YouTube shuts down API access for unlicensed STB makers

This is potentially big: YouTube is shutting down API access, except for 'a few strategic parners' (TiVo, PS3, Wii). Bad news for STB makers without a content deal with Google - and equally good news for those that do have one.

There are many of them around, including lots of start-ups, and they build much of their business case on access to: VoD, sports, catch-up TV and .... YouTube.

So, this may lead to a much-needed shake-out, but at the same time one wonders: would Google itself have any IPTV (hardware) ambitions?