Netflix has improved the audio quality offered by its Android application. Now, you should be able to enjoy clear, immersive audio without the need for headphones.
How has Netflix improved the audio quality of Android?
As announced in The Netflix Tech Blog , Netflix now streams Extended HE-AAC with MPEG-D DRC (xHE-AAC) to Android mobiles compatible (Android 9 and later). According to Netflix, the Android app now offers “studio quality” audio that will be a “sonic delight.”
This new codec offers levels more consistent audio. This means that you don’t have to keep adjusting the volume to hear dialogue and then turning it down when there’s a loud action scene. It also provides consistency between different TV shows and movies.
Another improvement is the refinement of the control of Dynamic range. For what? So that the best listening experience can be provided no matter your environment or hearing device. Netflix wants you to be able to enjoy its content through your phone’s speakers as much as through headphones.
In addition to this, the Netflix audio quality will naturally adapt to your internet connection. While the above audio bitrates were fixed, now the Android app can give you the best audio quality when network conditions allow it and reduce buffering if the network is congested.
The audio enhancements come at a good time, as Netflix recently introduced a new Android feature that allows you to listen to your content with the screen off.
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