Netflix loves those streaming numbers, but sometimes users need to download content to watch when their schedule permits.
Back in June of last year, Netflix debuted a new feature called “Smart Downloads”. This is an automatic download feature, sort of removing the manual behavior of the download feature for some content available on the platform. Netflix originally planned to launch the feature before the end of 2018, and on iOS first, but the reality was Smart Downloads landed on Android first.
But better late than never, as Netflix has announced today it is finally launching Smart Downloads for iOS devices. Netflix bills this as a way for customers to watch content they’ve already downloaded, and then have the system automatically download the next episode of that show you’re trying to binge.
“Today, we are excited to introduce Smart Downloads. Now, when you finish watching a downloaded episode, Smart Downloads will delete it, and then automatically download the next episode. You watch, we do the work.”
The feature itself can be turned on and off as a user sees fit, so it’s not always on by default. And there really is a bit of smarts to how it works. The feature is designed to automatically delete an episode before it installs a new one. However, if you’ve downloaded, say, the first two episodes of a series, finish watching the second episode, then Smart Downloads will automatically delete the first episode and download the third one. That way if you need to watch the second episode again before getting caught up with the latest in your list, you can do that.
Also, it’s a Wi-Fi-only feature:
“The Smart Downloads feature only turns on when you’re connected to Wi-Fi, so your data plan will never be used, and it won’t impact your device storage, because it will always delete the last watched episode before downloading the next one. Smart Downloads is available on the latest version of the Netflix app for Android mobile devices, iOS mobile devices, and computers and tablets running Windows 10.”
If you want to find out more about how Smart Downloads works, head through the source link below. This is a pretty awesome feature, especially for folks who know they will be traveling and streaming isn’t an option.
[via Netflix]
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