Netflix adds offline viewing for smartphones and tablets

Netflix has finally delivered on something users have been asking for basically since it first arrived; offline playback. The streaming media company announced that users will be able to download select Netflix content for use while they’re away from a data connection beginning Wednesday.

Airplane mode. Road trip mode. Stuck-in-the-subway-for-20-minutes mode. Your favorite stories are now available for download any time. pic.twitter.com/g7QZA3TyE8

— Netflix (@netflix) November 30, 2016

Netflix has added a “download” button for select films and TV shows, and plans to add more to the catalog of available titles in the future. Netflix is understandably starting with its original content, given the simpler licensing arrangements involved, with a launch slate for the feature that includes Orange is The New Black, Narcos and The Crown available for offline playback via download.

A quick survey of the updated app shows a lot of content, both original and first-party, available to view offline. It’ll vary region-to-region, but there should be plenty to get you started for your commute or long-haul flight. You can also select from two different quality options, depending on whether you want to prioritize video quality or device storage space.

The feature is available on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, provided they’re running iOS 8.0 or Android 4.4.2 or later.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8L3mvXgHcw&w=680&h=383]