YouTube guest views denied now,  until you've got a Google account ! - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 05:11:26 am
content: YouTube has begun requiring an 'App Update', useless annoyance itself. But next, it gets worse, because your APP update requires a Google account, sign-in, password, etc.I don't plan on being dependent on any monopoly (they tend to abuse their perceived power). I like to stay independent, and make my own wealth happen, even while rich folks accumulate theirs. (In other words I'm not interested in other people's money....or their monopoly that they maybe didn't build.What do other people think ? Some maybe don't have a clue, about Google and YouTube being with same ownership.

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 05:42:08 am
content: So what, exactly, can you not do if you don't have a Google account?Not disputing you, just curious.I don't have a Google account, don't intend to have one, and watch a fair amount of YooToob. Only problem for me is the goddamn commercials that are now tacked onto every damn video. I just mute them and then click "Skip".(Also, I watch on a computah, not a smortphone.)

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 05:53:23 am
content: Unless you enable higher security levels () in android 16 you can still sideload app by installing APKsyou can still download youtube's APK from APK mirror, and if you're inclined to do it patch it with revanced manager to greatly improve youtube's experienceSure, "a lot" more work than "just signing in and using the app store" (but really, and update every six months maybe when the player stops working) but nothing any person couldn't do, and that doesn't require any particular skill other than tap here, tap there.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 07:06:41 am
content: There still are some videos, and some music videos that people post, that will play without the APP update forced on you. But they don't run under YouTube directly.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 07:13:25 am
content: Vimeo is one that will play, without YouTube, and I guess the person posting that had copied the various music videos, but I'm not well versed on that process.The Vimeo web site has just an occasional thing that I can't play, lacking a paid YouTube account, so maybe that's just a few hacker items not yet reigned in, by the Jimi Hendrix estate, or some Van Halen IP stuff (that's Intellectual Property).

author: Karel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 07:42:08 am
content: The answer is, do not use a mobile device and do not login. If I want to watch youtube, I use a Linuxsystem with Firefox, and several addons like uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger. I can watch all video'swithout any delays and no commercials.If you are travelling, bring a (Linux) notebook. If you can't, do not use services from techgiants butread a book instead. Better for your brain...

author: jonovid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 11:13:04 am
content: YT makes up the majority of my TV viewing.Google account is only for video uploads & posting text .you can get away with only an email address for that.so a phone is not needed saving Me about 400AUD a yras Im not making a living from my YT channel.

author: Whales
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 12:00:42 pm
content: Sounds bloody awful. On our TV youtube is obnoxious, we have gotten so used to having Ublock and they apparently put more ads on when they detect it's a TV. I only expect youtube to enshittify over time, I still can't fathom how they handle the hosting costs.Is this on a phone, tablet or TV? For the first two: try using the web browser. For the latter: SmartTube or similar might help; but I know my family doesn't like it and complains about the ads instead.

author: WattsThat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 12:14:10 pm
content: YouTube on an 9th gen iPad with Brave browser here. No account, no commercials.Works for me. YMMV.

author: JohanH
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 12:25:27 pm
content: The phones have turned into walled gardens where you have to login to the google account to even setup the phone. So you are already logged in forever when you own a phone (a regular Android phone). The only way to escape the monopolies with smartphones is to use a third party OS and/or phone, like PinePhone, Purism Librem or install Jolla Sailfish or a deloused, free Android version. But good luck tinkering around with those (I personally used Sailfish for years and also tried out a Purism Librem, but gave up when banking and identification requires an Android app).On a computer you can use Linux and Firefox that are pretty much free from anything Google. And this experience has gotten better every year since I started using Linux on the desktop (20 years ago). You can watch ad-free youtube videos with the uBlock Origin addon. Doing it right now from my desktop Linux PC as I write this message.

author: Dan N
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 01:39:07 pm
content: You can use Android devices without a Google account and still update the built in apps. Press and hold the Play Store icon until "My Apps" pops up, tap that and you'll see an update screen.

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2025, 02:02:31 pm
content: Quote from: Karel on July 12, 2025, 07:42:08 amOr you use Revanced, which replaces google play calls with MicroGeOS exists, it's a fork of lineage that uses MicroG instead of google play for services. It's a good idea, and i think i read somewhere that it's being sponsored by the EU..

author: JohanH
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2025, 09:28:48 am
content: Quote from: Dan N on July 12, 2025, 01:39:07 pmThe kid got an old Android phone that had been reset (wiped). When we tried starting it, it refuses to start the setup procedure without entering a google account and when we enter a google account, it complains that the Android version is too old and refuses to continue. So this phone is trash, can't be used unless you were to flash it with some alternative OS.Another similarly old phone that hadn't been reset, could be used for basic stuff with the google account deleted. But if he were to reset it, it would probably become e-waste, like the other phone.But point is, Google is trying to control the complete ecosystem, and I understand it from a security viewpoint, but I see the corporate greed, totalitarian surveillance and complete access to people's data that comes with it.

author: Karel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2025, 09:32:32 am
content: Quote from: JohanH on July 13, 2025, 09:28:48 amThis!

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 13, 2025, 11:15:21 am
content: Quotecould always buy an iphone, they'd never try such a thing

author: EPAIII
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2025, 02:56:42 am
content: I signed into YouTube many months ago and can't recall if I needed a Google account and password. I am setting up a new computer and will observe any need for a Google sign-in.As for the commercials, I also hate them. But Google is an ADVERTISING company. Every thing else it does is in support of their nature as an advertising company. Those things are intended to obtain information about every individual who uses Google's free services. And like broadcast radio and TV, they are there to attract people who will see those ads, mostly on web pages.What puzzles me is how Google uses that information which they collect from each and every person who uses their side activities like Google Maps, G-mail, and You Tube, of course. Almost every ad that they target me with is for something that I don't need, don't want, can't afford, And even can't understand the commercial due to use of a language that I don't read or understand when spoken.If that is AI, then AI means "Artificial Idiocy".Quote from: Analog Kid on July 12, 2025, 05:42:08 am

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 14, 2025, 03:42:02 am
content: Quote from: RJSV on July 12, 2025, 05:11:26 amThen don't use their app maybe?Youtube is playable on any browser.

author: AVGresponding
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 14, 2025, 09:30:59 am
content: I get no ads using Brave on my Motorola G54.I decided to try my old phones, to see if I could get ad-free YT on them.Samsung J3 couldn't use Brave, but can use Firefox with UBlock Origin, for ad-free YT.Samsung J5 can use Brave, and can watch YT without ads.There's no history or favourites, because I don't sign in to an account, but imo that's a small price to pay to avoid the annoyance of ads on a mobile, not that I watch many vids on my phone. I haven't tried to use an account to keep history/saved/liked etc.I've never had YT ads on my pc, used to use adblock, now I use Firefox with UBlock Origin. I do use my YT account for this.If YT do ever figure out a way to defeat all the adblockers, I'll just stop watching YT

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2025, 08:38:52 am
content: I try to go the formal route. That means, like here in this thread, when someone used the term "Android version 18" I paid attention. That sort of info will often help, when tracking down some mysterious BUG or system feature. However; Mostly the new ANDROID features just get shoved (at a person) with no identifying revision tags or hints at what is new. Just a new function or feature rolled out, with no user instructions.Maybe I'm exaggerating, but it feels like many of the touch-screen features are some cryptic finger wagging or dragging and releasing thumb and fingers a certain, precise way.And, No...they don't identify as a 'new' Android photo edit feature, or an Android 23.1 update. It just happens, and you are left guessing:"What stupid-ass feature am I supposed to own, now ?..."Like I say, more formal changes would be preferred, not just new stuff dumped in our laps. That's part of why I had purchased the book, 'Android for Dummies', (a wasted purchase IMO).

author: pardo-bsso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2025, 01:16:32 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on July 14, 2025, 03:42:02 amHere (low level Xiamoi phone) works fine using Firefox and as a bonus I have an adblocker too.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2025, 07:38:46 pm
content: OK, I see where, maybe I've been making a wrong assumption; that I'm stuck with the Android / Chrome browser. Being more focused on lower levels software and hardware interfaces,...and even emphasis on mechanical aspects, and design package.The markets and flakey products get overwhelming sometimes (layers and layers of incompetence). Right now, this Android based (cheapo) phone has 'unlimited' data on a monthly pay plan, and the screen messages insist that I'm edging into 'exceeding' data limits.The 'last' Android based phone...oh wait, I guess TWO cheapo smartphones ago, the phone came, out of the box new, under a PIN LOCK screen, and luckily a friend knows how to clear out all the memory, and so recovered from that initial disaster.Meanwhile folks seem to want to 'trash China' over product quality issues...(That's called victim-hood).So, yeah, I see I should try to learn more about browser options.

author: jonovid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2025, 10:15:18 pm
content: yes Youtube is playable on any browser.

author: Infraviolet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2025, 10:18:37 pm
content: On occasion I've seen a youtube page load (in the browser on a desktop) in such a manner that it demands you sign in to view the video, and "prove you are not a bot"... but this always seems to disappear after one or two page refreshes. Also, from rumours I have heard, in some EU countries google might have been banned from demanding sign in, and therefore gives a CAPTCHA demand in those circumstances instead?

author: peter-h
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2025, 02:39:40 pm
content: YT is playable on any browser, but is increasingly tight for uploading videos. I've noticed it demands a mobile # (for sms auth) and some email address (don't recall if it has to be a gmail one; I have one since it is unavoidable with an android phone, but don't use it).For making videos I use Vimeo. The quality is a lot better than YT. They have recently modernised (buggered up) their UI but it is OK. I pay them $50/year to not put up adverts.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 23, 2025, 01:25:34 am
content: Quote from: peter-h on July 22, 2025, 02:39:40 pmWow, Vimeo, I kinda forgot that existed.Took a look and you can't even search for a video any more?

author: peter-h
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2025, 10:38:56 am
content: There is a Search box. Does it not work?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 27, 2025, 10:31:45 pm
content: Quote from: peter-h on July 23, 2025, 10:38:56 amThere is no search box. I guess you have to log in to get it?It's a just typical corporate front page with all the "solutions" they offer.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2025, 01:15:41 am
content: As to Vimeo, my usual pattern is to start a normal Google search, often to get to a Vimeo music play that I already know is there, way way down the results list. Since I'm not a 'signed in' account holder that's all I get, the handful of Vimeo hits (that likely might be skirting the whole ownership of works IP thing for music.)But also, many many social service problems arise, as they feature YouTube, so, de-facto, I'm locked out, of any YouTube play, including things like 'How to adjust your brakes'.Disgusted, thoroughly, as my email is tied up in, um, approx 3 smart phones ago, and that blocks me from doing 'password recovery's or change, via that alternative, so I could be up and running.BTW, and I hesitate to mention, but SOME YouTube coverage still works, like some commentaries posted on consumer products, or some commentaries on local road conditions.Point is, in dealing with a Monopoly or de-facto, this is the kind of mess that occurs. I don't get most YOUTUBE.COM access, because I don't wish to involve a formal Google Account....my choice, eventually I will be forced to maybe try signing up with yahoo or equivalent.But I now do appreciate that I can switch to a Google alternate...: right now attempting to find (cheap) alternate phones.Big box stores also are 'locked in' to that monopoly.I guess maybe try save up for a used Apple phone.What a distraction, huh ? (I don't take it oersonal though)I'm learning !

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2025, 08:43:43 pm
content: Ok, new info:I was able to play one YouTube video, a newly re-mastered 1080 format, (featuring Jimi Hendrix Monterey; Wind Cries Mary).The videos that do play, without requiring an 'APP UPDATE' along my concern; the Google sign-in that's forced on guests; are the shorter formatted things, like some movie trailers, and short segments from news shows.(I likely still have a 'stray' account, somewhere).

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2025, 09:20:49 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on July 27, 2025, 10:31:45 pmhttps://vimeo.com/searchApparently blocked in some countries:https://www.reddit.com/r/vimeo/comments/1gv80yk/search_click_on_profile_collections_and_other/Why that can't be accessed on their main page, I have no idea. Thats seems to be the norm for some companies, where the main page caters only to new sign ups.

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2025, 09:40:18 pm
content: Rick, just curious: have you ever considered getting, you know, a computah? I think many/most of your problems here stem from trying to watch videos on a smortphone.Could probly get a basic computah relatively $cheap$, maybe a used one, maybe also not pay that much more for connecting to the Intertubes (maybe already included in your smortphone plan?).Unless you prefer a phone. Just a thought.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2025, 12:15:40 am
content: Yeah, maybe a mental complex / block on that ownership. After the METH-crazed wild animal broke my office front wall, to get at my property, (worth approx. $65 used IBM). He got his fix, for the few hours, then proceeded into the 'intimidation' territory, (making sure nobody started talking about pressing charges.)His wife swinging baseball bats (to repel him). An awful story, and I think the US, with the past, of 'War on DRUGS' has been, sadly, horribly mismanaged while the stimulant street drugs raged.That would be METH, and to a similar extent, COCAINE. Those haven't the smells, and easy detection of some fool toking up some weed.I got to experience, first hand, the devastation in Hayward, CA. downtown. The sight of that dead-beat in the parking lot, pointing out MY CAR to his METH dealer punk, was enough. I got the hint.But I had passed the luck hurtle, as had already finished the patent documents, and sent to the PATENT OFFICE previously to the devastating burglary. Hard to continue there, in Hayward downtown, lacking in a, well, an actual intact wall & door, (burglary, remember...).Plus I then had a METH STREET DEALER nervous about my potential for causing Police Trouble, for him...not good.The drama show; 'BREAKING BAD' later provided some degree of comic relief (2011) as the portraial of nervous METH tweaks was spot on.That 'burgler' had been, BTW, a straight-laced business person, in next office over, six months before the 'incident'. That addiction changed him into the incoherent animal, that I had to contend with (or flee).

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2025, 12:20:51 am
content: ...all in all tho, It does make for an interesting story.As in:"Grandpa, did any interesting things happen, when you attempted to start your own enterprise ?"

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2025, 12:31:51 am
content: So you're telling us all this ... why, exactly?

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2025, 12:39:57 am
content: Uh, because YOU ASKED !OK, next time, I'll just blow off any questions you pose. Kind of a 'ignorant-ignore' status...is that what you want to push for ?"I'm not the one causing a ruckus, here !"See; I can remember some of your notable quotes. (I'd prefer reading other member's frustration, with the deliberate obtuse angle you adopt.)

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2025, 01:12:45 am
content: Quote from: RJSV on July 29, 2025, 12:39:57 amI may be obtuse, but at least I'm halfway intelligible.

author: peter-h
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2025, 12:55:28 pm
content: QuoteYou are right! I've just tried it with an anonymous browser.That is crap, and dumb. I've emailed them; their support is normally pretty responsive.As posted above, you can use google to search it e.g.vimeo 32f417finds my clock videoI got this reply from themI can confirm that it is not a bug. Public search will no longer be available in some regions as part of our compliance with local regulations. Please refer to this article for more information.https://help.vimeo.com/hc/en-us/articles/30298226209169-Changes-to-Vimeo-com-in-the-EU-and-UKAs part of our compliance with local regulations, the option to search all of Vimeo is not available in some regions, which is why you can search only for videos in your account and team account.They also block thehttps://vimeo.com/searchURL here in the UK...We live in a world gradually filling up with BS...But their article fails to explain anything. It could be the fairly common US misunderstanding of some EU regulation regarding website presentation. For example the "mandatory" cookie agreement form is obviously not binding for websites not based in the EU. For example EEVBLOG does not use itAnd the UK doesn't enforce this GDPR crap...

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2025, 11:41:20 pm
content: (I'll supply any new info, that might be relevant):Clicking on 'ROB SQUAD', the SAME VIDEO of Jimi Hendrix, 'Hey Joe's appears on a results list twice:Jan 11th. andJan. 25, where that 2nd. one won't play (until the viewer complies with getting the APP off of a Google ACOUNT.

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 29, 2025, 11:58:44 pm
content: Quote from: RJSV on July 29, 2025, 11:41:20 pmI'm trying to follow along here (total fan of Jimi Hendrix here too), but am having trouble doing so:Are you looking on Vimeo or YouTube directly?On Vimeo, I don't see anything for Jan. 25 (I used "jimi hendrix hey joe" as the search term). Lots of other videos, though.I found "Rob Squad" on YooToob, but only 1 Hendrix Hey Joe video ("IS HE THE REAL GUITAR GOAT?! | FIRST TIME HEARING JIMI HENDRIX - Hey Joe REACTION").And there are no dates like that shown on YooToob.Can you possibly post a link to the one you can't watch??? ?? ??

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 12:00:15 am
content: So, it appears that TWO different save dates are attached, to the Rob Squad reaction videos:June 25, 2021, and Jun 26, 2021 versions near to each other, on the search results. Now, they both seem to start and play O.K. without the mandated APP UPDATE that I started this thread concerned about.That's a FLAKEY result, as a couple minutes before now, it appeared that only the 2nd. YouTube saved version had the APP update required.So, that's flakey for us that wish to figure out if there is a software bug, (and where ?), or some, actual, Google effort, to deliberately force account sign-ups. Anyway, best I can do, for now, is try to keep a journal, for accurate bug-tracking...(Sorry if other readers are annoyed, but just trying to get to the bottom of this problem ! BTW there are other flakey things:My 'unlimited data's plan keeps up with the WARNINGS, that 'data use is approaching 3 gbyte, and my pictures won't download to EEVBLOG web site...

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 12:10:46 am
content: Well, A.K. it seems that even mainstream Google searches don't guarantee that any two searches get the same list ! Yeah, sounds like another complexity and variation to deal with.So, a better detailed description of my Google search results:Video in the results list has 'Rob SQUAD', 'Is Jimi the real goat?' AND, (feels silly to say, but; The lady in the Rob Squad photo has both her hands up, or on top of her head, as if to say 'Is he the real goat?'If you can fix your mind on the look, of that, then it's easier to go down the results list, and catch the 2nd. instance, of when they must have saved or uploaded THAT exact video, twice, both in 2021.Yeah, though, I've seen other cases where Google results /under AI, have displayed completely different sequences of results.'The whole world is filling up with BS, says one blogger recently,...lol

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 12:12:32 am
content: Quote from: RJSV on July 30, 2025, 12:00:15 amWhere are you seeing those dates? Are you on Rob Squad's YouTube video page or somewhere else?I don't see any dates on his YouTube page, only "1 hour ago", "1 day ago", etc.

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 12:16:42 am
content: Quote from: RJSV on July 30, 2025, 12:10:46 amOK, so what search term did you use on his video page to find those?Without doing a search, guy has too many videos to scroll through. Scrolling down several pages only gets to videos posted 4 weeks ago, looooong way from 2021 ...QuoteAin't it the truth ...

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 12:18:43 am
content: BTW, I'm on a computah, you're on a smortphone, which may explain the difference ...

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 12:23:21 am
content: I believe the first instance comes at top of list; Jun 26, 2021.Then, 8 items down my results list, is the other 'copy', with Jun 25, 2021. Both are same length, at 10:33.But now, more inconsistency, because that first list result (just a list item and utube still picture), has a label: '2m'...whatever. but when you've started PLAY, you can notice: the icon to go horizontal is not avail, as it is covered up, by the pile of similar videos, in the lower right corner, there. Gawd, this is flakey trouble-shooting, huh ?

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 12:28:16 am
content: But, don't confuse matters by referring to Rob Squad WEB PAGE. Not.I'm exclusively here doing what I've described: searching via Google.'Reaction Rob Squad Hendrix Hey Joe'. That's it.To repeat, for your clarity: NO ROB SQUAD WEB PAGE, JUST SIMPLE GOOGLE BOX, ENTER YOUR SEARCH TERMS.

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 12:29:14 am
content: Quote from: RJSV on July 30, 2025, 12:23:21 amRick, is this the video you're referring to here?Thing is, when I view the videos in that channelon my computer, I don't see any dates.In the case of this video, it only shows "4 years ago".That's why I pointed out the possible difference between using your phone and a computer.I don't use my phone to watch videos, so can't help you there, sorry.

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 12:35:11 am
content: Quote from: RJSV on July 30, 2025, 12:28:16 amAck. Sorry, gotcha now. Google search.And I can watch (at least the Jun 26, 2021 one) no problem.But I don't see one for June 25, 2021 at all in the search results.So dunno what's up at your end ... sucks ...

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 12:39:08 am
content: That's the one I can only report what I see, (by describing what I see).Your computer obviously could be out of date, or something. Plus, you RUSH so fast with your further confusion, to POST FAST, you miss out on any meaningful dialog / reply / response. (A typical verbal abuse technique, BTW, that you, maybe use by accident, innocently. Bark out yet another confused state question, BEFORE your subject can respond, coherently !). Very irritating, BRO.As to my phone: bought at Kona Walmart, under US consumer laws, that most definitely, (in spirit also) require products to , uh, to function.Sounds like your interpretation needs to consider that class action lawsuits can kick in, if the WEB browsing of the Android phone does not work. I'm not prepared to mount a consumer lawsuit, on a $29 electr ok nic product, even if I have some valid standing.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 12:53:49 am
content: Plus, I dunno what software you are running, on the 'real' computer there. The uncertainty on your end, might also be that you've ALREADY accomplished that APP update, although that's a face squencherWHAAfactor to take into account because you likely are not under an Android browser...(Thus no APP even to update, or Google account needed. I don't know what you have on your end, so can't help, sorry. You need to, maybe, fix your system, first, before we engage this problem I've reported.)Ok, deep breaths, slow down, wait 4.3 minutes,...and THEN reply, if needed, to this latest clarification (even if you CAN'T be any help).But YES, I've seen the alternate '4 days ago' date format style, here and there in the past. Different software rev.s do that, bro.

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 01:16:53 am
content: Quote from: RJSV on July 30, 2025, 12:53:49 amOpera browser, Windows 7 here.Browser is pretty old, and it's a Chrome-based one.Hasn't been "updated" for anything in a looooong time.Seems like the problem is on your end, but I can't even begin to guess what it might be.

author: Analog Kid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 01:19:49 am
content: Quote from: RJSV on July 30, 2025, 12:53:49 amNo, that was because I screwed up and was looking at the videos on YouTube and not in a Google search. My bad.The Google results all have dates like you showed.

author: RJSV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 30, 2025, 03:32:48 am
content: At any rate, after we sift through the issues, the lingering prob is how the trial tests not only messed up, (like described) but also the fact that some pre-conditions, like running test on the JUN 26 copy, did not ALWAYS do the require APP update thing (main topic), and flakey is often a worse state, than a solidly bad test run.I have developed a bit of a sense, based on appearances, of which trial MIGHT work acceptably (no APP update forced on users). Generally the videos that let you watch, without a Google sign-in for APP update, appear as phone upright, (not horizontal screen), with the timer numbers appearing:On the left is your start, 0:00 - 18:50 type of timer. While on the right would be something like 18:50 . I've not recited that perfect, but the usual format presented, on YouTube running, is noticably different.(Almost need direct screen shots to show).It's almost like a Newcast, for example, would use this slightly simplified screen looks, while a 'full length' video has as more full screen look to it. The date thing can be a distraction, but ultimately, you know what ?....I think maybe time for Google to put some representation out here:Like this:"Hello, my name is Smith Smithy and I'm a Google spokesman with responsibility to help with issues brought up in the user community."