Some users have spotted a weird change in their YouTube apps: Google now allows high-res streaming only for those subscribed to YouTube Premium, leaving only 1440p and lower available for free.
Reminder that the vast overwhelming majority of content out there outside of some vary rare exceptions isn't even produced at 4k. Even if it's "shot" at 4k, all the Disney/Marvel slop is downscaled to 2k for the vfx pipeline and then digitally upscaled to 4k using AI algorithms (if even that).
4k as a resolution has its place in some gaming situations like VR but the difference between 2k and 4k resolution video is incredibly negligible even if you're talking about a 65 inch screen that you're sitting couch distance from...let alone on a 28 inch monitor in a browser window.
The main benefit of the 4k format has been the color fidelity, black levels, and more advanced codecs...none of which require a 4k sized image. 4k as a resolution is nothing but a multi pronged conspiracy to charge unnecessary premiums and eat more into your datacaps.
Reminder that the vast overwhelming majority of content out there outside of some vary rare exceptions isn't even produced at 4k. Even if it's "shot" at 4k, all the Disney/Marvel slop is downscaled to 2k for the vfx pipeline and then digitally upscaled to 4k using AI algorithms (if even that).
4k as a resolution has its place in some gaming situations like VR but the difference between 2k and 4k resolution video is incredibly negligible even if you're talking about a 65 inch screen that you're sitting couch distance from...let alone on a 28 inch monitor in a browser window.
The main benefit of the 4k format has been the color fidelity, black levels, and more advanced codecs...none of which require a 4k sized image. 4k as a resolution is nothing but a multi pronged conspiracy to charge unnecessary premiums and eat more into your datacaps.