Netflix to add 0.5x and 1.5x playback speed soon

Netflix will allow its subscribers to select the speed of the media they are watching on their Android smartphone or tablet.

This feature will let you adjust the speed of whatever you're watching

New playback controls for users

Netflix users will have the option to stream at either  0.5x and 0.75x speeds for slowed-down viewing or 1.25x and 1.5x speeds for faster watching.

This playback option is still going to be available if they download the episodes or movies for watching offline. According to the streaming platform, they can select the playback speed for every series or film to prevent users from watching something faster or slower unintentionally.

Netflix said that this playback speed option was already tested last year but it drew flak from some actors and directors from Hollywood. For example, Judd Apatow even tweeted that "distributors don’t get to change the way the content is presented."

As a result, Netflix is releasing some features along with this feature rollout to address the concerns of creative community. To make sure the quality of the content is not confused, the company will equip an automatic correction for "the pitch in the audio at faster and slower speeds."

Netflix’s VP for product innovation stated that there are changes in technology that have allowed for different types of viewing over the years. That's the reason behind the company's decision to implement after the quick testing period. She added,

The feature has been much requested by members for years. Most important of all, our tests show that consumers value the flexibility it provides whether it’s rewatching their favorite scene or slowing things down because they’re watching with subtitles or have hearing difficulties.

The playback speed feature is approved and commended by the National Association of the Deaf and the National Federation of the Blind. According to them, it can help deaf people who might prefer the captions at a slightly slower speed. Meanwhile, they say that many blind people can understand and appreciate audio played at a much faster pace than what might be comfortable for most sighted people.

Netflix will monitor the feedback to this new feature on both the creative community and subscribers. Aside from that, they are starting the testing on iOS devices and the web version of the app. However, there’s no testing phase set for Netflix’s TV app.

The feature was rolled out a few days ago but it will be available globally in the coming weeks.

What are your thoughts on this upcoming feature?

Source: The Verge