Android devices are on the verge of a significant enhancement in video playback capabilities, as per a recent report. The impending upgrade, expected to be delivered as a free update, will bring about faster video processing, particularly benefiting low-cost smartphones.
Most smartphones and tablets, excluding the latest flagship models, lack specialized hardware for accelerating video playback of the AV1 format. This deficiency necessitates software-based solutions to handle the task.
Several prominent services like YouTube, Netflix, and Twitch have begun offering AV1 video due to its advantages such as smaller file sizes, reduced bandwidth requirements, and royalty-free licensing. However, software decoders often face challenges in efficiently handling AV1 video streams, especially on less powerful devices.
A recent report indicates that Google is gearing up to introduce a crucial Android update featuring a significantly improved software AV1 decoder known as libdav1d. Developed by VideoLAN, the creators of VLC media player, libdav1d promises smooth playback of high-quality AV1 video even on low-end hardware.
Performance tests conducted by the report's author showcased a substantial improvement when using libdav1d compared to the current default decoder. For instance, a 4K 60fps video that played at under 10fps with the existing software AV1 decoder saw a significant boost to over 50fps with libdav1d.
Furthermore, a Netflix clip encoded at 1080p and 25fps exhibited a remarkable improvement from stuttering at <10fps with the current decoder to smooth playback at 25fps with the new libdav1d decoder.
It is anticipated that Google will roll out the upgrade to its software AV1 decoder by March 2024 through a Google Play system update. This development is poised to enable users of budget devices to enjoy previously unwatchable video streams while consuming less mobile data.
While the fate of older devices in receiving this update remains uncertain, users of obsolete devices can explore using the VLC app, which comes equipped with the new software decoder.
