YouTube app for PS Vita available for download on the PS Vita Store

What can be better than gaming on a PS Vita? The answer is really simple: nothing. But what comes really close is streaming online videos, and Sony along with Google are offering just that. Sony have announced on a post on their official blog that YouTube is coming to the PS Vita. It’s the latest application to be added to PS Vita’s growing portfolio of applications and one that takes full advantage of PS Vita’s high-definition and 3G capabilities. Starting later today, the YouTube application will be available as a free download on the PS Vita Store on PSN.

Sony claims that with the YouTube application on PS Vita, you can watch millions of YouTube videos on PS Vita’s five-inch OLED screen. With 3G connectivity, you can watch your favourite content, be it comedy, gaming tips or viral videos, while you’re at home or on-the-go. The application itself is straightforward and easy to use.

YouTube app for PS Vita rolling out today

The key features for YouTube on the PS Vita include:

• Recommended Videos: Displays videos recommended from YouTube
• Search: Search for videos by typing a keyword
• Viewing History: Displays the most recent videos you’ve viewed
• Add to Favorites: Displays a list of videos you’ve added to your Favorites list. One must be signed into their account to add a video to your Favorites.

Videos will be viewable in two modes, which include full screen and small screen. In Full Screen mode, a control panel will be displayed on the screen, which will allow you to easily expand or minimize videos. Additionally, an HD button will appear when playing high definition (up to 720p) videos. Simply tap on the HD button to switch from HD to SD. In Small Screen mode, you’ll be able to view a video, while having access to the Like or Dislike buttons, Suggested Videos, Comments and Information.

PS Vita was designed to deliver the best high-resolution portable entertainment experience possible. Sony states, “We’re very excited to be able to offer the content and applications that are compelling to you, and we looking forward to bringing you more as we move further into 2012.”

Here is a quick look at some of the highlighted features of the Sony PS Vita:

• Display size is 5-inch
• Capacitive multi-touchscreen, rear panel also touch sensitive
• Scratch resistant properties
• Dimensions are 182 x 18.6 x 83.5 mm
• Weighs 279 g for the 3G + Wi-Fi model
• Gyro Sensor
• Quad-core ARM Cortex A9 processor
• Proprietary Sony PSP OS
• Over the air updates
• 512 MB internal memory
• Supports Sony's proprietary Vita memory card
• Hot swap card support
• USB connectivity along with Wi-Fi, 3G
• GPS
• Bluetooth v2.1 with +EDR (A2DP, AVRCP, HSP)
• Front and rear cameras are for streaming and not recording
• Standard QWERTY keyboard

This portable console fared well in our lab tests and has excelled in the hardware department. However, it cannot be stressed enough that the PS Vita is really quite a high priced bit of gaming hardware with a price tag of Rs.19,990 for the Wi-Fi only version. The Wi-Fi + 3G model will retail for Rs. 24,990. This makes it about Rs.3,000 costlier than the Sony PlayStation 3.

The free YouTube app should enhance your PS Vita experience. Do let us know about your experience with this app in the comments section below.