This is hardly about devices, though. This is about content.
Also, your laptop is still a device. It just so happens to be more compatible. Google could just as easily pull support for your laptop. It's highly unlikely for YouTube, but not for other services.
Whether you like it or not, if you consume media that you didn't create, this affects you.
If I watch TV on my laptop, I don't have to worry about sticks and compatibility.
If I get my cooking videos on my laptop, I don't have to worry about compatibility.
If I listen to my audio on my laptop I don't have to worry about compatibility.