Local streaming provider Showmax already does it and now there’s a chance that streaming juggernaut Netflix may make it a reality too. The service is considering making offline viewing a thing but they’re only planning on doing it in certain markets. America, usually the first in line for new features, isn’t one of these locations. We, on the other hand, might be.
This isn’t be the first time Netflix has spoken about offline viewing, although it seems they are taking it more seriously. Netflix may make it easier for developing markets to watch movies and series on slower internet connections by allowing downloads. Offline viewing is being considered for markets that don’t have the same connectivity as the company’s American and UK territories and the words “emerging territories” have cropped up in relation to such a shift — In other words we hoping the eventual feature lands in South Africa. South Africa counts as an emerging market, right?
Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarando, speaking to CNBC, said “Now as we’ve launched in more territories … They all have different levels of broadband speeds and Wi-Fi access. So in those countries they have adapted their behaviors to be much more of a downloading culture. So in those emerging territories it starts to become a little more interesting.”
“We still think for the developed world our thesis has been true but I think as we get into more and more (of the) undeveloped world and developing countries that we want to find alternatives for people to use Netflix easily.”
Netflix has not given a timeline for offline viewing, saying only that they are “looking at it now, so we’ll see when.” Which sounds a lot like ‘It’ll be released when we’re good and ready.” We’ll be keeping an ear to the ground. Hopefully we get more information sooner rather than later.
Source: CNBC