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Netflix Could Eventually Make Sense on Android Auto and CarPlay When Driving

It goes without saying that video streaming services, including Netflix and HBO, are blocked on Android Auto and CarPlay for a reason that’s pretty easy to figure out.
Netflix could expand beyond its main video streaming market 1 photo
Photo: TechCrunch
Drivers are not supposed to look at the screen, especially when the vehicle is in motion, so the apps have been completely restricted from running in the car.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you still can’t use Netflix behind the wheel. Rooting a phone, for example, lets users unlock pretty much any app they want on Android Auto, while third-party head units running full Android make the whole thing even more convenient.

But Netflix is actually working on an update that could eventually bring the app on Android Auto and CarPlay without the need for such tweaks. All while keeping the app safe to use even when the car is in motion.

And it’s all thanks to an audio-only update that Netflix is reportedly working on as we speak. As you could easily figure out by simply reading the name of this feature, its purpose is to only stream audio without any video content. So instead of watching Netflix, you’re actually listening to it, just like you do with a typical music service like Spotify.

Who does that, you could ask. Well, with Netflix adding more and more content, including stand-up comedy shows and other series that you don’t necessarily need to watch, an audio-mode certainly makes sense, thus making the app appropriate even for drivers.

Netflix is yet to confirm this new feature of the service, but at this point, it looks like the first wave of users has already been updated with the audio-only mode. So, in theory, the new Netflix capability is coming rather sooner than later. It remains to be seen if the company is also interested in expanding to Android Auto and CarPlay once this new feature is live for everybody.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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