Netflix has improved the audio quality offered by its Android app. Now, you should be able to enjoy immersive and clear audio without the need for earbuds.
How Has Netflix Improved Android Audio Quality?
As announced on The Netflix Tech Blog, Netflix now streams Extended HE-AAC with MPEG-D DRC (xHE-AAC) to compatible Android devices (Android 9 and newer). According to Netflix, the Android app now offers “studio-quality” audio that will be a “sonic delight”.
This new codec offers more consistent audio levels, meaning you won’t have to keep adjusting the volume to hear dialogue and then turn it down when there’s a loud action scene. It also provides consistency across different TV shows and movies.
Another improvement is the refinement of dynamic range control so that the best listening experience can be provided no matter your environment or listening device. Netflix wants you to be able to enjoy its content through your phone speakers just as much as headphones.
On top of this, the audio quality will naturally adapt to your internet connection. Whereas previous audio bitrates were fixed, now the Android app can give you the best audio quality when network conditions allow and reduce rebuffering if the network is congested.
The audio enhancements come at a good time, as Netflix recently introduced a new Android feature that lets you listen to its content with the screen off.