Google Play Music is effectively on its death bed, with YouTube Music the successor to what was once greatness. There have been a few false steps along the transition pathway and – it seems – another has just happened. The YouTube for Android TV app is getting a server-side update — currently being rolled out — is bringing some new Music features. Unfortunately, from what we can see it’s not a good replacement for Google Play Music and it’s far from brilliant.
Features you want and expect from the YouTube Music interface (or even the old GPM app) just aren’t there including
- Shuffle and Repeat functions
- Background Play: So the YouTube app has to be active to continue playback
- Playlist editing of any sort
- Lyrics is missing – Although if this prevents drunken home Karaoke, I’m ok with that!
- Personal library access
The back end integration seems solid, with recommendations matching that of YouTube Music and the personalised mixes are on the mark. So the foundation is there, but the delivery needs some work which is undoubtedly happening. As this continues to improve over the coming few weeks we’ll do our best to stay on top of the changes.
This could be one of the final keys to the puzzle before GPM is finally put out to pasture.
