Google may be the algorithmic brains behind Android, but the company is playing fair with Apple devices by updating its YouTube iOS app at the same time as the Android version we demoed yesterday.

That's good news for multitasking iPhone and iPad owners who find that watching just one video isn't enough sometimes. The big change here is that users can minimize a video while searching for content they want to play next.

This functionality arrived on Android at the same time today, though we were able to report on the Android version yesterday thanks to an early APK that was made available outside of the Google Play store.

Where's the dividing line?

The differences between the YouTube iOS and Android app updates? There are none, according to Google.

"The iOS has the same features and design as the Android update this morning (they launched at the same time), save for small platform design differences," a Google spokesperson told TechRadar.

That's good news because it means the in-app multitasking and new ability to search public playlists makes the YouTube viewing experience easier no matter which platform you're on. Oh, unless that platform happens to be Windows Phone in which the app is blocked.

• There's this X-citing phone you may want to check out (hint, hint).

Google refreshed its YouTube Android app today with update v5.0.21, enabling in-app multitasking, playlist searches and expanded Chromecast support.

Multitasking is particularly helpful. It allows users to minimize videos by flicking the screen in a downward motion, putting the still playing YouTube video in the bottom right corner.

With the video out of the way, users can reach all of the menus within the app without having to close what they're watching.

Previously, search menu partially covered up the running video and closed what was playing as soon as you selected the search term.

Returning the video to its normal full-screen state is just as simple. It requires making the opposite gesture - flicking the video up - from the bottom right corner. Sliding the video to the left closes it.

Playlist searches

In-app multitasking is incredibly slick in the new YouTube Android update, and what you can do in the app is now more accessible.

Public playlists can be searched as an option next to sifting through videos and channels.

Accessing your own playlists, history, favorites, uploads and watch later queue is also easier thanks to a slideout menu common among other apps like Google+ and Facebook.

Finally, thumbs up, thumbs down and the flag buttons are below all videos instead of hidden within an annoying downward arrow. Channel owners seeking more thumbs up and users looking to rate videos should appreciate this.

Google Chromecast Now

Google hasn't beefed up its very limited Chromecast app support just yet, but the company is improving the way YouTube on Android interacts with the media streaming device.

When extending the YouTube app to Chromecast, selecting a new video will bring about a floating menu with options to play it immediately or add the video to the TV queue.

This Google Now-like card user interface also contains relevant information about the video including a photo, the channel name, how many views it has so far, likes and dislikes, and the description.

When can you download update v5.0.21?

Google hasn't pushed its latest YouTube app update out to all Android devices, but the APK has made its round for those who can't wait thanks to Android Police.

Even though it isn't fully available in the Google Play store just yet, we can confirm that it works on the new Nexus 7 flawlessly, taking full advantage of the tablet's 7-inch screen and 2.3 million pixels.

We asked Google when we can expect an iOS update with similar functions and we will update this story when we hear back.

• Read about how Windows Phone is getting the opposite treatment.

Those smartphone-on-a-watch rumors are thought to be phony, as the unconfirmed smartwatch from Samsung only "works with phones," according to a new report today.

That would make the Samsung Galaxy Gear a companion gadget used in conjunction with existing an smartphone and not able to make calls on its own, according to The Verge.

Instead, Bluetooth and NFC could enable this Samsung smartwatch make the wrist-to-handset connection.

Pebble and Sony's forthcoming Smartwatch 2 work much the same way, as they too lack an independent SIM card and cellular radio.

IFA had a Samsung Galaxy Gear

The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch is expected to debut within the next couple of months, with speculation pointing to IFA 2013 in a few weeks.

Right before this German technology conference begins, Samsung is holding an 'Unpacked' event on Sept. 4, asking invitees to "take note," according to T3.

"Take note" references the expected Samsung Galaxy Note 3 phablet unveiling.

But the company could also debut its smartwatch just in case it fears that Apple will pull a "one more thing" announcement of the iWatch a few days later on Sept. 10.

Every inch of the smartphone market

Samsung's smartwatch may not make calls by itself, but that's okay. The company has plenty of smartphones, including four previously unknown devices that appear in a shipping manifest dug up by a blog dedicated to the manufacturer, SamMobile.

Samsung is literally flooding every inch of the smartphone market, with the list pointing to 4-inch, 4.5-inch, 5-inch, and 5.2-inch devices under the respective model numbers SM-G730A, SM-G3815, SM-G9105, and SM-G7102.

The 4-inch version will have a WVGA (800 x 480) resolution, and the 4.5-inch model will sport a qHD (540 x 960) resolution, according to the blog.

If all of these devices end up being surprise announcements at IFA 2013, Samsung's press conference may need to eschew "one more thing" in favor of "five more things."

• See what the Apple iWatch could look like

Had dreams of inscribing a special message on your Moto X?

You'll have to put those on hold, at least if you were planning on ordering the new handset at launch. According to Computerworld and PCWorld's JR Raphael, custom engraving won't be available for the spanking new device when it starts rolling later this week.

Raphael posted the news on his Google+ profile, explaining that printing quality during beta testing wasn't up to par, causing Motorola to hold off until it could work out the kinks. A spokesperson said the option would be available soon, he wrote.

We've asked Motorola for confirmation of Raphael's report, and we'll update with more information as it becomes available.

More blips!

Here's one message you won't have issues deciphering: Read more blips!

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The better-late-than-never Verizon HTC One is releasing this month with Android 4.2.2, making many owners of the phone's premium Developer Edition upset that they're stuck with Android 4.1.2.

"How is it possible that the Verizon One will launch with 4.2.2 when us Dev Edition buyers are still stuck on 4.1!? Frustrating!" tweeted one of those irritated owners, Joshua Wein.

Turns out, HTC President Jason Mackenzie was listening and actually responded with some good news for Wein and all HTC One Google Edition owners. It'll have stock Android 4.3: Jelly Bean soon.

"We definitely care and want you to have great experience. [4.]2.2 is minor update so decided to go straight to 4.3," tweeted Mackenzie.

Giving extra reason for skipping Android 4.2.2, he added "because 4.3 is so close. And 2.2 offered limited customer benefit."

HTC One 4.3 update release date

HTC One Google Developer Edition owners are missing out on features like Photosphere, Daydream screensavers, Swype-like gesture typing, and multiple user profiles.

However, these features will soon be joined by the benefits of Android 4.3 including Bluetooth low energy support, restricted profiles, and autocomplete on dialpad.

The wait won't be too long, either.

"Our plan/target (since certification is necessary) is that all US skus will be updated before September end," announced Mackenzie on Twitter.

"Our target is before Sept end. I am pushing this one and hope it can be earlier. But sometimes unknowns can arise."

Paying a premium for the HTC One Google Edition smartphone does have its perks... eventually.

• Read our review of the Nexus 7 tablet, which launched Android 4.3