Netflix Introduces Audio-Only Mode That Shows Black Screen, Available for Android Users

Sieeka Khan, Tech Times 16 December 2020, 04:12 pm

Netflix is pouring a lot of its resources into its Android app. The streaming giant launched variable playback speeds and a screen lock feature earlier this year, and now before 2020 ends the streaming service introduces the audio-only background playback.

This feature can help users save their mobile data usage and it allows them to leave their phone in their pocket while they are keeping up with a movie or series.

Netflix's new feature

The feature was first pointed out in an app teardown that was done by XDA Developers back in October 2020, but at the time it was not functional.

Now, the feature is available for Netflix subscribers as part of a server-side rollout. If you update your Netflix app, you will see a new Video off button located at the top of the full-screen video player.

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Tapping that option turns on the audio-only mode, and this leaves you with a blank screen that shows all playback controls including the forward option, backward option, scrub bar, speed option and more. Even the brightness slider remains available on the side even if there is nothing on the screen.

The audio-only option can also be seen in the settings. Tapping it will open a pop-up menu that lets you decide when you want to use the feature: it can be "Always On", "Headphone", "External Speakers" and "Off."

There is a massive chance that the audio-only feature will work better for some shows than for others. Some may think that it is difficult to use the feature since there are shows that rely heavily on visuals, but the mode can be perfect for stand-up comedy, sitcoms and documentaries. You can still switch it to audio description under the "Audio & Subtitles" when it is available.

If you still don't have this option, it might take a while. The only thing that you can do is to try to keep your Netflix app updated, so make sure to check if you have got the latest version of the app install on the APK Mirror or Play Store. This feature is only available for Android users.

Netflix's constant experiments

This is not the first time that Netflix has added a feature on the app. The streaming service regularly tests new features with subsets of its dedicated audience and only launches the features that show a clear, positive impact after the test.

The audio-only feature, the latest of Netflix's experiments, would make a lot of sense for the streaming service. Netflix has produced stand-up comedy specials for numerous comedians, and it would work well in an audio-only experience.

Netflix has also experimented with audiobooks-based content with video. It is a part of the company's effort to put a spotlight on different creators. Netflix has teamed up with Lupita Nyong'o, Tiffany Haddish and Jill Scott to read children's books, according to NetflixBookmarks.

Netflix co-CEO Reed Hastings has made the argument that the company does not just compete with other streaming services, but with anything that its users spend their time on. The company stated its long-term plans for investors, which includes video gaming, web browsing and magazine reading, according to NetflixInvestor.com.