Netflix today launches a global test on Android devices that allows subscribers to set a timer for their viewing period.
With the new feature, people can choose between four timer settings: 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes or the end of everything people are watching. After the selected timeout expires, the Netflix app will stop. This should in theory help save battery life on Android devices, while also ensuring that episodes do not continue to play automatically. (Fall asleep Bridgerton without worrying about where you left off!)
Although the test is currently limited to users worldwide with Android devices, Netflix will investigate other devices, including TV sets and desktops, depending on how widely the product is customized and whether its subscribers like it, according to the company. .
Follow the instructions below to use the feature:
- Select and play your favorite TV show or movie on your mobile device.
- In the upper right corner, subscribers will see a clock icon titled Timer.
- Tap Timer.
- Select 15, 30, 45 minutes or “Complete view”.
At this time, the feature is only available for adult profiles. Although it is a perfect feature for kids, especially when it comes to screen time, it is not currently available. The company may be able to make a version of the feature more applicable to account profiles designed for children in the future. It depends on how well the test is received. Instead of simply tapping on a clock icon and setting the timer, the feature should be a little harder for kids to access, as kids tend to tap on screens.
I personally would consider it a sleeping pill. If you’re someone like me, who’s falling asleep at Netflix or Disney Plus or whatever it’s on their phone, it’s a reasonable feature to turn it off when an episode ends.
Update Friday, January 29, 12:24 PM ET: Updated with additional information from Netflix about which Android users have access to the feature.