OpenStars

I am not certain I know what you mean.

Netflix hasn't given any reason for ditching downloads on Windows: when Windows Latest asked about it they were simply directed to the relevant support document, which confirms that a new app is "coming soon", without the download option.

The fact that downloading is still available on Windows is purely bc the update hasn't rolled out yet.

They think (unproven) that this radical change might be due to the cheaper licensing options if they remove the ability to download. A cost-benefit analysis where Windows users will either take it and like it or else who cares about Windows ~~mobile~~ users anyway if they leave. Either way, a victory for licensing companies, or they'll spin it that way regardless.

My worry is that it will embolden them to go still yet further, making it harder on both pirates and paying customers just bc they can get away with doing so.:-(

It probably depends on what "working" means - it won't ever stop piracy but if they can make things more difficult, then that fact alone gives them a woody.

Also people trying to manipulate the corporate ladder - "hey let's maximize our revenue stream by synergizing the... yeah just gimme a raise won't'cha?" (and since they pay themselves, they won't mind if they do... then use all their "initiatives" like this as justification for that fact). End-users aren't the "customers" anymore these days, in giant megalithic corpos - we are the product that is sold, to whoever is willing to pay.:-(

Android in the last couple versions has locked its file system down too

Really!? I'm a bit behind, but somehow this surprises me. I mean, not the intention, bc Google's motto these days is "definitely be evil", but that it had gotten this far this fast.

Anyway at a guess all you'd have to do is download whatever you want, then root, profit, then turn off root and it wouldn't even know? Plus the tons of ways that you can do things without even needing root access these days, and I haven't even mentioned yet a custom ROM. And ofc piracy, where someone else obtains the video files, e.g. ripping from a physical medium. So they will most definitely lose that flight. And in the meantime, the most honest customers are the ones who suffer.

Overall I just chalked this up to: anyone who uses Windows (or iOS) basically is at the mercy of profit-seeking behaviors. You will own nothing, and like it - or else!:-(

Let's not pretend that an "average" mobile user is capable of doing that?

Which is why we need to help one another to get there:-).

"While downloads will no longer be supported, you can continue to watch TV shows and movies offline on a supported mobile device," the Netflix document says

So essentially Windows devices are no longer "supported" wrt this particular feature.

It essentially means the Windows app will be little more than a wrapper for the Netflix website.

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.

So once again everything devolves down to licensing - i.e. it sounds like they were pressured into this hard choice to leave those users in the cold, which they did. Probably bc the user base of Windows phones is so tiny? (Edit: bc they are discontinued, though more likely they meant the desktop - i.e. laptops - sorry if I caused any confusion).

Though that is one of the main advantages of Netflix these days, as opposed to e.g. piracy.

TLDR: Ultimately it is yet more enshittification, and while due to licensing rather than Netflix, still it is Netflix users (on Windows devices) who will bear the burden.

My advice would be to disable automatic updates and coast for a long while on the current app version, though that can be easier said than done due to multiple locations of automatic update settings. I have zero experience with Windows lately, but good luck if you want to try it!:-|

Asking the important questions!

Perhaps that's why they are eager to do this - think of all the money they could make from lawsuits...;-)

Fwiw, I did not downvote you, and enjoyed the trip down memory lane!:-P

I mean, you could probably build one... no need for the genocide at all;-P.

Nuh uh! Only 90% are that way... the rest are men who buy into how "sporty" they are.:-)

I did love watching a video of a tiny Subaru Crosstrek able to do as well as a tow truck - it's not just about power, but tire traction grip.

Also people who don't buy into the whole "truck=manly" schtick.

But definitely 90% soccer moms too ofc.:-P

Yeah I was wrong about that. I mentioned this in another reply:

The U.S. government uses light-duty trucking as a vehicle class for the regulation of fuel economy by enforcing the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. The light-duty truck class includes pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), vans, and minivans.

Since light-duty trucks are typically used for utility purposes rather than personal use, they have lower standards for fuel economy than cars do.

From this article.

Uno Reverse!