It wasn’t so long ago that the official YouTube app for Android didn’t even offer a choice of resolutions. Within the space of just a couple of months, though, users are now able to not only select HD quality streams – but quad-HD resolution too.
It’s still something of a niche, but 1440p, often simply called quad-HD or QHD, is now being offered as a choice of stream quality on YouTube. You’ll only be offered the option if you’re on a handset with a QHD display though. So far the only such device available in the UK is the LG G3, but it’s good to see YouTube staying ahead of the curve.
For every other Android user, you’ll simply be offered your normal choice of 144p, 240p, 360p, 480p, 720p HD or 1080p HD – handset and video permitting.
Whilst this news may only be relevant to G3 users for the time being, there’s no doubt that QHD will be a much more common factor in the months to come. We already know that Lenovo’s upcoming phablet, the Vibe Z2 Pro, will be featuring a QHD display, and once we see further advancements in battery life to accommodate such power-thirsty displays they’ll only become more common.
The QHD-friendly change to YouTube should have rolled out in the app’s latest update on the Google Play Store, so if you’re on a G3 be sure to make sure the app is at its most recent version before looking for changes.
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