by ulrikrasmussen on 11/30/16, 3:29 PM
While this is great and very usable, especially for people with limited data plans, I can't help but feel disappointed that simple offline caching of content is still considered a major feature in 2016. Without DRM, this would be a no-brainer.
by paglia_s on 11/30/16, 2:57 PM
Looks like it's only available for smartphones and tablets, not for computers. Probably because on smartphones and tables they have their own app and don't have to rely on a browser.
by Tehnix on 11/30/16, 4:01 PM
I reeeeeeally wish I could watch my shows in a more legitimate way than currently. I recently went through everything that I'm watching and tried to find out what I could actually watch on streaming services.
.....which was unfortunately only a limited subset, especially since I'm not US based (Scandinavia here).
Besides the problem of everything being spread out over Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime and what have you not, some content is just not available, such as Supernatural outside of US/UK/Germany.
I almost feel like the TV networks wants people to pirate things...
by erelde on 11/30/16, 2:32 PM
What kind of DRM would they use to store local copies?
EDIT: On Android 7.1 VLC for Android, was able to "open" (duration etc) a large file I found in Netflix directory (.hidden), though not decode sound or video. There were two smaller files besides I suspect are audio tracks. And several other very small files, subtitles maybe.
by betandr on 11/30/16, 3:44 PM
I saw Netflix's chief product officer Neil Hunt say a while ago Netflix would "never" offer downloads, but I have to say I'm really pleased with this. Getting the train through spotty service areas effectively rendered Netflix unusable, but now! :)
by naspinski on 11/30/16, 3:09 PM
by tiger3 on 11/30/16, 3:32 PM
Seems like only a limited selection is available offline.
From the article: "For example, Orange is The New Black, Narcos and The Crown are available for download today."
by Desustorm on 11/30/16, 2:28 PM
This has been the differentiator between Netflix and Amazon Prime - very welcome news indeed. I do wonder how limited the number of allowed downloads will be, though...
by pilsetnieks on 11/30/16, 2:48 PM
It's probably not a coincidence that this is coming out at the same time as AT&T is zero-rating their own streaming service.
by AlexRobNewton on 11/30/16, 2:41 PM
Looks like it's only going to be on Netflix originals at the moment. But at least it's a step in the right direction! Wonder how long you can keep the content for after download?
by kevinbluer on 11/30/16, 2:37 PM
Oddly not everything is downloadable though. No Luke Cage here on Netflix Hong Kong (which is odd given it's Netflix made).
by overcast on 11/30/16, 3:50 PM
I literally just typed "netflix offline mode" in Google, because of an upcoming long flight next week. This couldn't have come at a better time. Even if this is just limited to Netflix originals, I'm fine with that. Their original content is better than their studio catalog at this point.
by niij on 11/30/16, 7:11 PM
I am on a tablet on Android 4.4.4, with the latest Netflix version downloaded 4.12.0 (code 13287), trying to download Narcos, and don't see the download icon as shown on Netflix's instructions[0]. Anyone else not seeing it?
[0]: https://help.netflix.com/en/node/54816
by danso on 11/30/16, 2:27 PM
Fantastic, this has been a welcome feature on Amazon Prime and even moreso on Netflix where the selection is currently more to my liking.
by neves on 11/30/16, 5:42 PM
Nice! I'll travel with a bunch of kids to a place without internet. We would like to watch a movie at night in a projector connected to a laptop.
It looks like it won't be possible to stream the contents of the netflix app in my phone to the projector.
by WheelsAtLarge on 11/30/16, 8:03 PM
It's a nice Nexflix addition. When's Pandora/Spotify is going to do this? It only makes sense.
The real fix is to have reasonably priced unlimited 4G/5G data. But it doesn't seem to be coming.
by mtgx on 11/30/16, 4:05 PM
Is this the precursor to making Netflix a hybrid/P2P service, too?
by taleoftwohumans on 11/30/16, 2:46 PM
Huh? Just updated the app, doesnt work - no downloads ready. Not even the Netflix shows they promote in the blogpost. Im on android 5.1.1.
Hopefully theyll get it together, nice feature.
by brownbat on 12/1/16, 1:00 AM
Any confirmation of what resolution? Preloading 4k HDR might make a more consistent experience than random downsampling mid-scene.
by ozgurozkan on 11/30/16, 3:04 PM
I have a new theory about user requirements. Spotify and Netflix has same feature now. Only one difference exists music vs. video. What will be the spotify and netflix of VR content? It will be downloadable to our mobile phones. to be continued...
by jokoon on 11/30/16, 4:06 PM
Good!
Now fix subtitles and expand the catalog...
by omouse on 11/30/16, 3:26 PM
Fuck DRM. Seriously.
by JamesBaxter on 11/30/16, 2:53 PM
Apple will be happy more people will pay for the extortionate large iPhones.