Netflix with ads may not come with offline viewing
Netflix coming soon ad support tier may not be the best streaming option for commuters and other viewers who regularly watch on the go. Programmer Steve Moser Discovered text in the code of the service’s iPhone app that says “Download available on all plans except Netflix with ads”. If viewers can’t download content to their devices upstairs, that means they won’t be able to watch their shows or movies offline. Netflix neither confirms nor denies the lack of offline viewing with the service it offers, but it does say TechCrunch:
“We’re still in the early days of deciding how to launch a lower-priced, ad-supported option, and no decision has been made yet. So it’s all speculation. at this time.”
Back in July, Netflix Co-CEO and Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos admitted in an earnings call that the upcoming subscription option will not include all of the service’s licensed content at launch. The company still has to renegotiate contracts with studios so it can offer their shows and movies with advertising. Similarly, the lack of offline viewing could also have a good reason other than Netflix wanting to force tier subscribers to pay extra for a premium membership.
Like TechCrunch note, serving ads with offline content can be technically challenging. In fact, Netflix won’t be the only streaming platform with an ad-supported option that doesn’t come with offline viewing. For example, HBO Max’s and Hulu’s also do not have a download function. However, based on Netflix’s statement, things could still change by the time the class launches early next year.
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