Netflix viewers slam major change to popular perk

Netflix viewers have slammed a major change to a popular perk on the streaming service's app. It will soon be revamping its PC app, with one benefit disappearing and a new feature added.

Many people download shows and movies offline to their laptops, proving useful during the commute to work or when travelling. But this will no longer be available for viewers.

Subscribers have since taken to Reddit to complain. One viewer said on Reddit: "It's really bad [because] I'm on the way 3 hours a day for work and use it to watch shows on the train.

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"Now I won't have anything since Disney plus doesn't support it either." Another wrote: "My internet isn't always reliable, having the ability to download shows is essential.

"Why even have a Windows app if you can't use it offline?" One viewer added: "Price reduction is in order since they are actively taking away features you're paying for.

"Netflix is definitely ruining themselves." Downloads will still be available on Netflix mobile apps on iOS and Android, The Sun reports.

It comes after a similar change on BBC iPlayer, which saw downloads for PC close in April. At the time, the BBC said this was due to "the low number of people using it and the cost required to keep it going".

As for Netflix's new PC app, the replacement will now support ad plans. The current app does not work with Netflix's cheaper ad-supported tier.

On its website, Netflix said: "A new Netflix app for Windows is coming soon, which includes support for watching live events, increased streaming quality, compatibility with ad-supported plans, and more. While downloads will no longer be supported, you can continue to watch TV shows and movies offline on a supported mobile device."