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Netflix Windows app is set to remove its downloads feature, while introducing ads

Netflix has managed to annoy a good number of its users with an announcement about an upcoming update to its Windows 11 (and Windows 10) app: support for adverts and live events will be added, but the ability to download content is being taken away.

Netflix must realize that it's a huge frustration for people who relied on offline downloads to watch content without internet access: on planes, trains, and campsites, and anywhere else where Wi-Fi is unavailable or unreliable.

There's a small chance that Netflix will change its mind if it gets enough complaints, but the streaming service seems determined to add as many money-making features as possible, while taking away genuinely useful ones.

Sonofabrat ,
Sonofabrat ,

[Thread, post or comment was deleted by the moderator]

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    gnygnygny ,

    A quick reminder : you don't need to watch Netflix.

    InternetPerson ,

    Install an android emulator. Problem solved.

    Start pirating again. Problem solved.

    Make your own movies and shows. Problem solved.

    Start a company, get rich, buy Netflix, problem solved.

    Stop watching stuff, do something else. Problem solved.

    Found a secret society, infiltrate politics worldwide, stir chaos and destruction, let the world burn and built a new Netflix from the world's ashes where you still can download stuff. Problem solved.

    See? It's not that hard!

    (In case it wasn't clear, I am joking.)

    gnygnygny ,

    Best comment so far

    extremeboredom ,

    ..... Yarrrrr mateys

    Ookami38 ,

    Yaaaaaarrrrrr

    DudeImMacGyver ,
    @DudeImMacGyver@sh.itjust.works avatar

    Ha har, yarr!

    Kyouki ,

    Yuuurh!

    Jackhammer_Joe ,

    Yaaaharrrrrr

    Freuks ,
    @Freuks@lemmy.ml avatar

    Piracy ship

    lauha ,

    Yo, ho, ho and a bottle of rum!

    Frostbeard ,

    There is a windows software for Netflix? I have been using my browser on all platforms tbh

    01011 , (edited )

    You lost when you got roped into the Windows monopoly and compounded your loss by paying for Netflix.

    Better luck next time.

    frostysauce ,

    So they are introducing ads and removing the download option, both moves unfriendly to consumers. Sounds like they plan to do a "We've listened to consumers and" shelving one of those moves for later (probably the download option) when the hubbub over the worse option dies down.

    InternetPerson ,

    Also, at least where I live, they are increasing prices.

    Makes me feel like it's time to dust my old pirate hat...

    slaacaa ,

    Capitalism breeds innovation

    BaardFigur ,

    [Thread, post or comment was deleted by the author]

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    dependencyinjection ,

    Well that’s mighty selfish of you isn’t it, won’t you think of the Microsoft shareholder who want to make more money from harvesting your data and Netflix for wanting to serve you ads to increase profits.

    ILikeBoobies ,

    Microsoft doesn’t care if you use the app or the browser

    You’re still on their OS

    ArtVandelay ,
    @ArtVandelay@lemmy.world avatar

    I'm certainly no desktop developer, but I would imagine a native application gives you access to more intrusive data than a browser, especially considering modern browser protections. Just a theory though

    helpme ,

    You mean you're not Edging?

    ILikeBoobies ,

    They could keylog everything or screenshot every x seconds and send it to them if they wanted

    Log all network requests

    The app is most likely electron which is just Chromium

    UnderpantsWeevil ,
    @UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world avatar

    You'd never know it the way they try to make every Microsoft branded app the default

    Kethal ,

    I think the only way to get surround sound is in the desktop program. I don't know if that's a limitation of browsers or if the Netflix guys are just assholes.

    captain_aggravated ,
    @captain_aggravated@sh.itjust.works avatar

    I could imagine a technical limitation if they use some proprietary audio codec to send compressed surround sound that the browser somehow doesn't support, but on the other hand why the fuck am I giving a big tech corporation any benefit of the doubt?

    subtext ,

    In my limited understanding, they almost certainly do not because if they did client devices would struggle to decode some non-standard format.

    It’s probably a DRM limitation.

    Duke_Nukem_1990 ,

    Depending on the browser, you won't get 4k. IIRC only works with Edge cause of DRM.

    DudeImMacGyver ,
    @DudeImMacGyver@sh.itjust.works avatar

    You know what doesn't have shitty DRM? Torrents.

    henfredemars ,

    Pirated movies don’t have this problem.

    I’m just saying, ruin your own service, and lose to pirates who can provide a better one for free.

    sunbeam60 ,

    Yeah, Plex downloads work fine still, on all devices.

    subtext ,

    Lol downloads is the one thing that definitively does not work for Plex

    https://duckduckgo.com/?q=plex+downloads+broken

    Bamboodpanda ,

    My wife and I unsubscribed a few months back. I've not noticed.

    DudeImMacGyver ,
    @DudeImMacGyver@sh.itjust.works avatar

    Better late than never, fuck Netflix!

    soba ,

    And I am set to remove Netflix subscription, while introducing torrents.

    Ads are the one thing I won't tolerate on a paid service.

    InternetUser2012 ,

    I refuse to pay to watch ads.

    laurelraven ,

    Which is exactly why I want to get rid of cable

    azalty ,
    @azalty@jlai.lu avatar

    Title might be misleading, they’ll only add support for ad tiers, not introduce ads in all tiers

    Qwaffle_waffle ,

    At this time...

    laurelraven ,

    But when they do, you'll get the optional add-on to remove ads for just 2.99 more a month!

    GlassHalfHopeful , (edited )
    @GlassHalfHopeful@lemmy.ca avatar

    It's possible that the move means Netflix can save some money on licensing, which may cost extra if downloads are included – enabling users to take shows and movies around with them and watch them without an internet connection.

    Maximize profit. Good for them. Never good for us. Never.

    Why is it so terrible to build a company that people love?

    yamanii ,
    @yamanii@lemmy.world avatar

    Shareholders are the real costumers.

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