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Netflix wants to help you fight back against cellular data caps

Updated Dec 19th, 2018 9:14PM EST
Netflix Data Saver
Image: Netflix

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If you want to stream movies and TV shows from Netflix to your smartphone or tablet right now without having to worry about data caps or throttling, you have one choice right now: T-Mobile’s Binge On program. Net neutrality debate aside, Binge On is a well-liked add on for T-Mobile’s postpaid subscribers that lets them stream an unlimited amount of video at reduced quality from a select group of content providers, Netflix included.

There’s no indication that any rival carriers are planning a similar service anytime soon, but it looks like Netflix is working to take matters into its own hands.

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No, it won’t get you unlimited streaming like Binge On does, but Netflix is currently testing a feature that will allow users of its mobile app to reduce the quality of video streams so that they consume less data.

The feature in question is called Mobile Data Saver, and it was spotted recently by Android Police when Netflix accidentally released a private beta version of its Android app to the public. The company has since pulled the app from public view, but not before a few screenshots made it out into the wild:

Netflix has discussed the feature in the past so we knew it was coming, but seeing it hit the beta could be an indication that it will soon make its way to the public. The company hasn’t yet shared any details as far as a release timeline is concerned.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.