Netflix announced on May 5, Thursday that it is now allowing its mobile app's users to control the amount of data that is used when streaming video. The new setting will be included in the updated iOS and Android software. Smartphone and tablet owners can change the Cellular Data Usage setting to a higher or lower data usage figure when watching TV shows and movies.
Netflix fans can even select an unlimited data option in the "App Settings" menu.
The video streaming service reports that the default setting allows Netflix users to stream about three hours of movies and TV shows per gigabyte of data, according to Tech Crunch. That is about 600 Kilobits per second.
Netflix calculated that figure by doing tests on cellular networks. The company discovered this created a balance between good video quality, and helping users avoid going over monthly data caps or paying overage fees.
Streaming services including Netflix are responsible for 70 percent of web traffic. However, Sandvine reported that in 2015 Google's YouTube consumed the highest amount of mobile bandwidth.
Nevertheless, Netflix accounts for 3.4 percent of downstream traffic, and 3.2 percent of upstream traffic. That is compared to YouTube's colossal 20 percent of downstream/upstream traffic.
Netflix had reported at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2016 that the new feature was in the works. It shared it would be available for iOS and Android devices during this year.
Netflix notes the streaming speed feature is only available on cellular networks, and will not work when using Wi-Fi connectivity or tethering to another device.
In related news, Disney has plans to invest in the video tech company BAM Tech that Major League Baseball's (MLB) Advanced Media wants to spin off, according to Re/code. The company hopes to purchase up to one-third of BAM Tech, which would cost $3 billion.
That would be Disney's biggest investment in digital video. It would pass the 2014 deal when it purchased YouTube video network Maker Studios for $675 million.
However, other companies might make a bid for the video spin-off. The company's clients include MLB, ESPN, and HBO.
Here's a study on binge watching and depression: