Netflix now allows android users to watch partially downloaded shows

By Arya M Nair, Official Reporter
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The popular OTT platform, Netflix has added a new partial downloads feature for its android users. The feature allows users to watch partly downloaded shows up until it has been downloaded.

The partial downloading feature is now available on Android phones and tablets. Netflix said that it will begin testing the feature on iOS in the coming months.

Users were not able to watch partial downloads of shows earlier since downloading content couldn’t be watched offline until it was fully downloaded. Netflix unveiled the download option in 2016 to allow offline streaming while flying, traveling by bus or train, or in places with restricted internet access.

“We’ve updated the Netflix download experience so users can now watch The Mitchells vs. The Machines or the next episode of Luis Miguel – The Series even if it hasn’t finished downloading yet. Users can select to finish the download and continue watching once strong connection is restored, eliminating those annoying warnings that have exceeded data limits,” Netflix said in a blog post.

Earlier this year, Netflix had unveiled the ‘Downloads for You’ feature broadening its Smart Downloads experience for Android, which allowed users to instantly download recommended series or movies based on their viewing history. Before, Netflix Smart Downloads would remove the episodes watched and download the next episode of the show.

Furthermore, Netflix launched its Netflix Shop online store last month to sell products and merchandise influenced by its shows. On a regular basis, the e-store will sell exclusive and limited editions of “carefully selected high-quality fashion and lifestyle products” linked to Netflix’s shows.

Related: Netflix opens online shop to sell its show-branded merchandise

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