Netflix working on offline viewing, could arrive by end of 2016 - report

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in General Discussion
Netflix is developing a long-awaited option to download some content for offline viewing, according to an executive described as an industry insider.




"We know from our sources within the industry that Netflix is going to launch this product," Penthera COO Dan Taitz told LightReading. Penthera develops video downloading technology of its own, some current clients including Comcast and Starz.

Taitz speculated that Netflix will launch some form of offline viewing by the end of the year. The company itself would neither confirm nor deny any plans.

"While our focus remains on delivering a great streaming experience, we are always exploring ways to make the service better," a spokesperson said. "We don't have anything to add at this time."

Netflix has previously been dismissive of the idea of offline options, but in May, CEO Reed Hastings said that his company should "keep an open mind."

Some other major streaming services -- including Amazon Video, Google Play, and Apple's iTunes -- already offer varying forms of offline support. Even if a person doesn't choose to buy a video, they can often cache it offline temporarily in case they travel somewhere without an internet connection. With iTunes, users can even sync rentals to devices that don't have any internet access, although such files can only be on one device at a time.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 6
    rcponercpone Posts: 20member
    What what what??? I thought Reed Hastings said that offline viewing "would never happen".
    I love offline viewing and have been using it via Xfinity, Amazon and Youtube. I've actually been considering dropping Netflix here lately. Don't see the reason for it anymore.
    SpamSandwichjohn.b
  • Reply 2 of 6
    nolamacguynolamacguy Posts: 4,758member
    rcpone said:
    What what what??? I thought Reed Hastings said that offline viewing "would never happen".
    I love offline viewing and have been using it via Xfinity, Amazon and Youtube. I've actually been considering dropping Netflix here lately. Don't see the reason for it anymore.
    how would you watch House of Cards? Peaky Blinders? Love? etc, all the netflix original content?
  • Reply 3 of 6
    SpamSandwichSpamSandwich Posts: 33,407member
    This would be quite welcome.
  • Reply 4 of 6
    SpamSandwichSpamSandwich Posts: 33,407member
    What maroon downvoted my above comment? What a weird thing to downvote.
  • Reply 5 of 6
    john.bjohn.b Posts: 2,742member
    Reed Hastings, who claimed Netflix offline streaming would "never happen", is dragged into it kicking and screaming by his competitors.  Dude must really hate his customers...
  • Reply 6 of 6
    MacProMacPro Posts: 19,822member
    What maroon downvoted my above comment? What a weird thing to downvote.
    I agree with both of your posts.
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