Now, with the latest update (version 20.05+), these thumbnails are displayed correctly without needing any adjustments.
For those with YouTube Premium, there’s a handy feature where you can continue watching videos from where you left off across different devices. However, the miniplayer still has sharp corners which some users might find less appealing than the previous design. Additionally, the replay button, once squashed at the end of videos, now looks normal.
On another note, Google Photos has stepped up to help those affected by the recent fires in Los Angeles. If you lost your printed photos, photo books, or canvas prints in the fires, Google Photos is offering to replace these items for free. This gesture comes at a time when many people have lost not just their homes but also irreplaceable memories captured in photos.
Here’s how you can get help:
- If you have backups enabled on your devices, you can access your photos and videos by logging into Google Photos from any device.
- If your physical prints were destroyed, you can contact Google Photos support for replacements at no cost.
Google has been running a Print store for years, offering various products like photo books, prints, and canvas prints, which are now being replaced for those in need.
In response to the disaster, Google also donated $15 million to several relief organizations including Emergency Network Los Angeles, American Red Cross, among others. YouTube has also pledged to provide its production facilities to help local creators and artists recover and rebuild.
These actions show how tech companies can step in to support communities during times of crisis, not just through financial aid but also by maintaining continuity in personal memories and supporting local talent.