As reported by Android Police, it is a welcome change for customers on cellular knowledge plans, the place knowledge utilization generally is a main concern. Nonetheless, there is a potential draw back to the change to AV1. As a result of AV1 is a extra complicated codec than those that YouTube has historically used, it requires extra processing energy to decode. This might result in elevated battery drain for some customers, particularly these with older gadgets that lack {hardware} decoding for AV1.
Google confirms that Android is switching to @videolan‘s libdav1d decoder for AV1 video playback!
I first reported again in February that Google plans to roll out a Play System Replace that permits libdav1d as Android’s default AV1 software program decoder. Yesterday, Arif Dikici,… pic.twitter.com/m0m2W20GZC
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) April 18, 2024
It is necessary to notice that Google is not the primary firm to embrace AV1. Streaming big Netflix has additionally been utilizing AV1 for its Android app for a while now. So, the change to AV1 is a component of a bigger pattern within the video streaming business.So, what does this imply for you, the typical YouTube viewer? Properly, the excellent news is that you’re going to probably be capable to take pleasure in higher-quality movies with out consuming into your knowledge plan as rapidly. Nonetheless, you probably have an older gadget, you may see a little bit of successful in your battery life.
Should you’re involved about battery life, there are some things you are able to do. First, you possibly can attempt decreasing the playback high quality of YouTube movies. This may scale back the quantity of knowledge that must be decoded, which will help to enhance battery life. You can too attempt closing every other apps that you simply’re not utilizing, as this will help to unlock processing energy and enhance battery life.
Nonetheless, ought to you could have a more recent Android gadget with Android 12 and newer, the YouTuber change to AV1 needs to be a constructive change for you. You’ll expertise vital enhancements in video high quality, particularly if utilizing a cellular plan, even when there’s a potential for elevated battery drain.
