Microsoft has a plan to replace the existing Windows version of Netflix application with a new web application in June 2024. This change will directly cancel the in-app download function, which has caused concerns among many users who are accustomed to offline viewing.
Strategic shift to web technology
This action by Microsoft indicates a major change in its application strategy for the Universal Windows Platform, that is, UWP. In recent years, the development of the UWP ecosystem has been relatively slow, and developers' interest has declined. Transforming critical applications like Netflix into progressive web applications based on web technology, or PWA, can simplify the development process and cover multiple Windows versions in one development.
For Microsoft, the cost of maintaining a huge native application ecosystem is high. Moving to web applications can reduce adaptation problems caused by system fragmentation and focus more resources on core Windows system development. This reflects the pragmatic choice of software giants in the face of cross-platform trends.
Why does the download function disappear?
In this change, the new application no longer supports downloading TV series and movies to local devices for offline viewing, which is what users are most concerned about. The response from Netflix customer service is that the experience of the new application will be similar to the existing web version, but the web version itself does not have the download function.
The technical reason behind this is that the Web is used to run in a browser sandbox environment. In this case, its file access and storage permissions are strictly restricted, making it difficult to achieve the stability and security of offline content encryption and storage like native applications. This restriction directly affects users' offline usage scenarios.
Improvements brought by new applications
Although the download function is lost, the new version of the app promises to bring improvements in many aspects. The official support document mentioned that it can support watching live broadcast activities and is expected to provide higher quality streaming videos. This is good news for those watching sporting events or specific press conferences.
The newly launched application will be more compatible with Netflix's various advertising subscription plans. This may mean that in the future, users in the Windows device category, regardless of their different payment levels, will be able to obtain a more unified and smoother interface and service experience, thereby reducing the lack of functions caused by outdated application versions.
How existing users respond
According to official information, the currently existing UWP version of the Netflix application will stop operating at a specific time in the future. Users will have to accept the new version after the update is launched in June 2024 at the latest. Microsoft proposes to users to turn on the automatic update function of the Microsoft Store to ensure a smooth transition.
For users who rely on the download feature, Netflix said they can still continue to download content on supported iOS or Android mobile devices. What this means is that users of Windows tablets or 2-in-1 devices may have to turn to mobile phones or tablets if they need to watch offline.
Impact on UWP ecology
This transition in the Netflix application is another clear signal of the decline of the UWP ecosystem. The UWP platform has been given high expectations by Microsoft. Its purpose is to integrate the application experience of all Windows devices. However, during the actual promotion period, it did not meet expectations.
More and more important applications choose to embrace PWA or directly develop traditional desktop applications. This raises a question. In the future of Windows, in addition to games and professional productivity tools, will our commonly used streaming media applications, social applications, and information applications be fully web-based?
User experience gains and losses
In the long run, the development of applications towards web-based applications may lead to a faster iteration rate of functions, and developers no longer have to wait for the long App Store review process. Users can also get the latest version instantly without the need for manual updates. The sync experience across devices also has the potential to become more consistent.
In the short term, however, users lose a core convenience feature. This also raises a question about the boundaries of software services: When applications are completely dependent on the network, and manufacturers can change functions at any time, is the user's control over the service reduced? Are we "using" software, or are we "accessing" a service that changes at any time?
What is your opinion on this joint change between Microsoft and Netflix? Do you often use the offline download function? Will its cancellation seriously affect your usage style and habits? Welcome to share your opinions in the comment area.
