Google Launches Made-For-TV Interface

YouTube has launched its new 'Leanback' interface, designed to make the leap to YouTube access via your television as seamless as possible.

"Just as its name implies, YouTube Leanback is all about letting you sit back, relax and be entertained," says Kuan Yong, Senior Product Manager at YouTube.

"Videos tailored to your interests play as soon as you visit the site and they play in full screen and high definition, continuously. There's no need to click, search, or browse, unless you want to, of course. Watching YouTube becomes as easy as watching TV.

The new interface allows you to control a YouTube panel with just the arrow keys – no mouse required – making it much more friendly for those looking to enjoy YouTube via a traditional TV set. YouTube provides suggestions based on your previous viewing habits. If you don't like the clip currently playing, you can skip to the next or change genres entirely. You can open a search box by pressing the up key.

The new system also offers suggestions based on what your friends are watching and can be synced with your Facebook account for effortless sharing. The new interface is currently in beta, but user feedback is encouraged.

You can try it out for yourself at www.youtube.com/leanbac