Netflix continues to update its application to improve the user experience. Here’s yet another, which brings studio-quality audio to Android devices. Thanks to the xHE-AAC codec. It reduces the video buffering and makes the audio sound better.
In an official blog post, Netflix said that the update should “improve intelligibility in noisy environments, adapts to variable cellular connections, and scale to studio-quality.”
The update hits all the Android devices running on Android 9 or above. Well, iPhones already have it since the release of iOS 13 in 2019.
So, how useful is this Netflix update?
The new audio codec helps “optimize the dynamic range of a program to provide the best listening experience on any device, in any environment”; thanks to Dynamic Range Control (DRC). It basically reduces the leap between the quietest and loudest parts of the video. I’m the one who controls the audio while watching something, like increasing the volume when it is the quietest dialogue and decreasing when heavy sounds were up. This update regulates that making the low sounds better and high sounds flatter, which is cool.
In that process, the Loudness Management, along with DRC, boosts the in-audible details in the presence of background noise; to make it well-audible. Here is the comparison of what it does.
Finally, the codec also supports “seamless bitrate switching,” which means it should work better in environments with inconsistent internet speeds—so less buffering and better sound.
Netflix briefly explained all about the xHE-AAC audio codec and its new update for Android devices. Visit their official blog post to get the more detailed information regarding the update.
So that’s been it. Thank you for reading, and do share the article if you get a bit piece of information. Also, keep an eye on this space for more relevant updates. Stay safe, and we hope to see you around.