Netflix has been playing around with its platform since the year began.
While people are now staying indoor more to minimize the spread of the COVID-19, they have found new ways to entertain themselves by subscribing to streaming sites to binge-watch movies, tv shows or stream music.
Streaming sites have seen an uptick in subscriptions with Netflix seeing tremendous growth beating expectations.
Netflix has been testing screen lock feature and variable playback speeds.
The giant is now testing audio-only background playback.
XDA Developers spotted this feature in October and now Android Police has confirmed that its a server-side update.
When you’re watching a Netflix video on fullscreen, the Android app will now show you a “Video Off” icon which when enabled lets Netflix subscribers stream their shows through audio only.
Regular playback controls are still available on the blank screen including play, pause, change video speed, fast forward or rewind.
People already stream music and their favourite tv show in the background while doing the dishes or working.
I stream Friends this way. You can listen to some documentaries, sitcoms or stand up comedy this way.
When you head to the settings, you can choose to have Audio Only in three options – Always On, Headphones or External Speakers and Off.
“We’re always looking for new ways to improve the Netflix mobile experience for our members. We run tests in different countries and for different periods of time — and only make them broadly available if people find them useful,” said a Netflix spokesperson.
You’ll have to wait until this feature arrives on your app. Meanwhile keep updating your Netflix app on the Google Play Store.
