It has emerged that YouTube is working on a new social experiment that could go beyond its identity as a video platform. Examinations of version 21.44.534 of the Android app revealed codes and image files related to an experimental feature or separate application called “Tamba.”
The expressions in the code point to functions commonly seen in social networks, such as a follow system, follow requests, private messages, and group chats. The findings suggest that YouTube is testing new structures that will increase interaction between users in a test environment independent of the main application.
A SEPARATE VISUAL IDENTITY FOR TAMBA
Among the files belonging to Tamba is a logo designed for use in the top navigation bar. The logo features a doodle-like shape with a play icon in the center and the name “Tamba” written in a bold typeface. It is noted that the same visual element could also be considered the icon for the experimental application.
The 38 new icons detected within the application also show that Tamba is being developed with a different design language than YouTube’s main application. The icons representing functions such as home, search, camera, content creation, inbox, chat, stickers, microphone, and adding users have a more hand-drawn appearance.
It was also reported that icon names such as crown, lock, locked bookmark, and game controller appear in the codes, but their images are not yet present in the application files. These signs strengthen the possibility that Tamba is being prepared for a broader social experience, not just messaging.
FOLLOW, CHAT, AND SHORTS INTEGRATION
The codes related to Tamba include social media functions such as users being able to follow each other, send follow requests, and approve incoming requests. In addition to one-on-one chats, expressions for sharing text, photos, and videos in group chats also stand out.
In the examinations, lines were also seen pointing to the possibility of responding with voice messages or Shorts videos, in addition to options for leaving hearts on posts, Shorts videos, and comments. Expressions indicating that Shorts videos could be played within Tamba chats and accessed from the bottom navigation bar of the application were also included in the codes.
It is also being evaluated that Tamba might be developed as an application completely separate from YouTube. While the codes contain expressions that could be associated with both Android and iPhone versions, the term “sandbox” indicates that the project is still in the experimental stage.
YouTube has recently been expanding social features within the main application as well. Allowing users to share videos and send private messages without leaving the app are among the steps in this direction. It also seems likely that some features tested in Tamba will be added directly to the YouTube application in the future.
News Source: 12punto
