YouTube TV update will reportedly let you watch four channels at once

Image: Google

The feature called "Mosaic Mode" will allow viewers to watch up to four live streams at the same time. That is according to a non-public presentation that was given to its smart TV hardware partners by the search giant.

Mosaic Mode has a similar feature that was available with Sony's now-departed PSV service. Protocol notes that the feature is likely to arrive on non-Android smart TVs from manufacturers other than the ones that use the OS from which it is derived.

When viewed on large screens, the company's TikTok-style short-form video service will be improved. The report suggests that the interface on smart TVs could eventually replace the scroll-bar used to scrub through traditional videos, as well as offer quick access to thumbs up and thumbs down buttons. Although they are currently watchable in the app on some smart TVs, they use a standard interface that is not suited for their short form style.

As TikTok has made inroads into the smart TV space, it comes as no surprise that the feature was developed by Google. TikTok is now available on a range of smart TV platforms, which is something that it was previously only available on mobile devices. According to Protocol, customers have to manually look out for TikTok's apps when they want to watch videos on their TVs, while Google has an advantage that is pre-installed on many TVs.

The ability for subscribers to browse and add albums to their libraries is on the way for smart TVs.

Protocol reported that one of the new features could arrive in an update in the coming months.