Netflix quietly rolls out ‘long overdue’ TV app upgrade that finally gets rid of most annoying feature
NETFLIX has rolled out a “long overdue” TV application upgrade that eliminates one of the most annoying features.
The streaming giant has introduced the update by announcing its arrival alongside a popular series.
Netflix is offering spoken-dialogue-only subtitles.
These new subtitle packs won’t offer descriptions of sound effects that often crop up, like [rain patters] or [phone buzzes].
They will be first available with series five of the hugely popular thriller series You.
While the descriptions can be useful for those hard of hearing, Netflix claims this update is for those who simply enjoy subtitles and find the details unnecessary.
The streaming service shared on Tuesday: “Fifty percent of Americans say they watch content with subtitles most of the time.
“It’s a habit we see reflected on Netflix too—nearly half of all viewing hours on Netflix in the US happen with subtitles or captions on, so we’re making the experience even better for members.
“Just in time for all the twists, inner monologues, and intense eye contact in the final season of YOU — we’re introducing a new option: original language subtitles that show only the spoken dialogue.”
Once you open up the Netflix app on your TV there will now be two options, English and English (CC).
English includes all the cues and speaker names if you’d like the more detailed subtitles and English (CC) sticks to the script.
Netflix continued: “And we’re not stopping at English — these subtitles will be available on all new Netflix originals in every language we offer in addition to SDH/CC going forward.
“So whether you’re watching in a noisy room, sneaking in an episode while someone’s sleeping, or just trying to keep up with Joe’s internal spiral, you’ve now got more subtitle options to choose from.
“And don’t forget — you can also customize your subtitles by changing the size and font.”
“Choose what works best forYou.”
Netflix users seemed to be chuffed with the announcement and many took to Reddit to share their enthusiasm.
One agreed: “Totally – just give me the original dialogue subtitles and I’m happy.
“Adding a quick toggle for foreign language lines would be icing on the cake.”
Another platform user added: “One one thing I’m sooo grateful for in this social media age is the rise of subtitles being way more used and accepted, even by hearing people.”
A third joked: “My favourite is when they do this for things that would still make sense for English speakers, I saw a show represent “Bon voyage” as [Speaking foreign language].”
Others, still happy with the update, started to reminisce about the descriptive sounds they didn’t mind popping up on their screen.
“’Squelching noise’ is my favorite…. Its the only one ill miss,” one said.
Another pointed out: “I’ll really miss ‘insects trilling” and “phone trilling’ I never realized how much trilling goes on in the world.”
One user responded: “I always appreciated learning what ‘pensive music’ is.”