Netflix on Monday announced a new feature for its subscribers that would allow them to stream content from movies and TV episodes that have not yet finished downloading on the app. The popular streaming service currently allows users to download content to their mobile and tablet devices to view even when they do not have internet access – or have connectivity that is not ideal for streaming content.
Netflix currently allows users to watch something only when it is downloaded on the device completely. For instance, if you have a flight to catch and you have only managed to download 50 per cent of the content, you can only view the content offline when the download is complete. However, not anymore, as Netflix wants to make things easy for its users.
Keela Robison, Netflix Vice President, Product Innovation on Monday announced: “Even if it hasn’t completed downloading. Once you’ve regained a strong enough connection, you can choose to finish the download and keep watching — avoiding those surprise notices that you’ve gone over your data limits.”
The feature is available for Android users, and they can partially download web series and movies on their tablets and mobiles. Not only this, but users can also watch the content even if they do not have access to the internet. Netflix is one of the most popular OTT platforms in the world. Most people watch movies and web series on Netflix for entertainment. This new feature by the company would help users to stream their favorite content anywhere anytime.
“You can now start watching The Mitchells vs The Machines or the next episode of Luis Miguel – The Series even if it hasn’t completed downloading. Once you’ve regained a strong enough connection, you can choose to finish the download and keep watching — avoiding those surprise notices that you’ve gone over your data limits. We always want to make it easier for members to access their favourite series or movies regardless of language, device, connectivity, or location. So partial downloading is now available on Android phones and tablets, and we’ll begin testing on iOS in the coming months. That’s the download on Netflix’s latest improvement – for now,” Netflix said in a blog.
It’s easy to see how this could come in handy in certain scenarios. If a Netflix user has spotty internet connectivity and wants to download a movie, they can start the download to prevent any buffering videos, then check the content after a while to see if it’s something they want to keep watching. They could then continue downloading or cancel it accordingly. The feature could also come in handy if you only managed to download part of a movie before leaving home, but want to watch some of it anyway, while you’re on the go.
Currently, the feature is available for Android Users. Netflix said it will soon roll out this new feature for iOS users in coming months.
