Netflix unveiled a new way for its users to control how much data they use when streaming on cellular network.
An updated version of the iOS or Android app will now feature a new setting called "Cellular Data Usage" that will enable users to switch off the automatic, default setting and opt for a higher or lower data usage setting, based on their personal choice. Users can also access an unlimited data option found under the "App Settings" menu.
By default, the popular provider of streaming movies and TV series allow users to stream around three hours of TV shows and movies per gigabyte of data, which currently amounts to about 600 Kbps. In their testing, Netflix found that this setting on cellular networks, strikes a perfect balance between good video quality and lower data usage, thus enabling users to control data caps and incurring overage fees.
Those accessing the app via mobile data plan with higher data cap, can adjust this setting in order to stream at higher bitrates.
Eddy Wu, Director of Product Innovation at Netflix said in a post on the company's website that goal behind introducing new cellular data controls globally is to give users more control and more choice as far as managing their data usage is concerned, irrespective of whether they are on an unlimited mobile plan or not.
This move from Netflix springs from its revelation in March when the company admitted that it did send lower quality video to mobile subscribers on AT&T as well as Verizon's networks. The issue surfaced after T-Mobile CEO John Legere revealed Netflix offered higher quality streams on his network as part of the company's contentious Binge On program.
Netflix clarified saying that it didn't want mobile users of its app to blow their data limits accidentally, according to reports on Wired.
Nevertheless, this is a remarkable move by Netflix considering its streaming service accounts for a considerable portion of mobile data usage from time to time.
