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Netflix Will Now Let Android Users Download Content Onto SD Storage (consumerist.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the no-internet-connection-required dept.

An anonymous reader quotes a report from Consumerist: Now that Netflix has finally opened the doors to offline viewing, subscribers have the ability to download content and watch it later. That's all well and good if you've got plenty of space on your device, but not so useful if you don't. Android users will have some breathing room now, however, as Netflix's most recent app update lets users set their download location to either internal storage or an SD card. As The Verge notes, offline content has a time limit, so it's not like you can download all the movies and TV shows your heart desires and leave them there forever. The feature doesn't support any Android devices that have a microSD slot, either.

46 of 62 comments (clear)

  1. Edit Time by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    "The feature doesn't support any Android devices that have a microSD slot, either."

    I assume this is actually "...support all Android devices..."

  2. Support SD or not? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    So it lets users chose download location between internal or SD, but it doesn't support devices with a SD slot?

    1. Re:Support SD or not? by omnichad · · Score: 2

      Only full-size SD card slots supported. Massive brick of a phone required.

    2. Re:Support SD or not? by ncc74656 · · Score: 1

      Only full-size SD card slots supported. Massive brick of a phone required.

      The Treo 650 I used back in the day had a full-size SD-card slot on top, and it wasn't particularly big (especially compared to your average "phablet"). That said, you'd be hard-pressed to find an Android device, past or present, that does.

      --
      20 January 2017: the End of an Error.
    3. Re:Support SD or not? by omnichad · · Score: 1

      My response was definitely not serious. But yeah, battery space dominates most phones now to a degree I would have never guessed back in those days.

  3. That's funny by tietokone-olmi · · Score: 2

    I recall "Secure Digital" being a reference to the built-in DRM that SD cards had since day 0, to contrast with e.g. CF cards that were "just" a small form-factor for the ATA/ATAPI protocols. The irony of DRM software not being compatible with a DRM architecture from about 15 years before is, while amusing, nothing out of the norm.

    Luckily this also means that TPM-based DRM is also dead in a practical sense.

    1. Re: That's funny by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Back when DVD ripping was brand new, the way it was done was to hook into the directx filters and copy the shadow buffer frame by frame

    2. Re:That's funny by cmiller173 · · Score: 1

      Actually I suspect you are thinking of MMC (Multi-Media Card), which was the same form factor as SD but without the protected segment or whatever. CF pre-dated MMC/SD, was about 2.5 times as big physically, and was common in digital cameras.

    3. Re: That's funny by jabuzz · · Score: 1

      Screw screen recorders, just go onto eBay and order yourself a self contained HDMI recorder. Remember that HDCP is a total busted flush for anything up to 1080p for definite and even 4K is probably also a bust.

    4. Re:That's funny by tietokone-olmi · · Score: 1

      I know exactly what I'm talking about.

      FYI, MMC never took off. It was used, at most, in less than five models of the Nokia Communicator, and that's it. Flash was very expensive back then.

  4. SD and not micro SD is useless by ITRambo · · Score: 1

    Android devices with full sized SD slots, certainly aren't phones. This app update by Netflix is useless to anyone with a smartphone and a micro SD slot, if they actually limit you to only using a full size SD card. That just doesn't make sense, unless they really don't want to encourage offline mobile viewing.

    1. Re:SD and not micro SD is useless by Fly+Swatter · · Score: 4, Informative

      That is what I thought too, but the summary just plain butchered this line:

      And Netflix notes that the feature doesn’t support any and all Android devices with a microSD slot.

      However even that was clear as mud due to the horrible choice of grammar.

    2. Re:SD and not micro SD is useless by cyberstealth1024 · · Score: 3, Informative

      For clarity, I am currently downloading a video onto my MicroSD card from my Android app. So yes, "SD Card" is generalized to "external storage". I have no idea what the consumerist.com write-up means by "The feature doesn’t support any Android devices that have a microSD slot, either".

    3. Re:SD and not micro SD is useless by swillden · · Score: 2

      For clarity, I am currently downloading a video onto my MicroSD card from my Android app. So yes, "SD Card" is generalized to "external storage". I have no idea what the consumerist.com write-up means by "The feature doesn’t support any and all Android devices that have a microSD slot, either".

      Fixed the quote for you.

      I guess what this means is that there are some devices that can't use SD. I don't know what the constraints are... maybe it only works on devices with sufficiently-good hardware DRM (there are various levels, and Netflix does adjust its behavior based on what your hardware has), or maybe it only works if the SD card is configured as adopted storage (which is encrypted for security, making it also unusable for sharing Netflix videos). Or maybe The Verge is just wrong and it does work on all devices. Or something else.

      --
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    4. Re:SD and not micro SD is useless by AvitarX · · Score: 1

      I bet it has to do with android version.

      Netflix runs on as far back as 4.4, maybe only 5 or 6 plus have this feature enabled.

      --
      Wow, sent an e-mail as suggested when clicking on "use classic" banner, and got a fast response that addressed my msg
  5. Consumerist click bait by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Go to original article on the Verge, they specifically show a phone with a MicroSD card as well as state that a MicroSD card can be used
    http://www.theverge.com/2017/1/24/14374180/netflix-offline-downloads-android-sd-card

    The Consumerist is just pure click bait with no original, unique content at all. It's a website that should be taken offline.

  6. uSD: WTF ?!? by DrYak · · Score: 1

    I have not idea where the Verge got this idea from (or maybe they just tested it once on a shitty device with broken uSD support and decided to speculate that it concerns all devices...)

    Took my Acer Iconia 10 (model B3-A20).
    Started Netflix (got immediately advertisement about the download feature)
    Went to App Settings

    And sure : the storage device which is shown there is my external exFAT-formatted uSD(XC) card (which is the default device on my tablet's android settings).

    (And in practice a full sized SDHC/SDXC and uSD behave exactly the same. There's no simple easy way to tell what type of media is plugged. It's possible but beyond anything that Netflix will care to implement).

    --
    "Sufficiently advanced satire is indistinguishable from reality." - [Tips: 1DrYakQDKCQ6y52z6QbnkxHXAocMZJE61o ]
  7. (u)SD: yes by DrYak · · Score: 3, Informative

    After testing on my personnal device :
    yes, the Verge is full of shit.

    Netflix correctly suggest downloading to my externel exFAT-formatted uSDXC card.
    (Which is setup as default under the android system settings).

    --
    "Sufficiently advanced satire is indistinguishable from reality." - [Tips: 1DrYakQDKCQ6y52z6QbnkxHXAocMZJE61o ]
    1. Re:(u)SD: yes by Desler · · Score: 1

      No, the issue is that BeauHD is just one of a long line of shitty editors.

  8. downloaded but still region locked by thygate · · Score: 2

    my brother downloaded a season of a show to watch abroad, but when he got there he was not allowed to view it. So what use it this feature anyway ?

    1. Re:downloaded but still region locked by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Download a show on your home wifi and watch it in HD at the gym instead of fighting to get it to stream in 480 on the 50kbps of bandwith you can get at the gym? Take it on a plane where you have no network access?

      As long as you keep your network access off and it doesn't update what region you're in, this isn't a problem...I don't think?

      YMMV

    2. Re:downloaded but still region locked by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      If you turn on airplane mode, the region lock will return to the location where you downloaded it. I tried this on a recent trip to HK.

    3. Re:downloaded but still region locked by Talderas · · Score: 1

      Let me give you the use cases. I'm currently watching Breaking Bad and started it just before Christmas.

      1. I flew to San Jose for Christmas which I had roughly 6-7 hours of total flight time each way. I watched the show while on the flight.
      2. While on my lunch at work I will watch the show and out of respect for my company I wouldn't eat up bandwidth unnecessarily by streaming the show over their network connection.
      3. When I go out to eat a restaurant I do so by myself so I can take the tablet with me and be able to watch the show while I eat.

      Basically, every use case under which I had taken books with me to read has now been supplemented by having a tablet with TV shows or movies from Netflix.

      --
      "Lack of speed can be overcome. In the worst case by patience." --Znork
  9. Offline content by AK+Marc · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Offline content doesn't have an expiration. Playing it does. So if you download in the US, then store it for 12 months to play elsewhere, it'll eventually refuse to play. But it's still there, unless you delete it. You just connect, open Netflix, go to your downloads, and click on it, and it'll play locally, after a quick check to the servers that it would be playable if you were to stream it.

    Actually quite reasonable of a restriction. I've found stuff lasts about 2 weeks, but not everything expired at the same time, so that may not be a firm number (or I could have started looking at a time in the middle of an expiration period).

    So if you are not trying to game the system, you can download at home, play on the bus (while connected via 3G) and 100% of playback will be from local, and nothing will ever expire. Also, if you open netlfix daily at home, but play offline at work, you shouldn't see a problem. So the "expiration" is over-stated in an attempt to generate clickbait to get people angry over the limitations that seem quite reasonable.

    --
    Learn to love Alaska
    1. Re:Offline content by GTRacer · · Score: 2

      I'm against draconian DRM as much as the next free spirit, but that applies to purchased content (or format-shifted purchased media). Netflix is streaming, where no ownership is transferred. Therefore, the expectation of expiration checkins doesn't seem out of place or particularly onerous.

      --
      Defending IP by destroying access to it? That makes sense, RIAA/MPAA. Go to the corner until you can play nice!
    2. Re:Offline content by rhazz · · Score: 2

      Encrypted region locked downloads that require server checkins are absolutely anti-consumer and entirely unreasonable.

      1. Netflix content was already region-locked.
      2. Before this, Netflix digital content was only available via streaming.
      3. This is a net improvement to customers, with no additional cost.

      You're free to not subscribe to Netflix. Also you can just continue to pirate as you'd probably find an excuse for anyway.

    3. Re:Offline content by T.E.D. · · Score: 1

      So if you are not trying to game the system, you can download at home, play on the bus (while connected via 3G) and 100% of playback will be from local

      Uhhh-huh. And how about if I want to play it on the airplane (while connected to nothing)?

      If I can't watch it whenever I want, without having to hit a network at all, then there's really no point to this. I suppose if my network connection is crappy, having it local might prevent some buffering, but is that really worth the trouble?

    4. Re:Offline content by AvitarX · · Score: 1

      There's still bandwidth saving, even if it required a check in for every playback.

      But it doesn't require that either. Sure, it won't get you unlimited playback everywhere forever, but it will get you two weeks of it know your region (or if you turn off location, everywhere).

      It's a nice add on for flying, but it doesn't really convert it to purchased local (as it would seem some want).

      It also allows me to download high res versions over Wi-Fi, and I've opted for low res no data billing on T-Mobile.

      --
      Wow, sent an e-mail as suggested when clicking on "use classic" banner, and got a fast response that addressed my msg
    5. Re:Offline content by T.E.D. · · Score: 1

      It's a nice add on for flying, but it doesn't really convert it to purchased local (as it would seem some want).

      ...except its not, because it still won't play if it can't call back into that server.

    6. Re:Offline content by AK+Marc · · Score: 1

      Works 100% of the time. Did it myself on an airplane, no connection to anything. The part about 3G on the bus is that you don't have to worry about data charges. A few kb here or there to re-authorize is nothing compared to the massive downloads saved.

      So long as you are flying from the US, you'll be fine. Connect to the WiFi at home, or at the airport, or mobile data and make sure everything is authorized, and you can watch it on the plane. Flying back 6 weeks later after your backpacking trip, though, and it'll likely not work.

      --
      Learn to love Alaska
    7. Re:Offline content by AK+Marc · · Score: 1

      It'll play back if it can't call back. It won't play if the authorization to play has expired (weeks). It won't play if the authorization to play back fails (you downloaded US-only content, then opened Netflix in Albania and connected to local Netflix regional servers that don't have that show.

      You have to wait weeks for a time-out, or actively connect in a Netflix region where the content is not allowed. Otherwise, it works, no connection to a server is required to start playback (in fact, connection to a network is not allowed, if you are outside an area that has that content).

      If you want to watch on the bus with no connection at all, that's a new option that now exists. You don't need a connection to do so.

      I was commenting on the over-statement about the expiry. If you aren't cheating, and something "expires", it is trivial to get it reactivated without re-downloading. Re-activation isn't needed every time you play, just every few weeks.

      --
      Learn to love Alaska
    8. Re:Offline content by AvitarX · · Score: 1

      You're experience with the service is very different than everyone else I know's.

      Maybe you have a setting broken?

      --
      Wow, sent an e-mail as suggested when clicking on "use classic" banner, and got a fast response that addressed my msg
  10. How did it come to this .. by khz6955 · · Score: 1

    "An anonymous reader quotes a report from Consumerist:"

    Slashdot now reduced to regurgitating consumerist slashvertisments from some consumer magazine.

  11. How many phones have SD slots? by Streetlight · · Score: 1

    Not very knowledgeable, here, but it seems SD slots in phones have gone away. My laptop has one, but not the phones in my household. Maybe you can get an adapter to plug an SD card into the USB port on a phone. Then again, internal memory in these devices has increased and 128 GB, or more, can be had at a premium. And, how much memory does one of these downloads, say a 2 hr HD movie, to SD card use?

    --
    In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. George Orwell
    1. Re:How many phones have SD slots? by Geeky · · Score: 1

      Actually I think most of the current generation of Android phones have them with the main exception of the Google Pixel.

      --
      Sigs are so 1990s. No way would I be seen dead with one.
    2. Re:How many phones have SD slots? by T.E.D. · · Score: 1

      Dunno. Every phone I've ever owned had an SD slot (and a removable battery). I don't buy new phones like they are seasonal fashion items though, so I don't know what's available today.

      I do know that my current tablet is constantly running out of on-board NVRAM, and has tons of free space on its SD card that apps refuse to make use of. Its nice to see one of them trying to find a good use for it (even if I have qualms about their approach).

  12. Subtitles don't work on T-mobile by rsilvergun · · Score: 1

    which is kinda annoying. It's because it's a separate data stream that isn't included in the unmetered service. This'd be nice to have for that. That said, there's not a lot of anime or kung fu on netflix anymore...

    --
    Hi! I make Firefox Plug-ins. Check 'em out @ https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/youtube-mp3-podcaster/
  13. Re:fix netflix first by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    fix your random crapheap device?

  14. Re:oh goodie by MachineShedFred · · Score: 1

    Yeah, god forbid they allow us to watch their content while not being on a network. Like, for example, if you are on an airplane.

    The 'no DRM or GTFO' stance you are advocating is just stupid. This is progress, and I've already used it and been happy with it. Would I be happier with no DRM? Sure. But that's just not a reasonable stance to take at this time.

    Don't like it? Don't fucking use it.

    --
    Slashdot still doesnâ(TM)t support Unicode after it was added to the HTML standard in 1997.
  15. "News for nerds" by fph+il+quozientatore · · Score: 1

    How is that news? Choosing the download location is a feature that should have been there from the start; it is trivial to implement and deserves at most a mention in their changelog. Or do apps programmers suck so bad at their job that we can't expect even basic functionalities from them?

    --
    My first program:

    Hell Segmentation fault

  16. Re:oh goodie by quenda · · Score: 1

    The 'no DRM or GTFO' stance you are advocating is just stupid.

    Well it works for music and broadcast television. I can play iTunes downloads or record television using open-source software, all DRM-free.

  17. Well, this was expected... by nausicaa · · Score: 1

    For all its flaws (region locking, expiring content etc), this is still better than not being able to store and watch later, especially since certain organizations (Copyswede, etc) want me to pay extra just because my phone has storage and therefore COULD be used to store privately copied copyrighted material (as in stuff I own and subsequently made copies of for my own personal use, not pirated material)... No allowing me to you know, actually doing that would be just plain wrong :D

  18. Just give me HD viewing in Linux! by jonr · · Score: 2

    Why do I need gaddem Microsoft Edge to watch your stuff in 1080p?

  19. Re:oh goodie by MachineShedFred · · Score: 1

    And how long did it take for the RIAA to see that DRM was unnecessary, allowing you to play those iTunes downloads DRM-free? 8 years?

    If you can't see that this is the first step towards that, then you just aren't remembering recent history. These things happen a little at a time.

    --
    Slashdot still doesnâ(TM)t support Unicode after it was added to the HTML standard in 1997.
  20. english? by DrYak · · Score: 1

    okay, so maybe too many people who aren't native english speaker (not only the summary writer, but including myself) interpreted this sentence wrong.

    --
    "Sufficiently advanced satire is indistinguishable from reality." - [Tips: 1DrYakQDKCQ6y52z6QbnkxHXAocMZJE61o ]
  21. Re:oh goodie by quenda · · Score: 1

    Nobody "owns" the movies, not even the studios. You just buy limited rights. You are quibbling.
    OK, Netflix is time-limited, and removing DRM would allow people to build a library at home. But that's already dead-easy from bittorrent etc etc.
    What does the DRM achieve? It certainly does not limit piracy. It does stop anyone making a non-approved client, which might remove control from Netflix (change the promoted new shows). Maybe Amazon would sell subsidised Netflix boxes with adverts? But you can stop that by law, no DRM needed.

    People are happy to pay for Netflix for the convenience, added services (info, recommendations, ...) and reasonable prices.
    Removing DRM will not change that. In fact it may become even more convenient fore many people. With an open API, there will be lots of new and better ways to watch Netflix (as well as lots of bad, buggy ones.)

        I like to use the browser plugin that adds data from IMDB, Rotten Tomatoes and links to reviews. With an open system, you could have all that and more on other clients such as Android or IOS.