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It’s difficult to believe that Netflix can improve. However the addition of offline downloads further posits Netflix as the premiere video delivery platform. Coupled with a superb UI, UX, and excellent original and syndicated content, it’s really easy to justify that Netflix subscription.
While film and television probably is more enjoyable on a larger screen, the Netflix app makes mobile viewing pretty simple. The only downside? Data usage. Enter downloads. Netflix now offers the ability to download select video titles for offline viewing.
Not every title is available for download. The current lineup is pretty beefy. Want to binge watch “Stranger Things” on a plane? Well, now you can. Need to take “Star Trek: The Next Generation” on a subway? Yep, you can do that too.
Highlights include most, if not all, Netflix originals appear to be available for download. You can download a bunch of syndicated video content as well, including “TNG,” “Law and Order SVU,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” and “No Country for Old Men.” You can even sort by downloadable content.
However, Netflix offline viewing isn’t just brilliant because it unshackles Netflix from internet connectivity. Rather, it’s the means with which offline downloading rolled out: a free update. At absolutely no extra charge, a bunch of your favorite titles are available for download.
Yet, this feature while superb isn’t without its faults. At the moment it’s only accessible via mobile devices, so Android and iOS phones and tablets. As long as you’re running the most recent version of the Netflix app, you’re free to download away. But there’s no desktop or set top box/game console support. Presumably the assumption is if you’re using a console or streaming device, you’re likely connected. However for travel purposes, a download feature across multiple devices would be a welcome addition.
Despite the limitation to mobile devices, the new download feature for offline Netflix viewing is groundbreaking. It may be the most substantial change to hit the streaming space since the launch of Netflix originals, or Netflix itself.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a bunch of “Star Trek: TNG” episodes to download on my Galaxy S4. Make it so.
What are your thoughts on Netflix’s new download feature?
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