audio-only mode

Netflix rolling out audio-only mode to the Android app

Netflix has been adding many features recently into its Android app. The service got variable playback speeds and a screen lock feature this year, and now it looks like we’re in for audio-only background playback. It could help you save some precious mobile data or leave your phone in your pocket while you’re keeping up with your favourite series.

The feature is now available to subscribers as part of a server-side rollout in version 7.84.1 build 28 35243. If you’re in on the change, you’ll see a new Video off button at the top of the full-screen video player. Selecting it turns on the audio-only mode, leaving you with a blank screen showing all playback controls including the scrub bar, forward and backward, speed, and so on. Even the brightness slider remains available. read more

Facebook says it’s going to launch various features over the next couple weeks to make Facebook Live more accessible and easy to use, particularly for people who might not have a lot of mobile data.

The team is launching an audio-only mode, as well as automatic closed captions great for people with vision loss and hearing loss. It’s also giving people various ways to access a stream outside of Facebook, including logged-out support, which means people without a Facebook account can still tune into content. This accompanies Public Switched Telephone Network support, allowing streamers to generate toll-free telephone numbers so viewers can call into the audio of a live broadcast. read more

audio-only mode

Netflix now features audio-only mode on Android

Facebook Launching Accessibility Tools Making Live-Streaming Available to More People