MiniTube - Watch youtube videos without Adobe Flash

Do you use Linux, (or Mac OS X) but dread to install Adobe Flash player into your browser because you don't want closed source crap or ticked off due it's vulnerabilities. Well now there is a way for you to watch those youtube videos on your desktop without the need for Adobe Flash.

Aug 1, 2010

Category: Reviews
Posted by: reshwindblade

According to the website, Minitube is a YouTube desktop client. -With it you can watch YouTube videos in a new way: you type a keyword, Minitube gives you an endless video stream. Minitube is not about cloning the original YouTube web interface, it aims to create a new TV-like experience.

Claims made by the creators of Minitube are:-

  1. Light on your computer.By consuming less CPU, Minitube preserves battery life and keeps your laptop cool. That's because Minitube does not use the Flash Player.
  2. High Definition.Minitube plays HD videos up to 1080p. Go fullscreen and watch them play fluidly.
  3. No need to use a browser.Your browser is really good at surfing the Web, but not so good at video playback. Use the right app for the job.
  4. Stop fiddling.Just search for something. Minitube automatically plays videos one after another. Sit back and enjoy.

Although I actually hate feature no 4. as I like to choose what video I play and not have youtube guess what video I was searching for based upon my keywords.  I cant really comment on the part where using Minitube consumes less battery life and CPU compare to Adobe Flash, but I know it is able to play High Quality 480p video on my netbook, which Youtube with Adobe Flash can't seem to do. (revision3's youtube channel is the one I tested with).

Here is a few screenshots of the application on my netbook.:-

a) The Welcome Screen - Those words below the search box is the history of my past search keywords.

b) The Search is Done - This is what you get after you type a search keyword. I typed the keyword Linux Mint 9 to get this.

c) This is an example a video being watch - I am watching the intro to Zenonia , an iOS / Android game.

If you are interested in checking out Minitube, you can get all the files at:- http://flavio.tordini.org/minitube