Netflix has released an iOS version of its popular Fast.com internet connection speed website. The site, which debuted back in May, has proven to be a popular way for users to quickly check their connection download speed. The new app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
The app begins checking the speed of the current internet connection instantly upon opening the app. The FAST app is designed similar to the fast.com website, which means it is a stark white screen, showing only the FAST logo, the speed readout, a button to restart the test, an option to check the results against the popular Speedtest.net app, a “?” icon for help, and a pull-down to set the language for the app.
Netflix tells users, via their blog that the “FAST” test performs a series of downloads from Netflix servers. Users do not need to be logged in to their Netflix account to use the Fast site.
In pursuit of the design goal of simplicity, we deliberately chose to measure only download speed, measuring how fast data travels from server to consumer when they are performing activities such as viewing web pages or streaming video. Downloads represent the majority of activity for most internet consumers.
There is quite a bit more technical information about how the test works on the blog, and is recommended reading for those of the more technically inclined among our readers.
The FAST Speed Test is available for iOS devices in the App Store for free. [GET IT HERE] – An Android version of the app is available via Google Play.
