Netflix is no stranger to adding new features to its platform like adding the fast forward button, lock screen option, and the latest being the speed of the video being played. Just like YouTube, it has included the option to change the playback speed as well as forwarding video. You can learn more about speeding up playback on Netflix here. On top of this,Netflix is also planning a stream fest for India customers, starting on 4-Dec, the 48-hour fest would allow customers to binge Netflix for free.
But we digress, folks over at XDA discovered a new feature called background audio playback. This was found in a teartown of the Netflix app version 7.79.1 APK teardown and suggests that it might let users listen to their favorite shows.
The following strings were found in the APK:
<string name="audio_mode_tooltip_title">New</string>
The feature can be useful in cases when you are deeply engrossed in the storyline and just can’t afford to stare at your screen, or you are running low on data and can’t miss the next big mystery unfolding. It might also suggest that Netflix may be planning to add podcasts to its list of offerings.
The ability to have an audio-only option isn’t a new feature for a streaming service. If you are a YouTube Premium member, you can stream YouTube content and switch off the display and still listen to the content playback.
As the feature is still under development, it is unclear if and when Netflix plans to release officially.