Popular live streaming and entertainment platform Twitch are not putting to the test a new way to discover new channels that reminds us of the good old days when channel surfing on TV was a thing. The experiment is called the Channel Switcher, users will have the ability to flip through previews of a bunch of different streams before eventually finding something to watch. And perhaps the best part of this announcement is that you won’t get to see ads while using this feature.
Twitch In a tweet showcased to users how the Channel Switcher works. This new feature would be a game-changer for Twitch users who consider it extremely difficult to find something new that might interest them.
According to Twitch spokesperson Ashton Williams, Channel Switcher will give users the ability to watch a 60-second preview of a stream before deciding to click through or watch another channel. This sure look like a much quicker way to run through many different streamers.
At the moment only a lucky few will have the opportunity to try Twitch’s new Channel Switcher. Williams says that “only a small percentage of users who are logged in” currently have access, and those who get it have been randomly selected. Tests on this feature will come to an end by the middle of July, after which the company will resort to analyzing the results of the test. Williams notes that Twitch plans to work on future iterations and may offer an opt-in version of the feature.
Channel Switcher is just one of many updates Twitch announced. Another feature the company is bringing is a new tool called Guest Star, this tool makes it easier for streamers to add guests to their stream and the ability to create your own tags.