Netflix CEO Keeping an 'Open Mind' About Offline Viewing for Mobile Apps

[MacRumors]

A long-requested feature could be coming to the iOS and Android versions of Netflix, letting users download TV shows and movies for offline viewing instead of being stranded in areas without Wi-Fi or a cellular signal when wanting to watch the video streaming service. Netflix has been lagging behind its competitors in this regard, with companies like Amazon and YouTube allowing some form of offline viewing to its paying members.

Answering a question from Re/code yesterday, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings admitted that the company would consider the possibility for users to download its videos moving forward, without directly confirming it would implement the feature anytime soon. The wording of Hastings' comment also suggests that if offline viewing ever came, Netflix would angle it as an assistive feature for countries with less reliable internet speeds, rather than a bullet point benefit to its broader subscriber base.

"We should keep an open mind on this. We've been so focused on click-and-watch and the beauty and simplicity of streaming. But as we expand around the world, where we see an uneven set of networks, it's something we should keep an open mind about."

Netflix's previous stance on offline viewing was a belief that the introduction of such a feature would add too much complexity into a service that prides itself on simplicity of use. Last September, the company's Chief Product Officer, Neil Hunt, said that Netflix believes it's "not a very compelling proposition" moving forward. Undoubtedly content licenses would be a hurdle for the feature as well, but given the steadily growing amount of Netflix-created original content, users would have plenty of TV shows, movies, and documentaries to choose from if offline viewing ever becomes available.

Article Link: Netflix CEO Keeping an 'Open Mind' About Offline Viewing for Mobile Apps

 

[tasset]

Do it, Netflix. I'm in the US with an ISP that uses data caps to deter streaming services. I may drop Netflix unless I can offload 50ish gigs to my network at work or the gym.

 

[IvanX]

Do it, Netflix. I'm in the US with an ISP that uses data caps to deter streaming services. I may drop Netflix unless I can offload 50ish gigs to my network at work or the gym.

2 things:
1) You should consider changing your ISP, if you have a choice.
2) If everyone who has Netflix and works where you do and/or goes to your gym follows suit, this may have implications on wifi at those locations.

 

[BMcCoy]

This would open up Netflix for me - my home broadband speed is a pathetic 1.5 meg. Yes, 1.5. Even YouTube stutters and buffers. If I could d/l during the day, and watch something in the evening, I would get Netflix in a flash.

 

[Sasparilla]

This sounds like a really good idea.

However with Netflix loosing ~30% of their streaming catalog over the last couple of years....they are very close to having such a sparse catalog that people start dropping them. This is all in the hands of the Studios of course - who may not want a Netflix at all and may be slowly strangling them (it'd be a better world for them where you pay for every viewing and own nothing).

 

[Rigby]

I'd love to have this for traveling. Watching movies/TV shows is the best way to pass the time on long-haul flights, and it would also solve the issue of geo-blocking which prevents people from watching content on their iPad while traveling outside their home region.

 

[rctlr]

A few years ago, they said this will never happen.
Why the turn around?

 

[bushido]

yes please. I am in Germany and streaming something on mobile data is like hitting the "imobile" "wap" internet button on an old mobile phone in like 2002

 

[jonnysods]

A little bit of offline time will be awesome! For road trips...

 

[zorinlynx]

Why do they have to be so wishy-washy about this? It's such a simple to implement feature, and can be so very handy.

One big example is frequent travelers. Have a flight coming up? Queue up a few episodes of a show and download watch it on the plane.

They don't need to make excuses and talk about it being an "accessibility feature". Just set aside some download cache and use it!

 

[BeardMan7]

yes please. I am in Germany and streaming something on mobile data is like hitting the "imobile" "wap" internet button on an old mobile phone in like 2002

You have the wrong contract. That's all.
I've never had problems streaming content over mobile data. Of course, it requires an usable data plan for streaming.

But anyway, offline viewing would be a good step forward for Netflix.

 

[bushido]

You have the wrong contract. That's all.
I've never had problems streaming content over mobile data. Of course, it requires an usable data plan for streaming.

But anyway, offline viewing would be a good step forward for Netflix.

show me a data plan with anything over 5GB at a reasonable price and id be happy to order it

 

[IvanX]

I'd love to have this for traveling. Watching movies/TV shows is the best way to pass the time on long-haul flights, and it would also solve the issue of geo-blocking which prevents people from watching content on their iPad while traveling outside their home region.

There are solutions for offline watching stuff. Netflix are not the first to the party. And I would not be surprised if NF will implement a system whereby you get a 24-48 hour grace period to watch downloaded content without needing to re-connect. I seem to recall that AIV needs periodic reconnects so that you do not end up loading your device with content otherwise unavailable as a way to circumvent licensing. Alternatively, they could just require location services to be on but not wifi, so you're toast either way.

A few years ago, they said this will never happen.
Why the turn around?

Through aggressive worldwide expansion, their high quality video content selling point is less relevant to those in countries without decent Internet connectivity. NF still want to be relevant in those markets.

yes please. I am in Germany and streaming something on mobile data is like hitting the "imobile" "wap" internet button on an old mobile phone in like 2002

So don't stream while using mobile data. If your German mobile provider does not have decent data speed and/or acceptable data plan, you should talk to them.

 

[bushido]

There are solutions for offline watching stuff. Netflix are not the first to the party. And I would not be surprised if NF will implement a system whereby you get a 24-48 hour grace period to watch downloaded content without needing to re-connect. I seem to recall that AIV needs periodic reconnects so that you do not end up loading your device with content otherwise unavailable as a way to circumvent licensing. Alternatively, they could just require location services to be on but not wifi, so you're toast either way.

Through aggressive worldwide expansion, their high quality video content selling point is less relevant to those in countries without decent Internet connectivity. NF still want to be relevant in those markets.

So don't stream while using mobile data. If your German mobile provider does not have decent data speed and/or acceptable data plan, you should talk to them.

well DUH? thats why i am saying yay offline playblack ...

 

[Rigby]

There are solutions for offline watching stuff. Netflix are not the first to the party.

I am aware of this, but I'd like it for Netflix because they have a different (and IMO better) content selection than Amazon Video and I wouldn't have to spend extra money for renting or buying content from iTunes or Vudu.

 

[TurboPGT!]

Something tells me carriers will find a way to punish users if Netflix does this. Allowing the downloading of Netflix content (while you're on WiFi of course) would greatly impact the use of cellular data.

 

[ziggie216]

Why do they have to be so wishy-washy about this? It's such a simple to implement feature, and can be so very handy.

One big example is frequent travelers. Have a flight coming up? Queue up a few episodes of a show and download watch it on the plane.

They don't need to make excuses and talk about it being an "accessibility feature". Just set aside some download cache and use it!

yes it maybe easy to implement, but then their setback probably has to do with license and security. consumers sometimes need to see things from providers side.

 

[mac 2005]

If Spotify can offer this functionality, then Netflix should be able to do the same. I recognize the IP rights of the stakeholders, but if people pay for on-demand access, that access should not be limited by location.

 

[IvanX]

well DUH? thats why i am saying yay offline playblack ...

NF didn't create the problem you are experiencing, so why are you expecting them to solve it?

I am aware of this, but I'd like it for Netflix because they have a different (and IMO better) content selection than Amazon Video and I wouldn't have to spend extra money for renting or buying content from iTunes or Vudu.

Offline downloading will ultimately lead to an increase in prices, so you will pay more one way or another. Also, using your flight example, IFE is there so that customers can eyeball it and estimated number of those eyeballs is a factor in license fee negotiations for airlines. Studios will not want to be paid less so, in order to provide it to everyone, airlines may need to impose higher fees to mitigate. Like I said, you will pay more one way or another.

If Spotify can offer this functionality, then Netflix should be able to do the same. I recognize the IP rights of the stakeholders, but if people pay for on-demand access, that access should not be limited by location.

Some limitations will always be present. Just look at how NF cracked down on VPNs...

 

[joueboy]

With the price increasing and catalogs dropping. If they don't add this feature Amazon might take over the video streaming services. The offline viewing is a must feature to for them to keep top spot.
[doublepost=1461083960][/doublepost]

If Spotify can offer this functionality, then Netflix should be able to do the same. I recognize the IP rights of the stakeholders, but if people pay for on-demand access, that access should not be limited by location.

FYI Amazon Video streaming service and YouTube already doing this. There is no way they're not capable of doing it.

 

[Rigby]

Offline downloading will ultimately lead to an increase in prices, so you will pay more one way or another. Also, using your flight example, IFE is there so that customers can eyeball it and estimated number of those eyeballs is a factor in license fee negotiations for airlines. Studios will not want to be paid less so, in order to provide it to everyone, airlines may need to impose higher fees to mitigate. Like I said, you will pay more one way or another.

That logic seems far-fetched to me.

 

[surfingarbo]

I was actually thinking about this in the shower the other evening.

Offline viewing that is, not the Netflix CEO.

 

[bushido]

yes it maybe easy to implement, but then their setback probably has to do with license and security. consumers sometimes need to see things from providers side.

amazon instant video got it and its super cheap also it could be sold as a add-on like hd is for ppl who actually want it

 

[lunarworks]

Why do they have to be so wishy-washy about this? It's such a simple to implement feature, and can be so very handy.

One big example is frequent travelers. Have a flight coming up? Queue up a few episodes of a show and download watch it on the plane.

They don't need to make excuses and talk about it being an "accessibility feature". Just set aside some download cache and use it!

They have to renegotiate all of their licenced content. Their contracts only involve streaming and/or mailing physical media.

Lots of lawyers. This takes time.

 

[IvanX]

That logic seems far-fetched to me.

I happen to know quite a bit about the airline industry, though you are free to take what I say as you wish.