An Apple Ipad is used to view Netflix during the Netflix UK launch in London, England (Photo : Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for Netflix)
Netflix just announced that users will now be able to limit how much data their mobile app will use which can be useful especially for those are using capped data plans.
The updated Netflix app on Android and iOS will now feature the "Cellular Data Usage" setting. Users will be able to tweak how much data they want the app to consume when watching their favorite shows such as the "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" or "That 70's Show."
Netflix can easily eat through MBs and even GBs of data if left unchecked. This is especially true when the streaming quality is up to 1080p or 720p whether it's on a large screen or not.
By default, the setting is set to automatic. Netflix adjusts the data usage according to the connection type of the phone.
When it is on Wi-Fi, the app can use as much as data as needed to provide high-quality streaming. If it is on mobile data such as a 4G LTE connection, it tries to limit the data used but it does not really work well in most situations.
For users who do not want their speed or streaming quality throttled, they can just use the unlimited data option. The default rate of which Netflix uses data is about 600 Kilobits per second, according to TechCrunch.
Giving the users the option to change how much data Netflix uses is a great move for the company. However, the options are not pretty straightforward.
For instance, one of the choices for the setting is to watch one hour per GB of data. Another one is to watch about four hours per GB of data.
Some users would want the option to be just inputting how much data in GB or MB they want to use in overall. However, Netflix believes that the current choices would best fit the app.
Netflix said that selecting the "Off" choice in the setting will only allow the app to stream videos if the device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi connection, according to Ars Technica. The setting has already been available for Netflix users on non-mobile devices.
Streaming at the lowest option may mean that the quality will also be set to a low 480p resolution or even 240p. While that may be acceptable for commuters looking to pass the time, die-hard fans would most likely choose a higher setting.
Netflix said that they are continually working on ways on improving the overall quality of their videos with regards to streaming efficiently. The new setting on the mobile devices will help users use their mobile data through the app in a more efficient way.
