Netflix is rumored to be gearing up for a new audio-only feature that lets users listen to their favorite shows while they go about their business, similar to a podcast or audiobook. Code lines in Netflix’s Android app version 7.79.1 indicate the listening feature may be being released soon.
XDA first reported finding the following strings in the Netflix App update:
Save your data by turning off the video and listening to your favorite shows.
The video is off, but you can continue listening to your show while you are busy doing other things.
This new feature would open up a new area of entertainment for Netflix and place the streamer in competition with audio platforms like Spotify, iTunes, and more. It seems like a viable, useful feature that would allow you to keep listening to your movie or show even when you can’t be sitting in front of the screen. Whether that’s going about your household chores, commuting, or in line at the supermarket.
It looks like Netflix is also promoting the angle of saving data. With the video off, it would save on a lot of data usage, as well as battery life. Right now the Netflix app has to be open on your phone to continue playing. It will be interesting to see if the new update includes a feature that allows you to keep listening while your phone is locked, similar to Spotify and other audio apps.
There’s no clue as to whether Netflix would take a plunge into the audiobook and podcast territory, or if the update would simply be convenient for existing video content. If they’re going to all that trouble of making an audio-only feature available, the streamer would have no reason to stick to video only, so it’s possible Netflix could branch out into the audio space.
Right now, there’s no word on if or when this update will actually roll out to users.