YouTube Update Drains Android Batteries
Google’s recent move to enhance YouTube performance on Android devices has seemingly backfired, with numerous users complaining of excessive battery consumption. The update, which promised improved playback performance at higher resolutions and reduced power usage, has reportedly led to quite the opposite effect on select Android devices. These devices, lacking dedicated hardware support for the increasingly prevalent AV1 video format, rely on software decoding, which allegedly drains their batteries excessively.
Since Google incorporated the dav1d software upgrade into the YouTube app in March 2024, several users have reported a noticeable decline in battery life. One user on Reddit observed that YouTube videos frequently pause and stutter when they switch between windows or screens, requiring manual intervention to resume playback. Another user expressed concerns about abnormally rapid battery depletion while watching YouTube over the past few days, attributing it to the recent update.
Despite these complaints, Google has remained silent on whether a resolution to the issue is in sight. However, the company suggests enabling specific in-built settings to minimize battery drain. Google has provided a list of eight settings that Android users can adjust to extend battery life.
Conclusion:
The YouTube performance update, initially hailed as a boon for Android users, has inadvertently become a bane for many. The excessive battery drain issue has sparked concerns about wasted electricity and user inconvenience. It remains to be seen whether Google will address the problem and provide a solution that balances performance with battery longevity.
