Opera Max saves data on YouTube and Netflix
Until now, one of the limitations with the Opera Max Android app is that it doesn't compress encrypted connections, which is probably a good thing except that many video platforms use HTTPS. That's no longer an issue with the software's latest release, which can now optimize YouTube and Netflix video streams over HTTPS "without any significant loss in quality." This means there's less buffer time, and you can binge-watch more viral clips within the same data allowance. But Opera isn't stopping there, as it's already working on bringing more secured video services and social apps -- including Facebook and Snapchat -- on board, so stay tuned.
Update: Earlier our article said Opera Max can now compress video data over HTTPS, but Opera has since reached out to us to clarify that unlike its other products, the data-saving technology it applied to encrypted video streams is more of an optimization instead of a compression. Here's the company's explanation:
Opera Max achieves encrypted video savings for YouTube and Netflix by taking advantage of 'Traffic Pacing" techniques and the ABR video formats. That means that the Max client app can detect the encrypted data connection for a video stream from a supported provider, like YouTube or Netflix. The Max client app can then lower that specific video connection, forcing the video player to select a playlist that uses lower network bandwidth. This happens right on your phone and eliminates the need for that video stream to go through Opera's data centers for traditional compression.
