Netflix began a global test on Android devices on Friday that allows subscribers to set a timer for a fixed viewing period, reports The Verge.
Currently, selected users with an Android device can choose between four timer settings: 15, 30 and 45 minutes or the end of an episode. After this period, Netflix will automatically stop playing content.
According to the streaming service, this is advantageous because in this way the battery lasts longer. It can also be useful when someone has fallen asleep, for example; the episodes will not continue to play consecutively while someone is no longer watching.
The test is currently limited to a selected group of subscribers with an Android device. Netflix is investigating whether the feature can be brought to other devices, such as TVs and desktops.
For now, the test is only available for adult accounts. Depending on how well the test is being received, the streaming service will also want to look into a potentially similar feature for kids’ accounts.
According to Netflix, this can be especially interesting when it comes to setting a maximum screen time for children. However, the function must be adjusted slightly so that children cannot just turn off the timer.
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