Netflix: it’s all fun and games until your internet goes kaput.
Or when you simply lose your connection. Or when you only have 4G on your commute. Or when you’re flying. A life without Netflix is a life unsatisfied.
But the streaming giant is now suspected to be planning to make sure you will never be forced to go Netflix-hungry again.
Rumours are swirling that Netflix is plotting to introduce a function allowing users to download TV shows and movies to view offline.
It is believed the download service would work in a temporary fashion, allowing users to save content for a certain period of time and watch it before it expires.
Earlier this year, the company’s CEO Reed Hastings hinted a plan to introduce the option was in the works, when he said they must “keep an open mind” about downloads.
Dan Taitz, COO at Penthara which sells software to streaming services, has been speaking to US media saying many industry insiders are tipping Netflix will launch the feature very soon.
“We know from our sources within the industry that Netflix is going to launch this product,” Taitz told Light Reading.
“My expectation is that by the end of the year Netflix will be launching download-to-go as an option for their customers.”
Ali Wong’s stand-up comedy show is one of the best things on Netflix right now. Check out the trailer. Post continues after video…
He also told Fortune that “it’s obvious” the streaming service will make the leap.
“From industry sources, I know that Netflix is out in the market negotiating to get download rights in addition to streaming rights,” Taitz said.
“Content providers are getting asked that now from Netflix so (Netflix) can offer a download service.”
Much of the reasoning behind it is thought to be because competitors in the US have introduced the function.
“Amazon launched it almost a year ago, Starz has launched it, Epix has launched it. Netflix isn’t going to be the streaming leader and the only one who doesn’t offer downloads.”
And it makes sense, considering the streaming-only factor could be a deal-breaker for users with dodgy internet or people constantly on-the-go.
So it’s certainly looking like it’s only a matter of time.
Top Comments
I watched the Ali Wong Baby Cobra show and it was hilarious! My bf does stand-up comedy, and he laughed a lot too.
I would be happier just being able to see the full range without needing to punch in codes and other crap.
What is this punching in codes you speak of? Is there more Netflix I can watch but didn't realize because I've never heard of these secret codes?!
In the browser version, there are codes you can type in to see extra categories that you won't normally see in your browser on in any of the apps. They are mostly subcategories, like Screwball Comedies and Teen Comedies, under Comedy and Biographical Documentaries and Crime Documentaries under Documentaries.
From what I understand, it's not really extra content. If you want to watch something in the Crime Documentaries category, for instance, you can, whether you can see the category or not. The categories are just another way to browse, which some might find useful or interesting.
Google Netflix hidden codes, depending on what you watch it on you can access whole categories of stuff rather than only seeing "Because you watched BlahBlah".
Pretty much just change the code in the address bar.
Yep, this is it. Just annoying when watching through the Wii (no smart TV yet) and you want a horror but or any other genre but can't go directly to a list.