Netflix has been working on a number of new enhancements to try to real in some of its premium subscribers. The latest updates the company just rolled out benefit those who like to take Netflix on the road with them and those who don’t have full surround sound solutions at home.
The most notable update is expanded support for spatial audio, which the company has rolled out to a number of its popular titles. Specifically, 700 of its highest-rated movies and TV series have received support for the new format. Titles like Wednesday, Stranger Things, The Witcher, Knives Out: Glass Onion, and more.
Spatial Audio allows for a virtual surround experience using stereo channels. Most noticable with the use of headphones. You might have already experienced spatial audio either through headphones with built-in support or through using spatial audio for headphones features within platforms like Microsoft Windows or modern video game consoles (like the Xbox Series X or the PlayStation 5), and software packages from companies like Immerse Gaming.
Netflix originally announced its plans to support Spatial Audio back in July of 2022, but it appears the rollout has gone a little slower than the company originally anticipated. Nevertheless, it is here now and ready for your consumption.
Also targeting those mostly using headphones, premium members can now download content for offline use to an increased number of devices. Netflix realized that consumers typically have a number of devices each that they use for the service so it has made it easier for them to enjoy offline content without having to pick just a few. The company raised the limit from four devices to six, which feels like a reasonable number.
Pairing the ability to download content for offline content to additional devices with support for spatial audio, mobile users on the go will benefit the most out of these updates. While regular stereo and soundbar systems might gain some benefits as well from the spatial audio.
