San Francisco, Aug 18 : The most popular video streaming platform Netflix’s forthcoming advertising-supported tier is not likely to allow offline viewing feature available to subscribers in this level of the platform. According to TechCrunch the discovery was made when the developer Steve Moser found code within the Netflix iPhone app that suggested the streaming app would block users from downloading content to their devices to watch offline.
The text in the code reads, “Downloads available on all plans, except Netflix with advertisements” as well as suggested that users be directed to personalize their ad experience , but would not be allowed to skip commercials, as is normal.
Netflix has declined to provide a comment on the downloads feature in particular on its website, but it suggested that it could be a component of the final version.
“We are in the beginning stages of the process of deciding on what to do about launching an ad-supported, less expensive option, and no decisions have been taken.This is just speculation at the moment,” a Netflix spokesperson was quoted as saying.
In June, the website announced that it was preparing to launch an ad-supported tier before the close of the year to lessen its losses and draw many more people to its platform.
Netflix’s Co-CEO Ted Sarandos confirmed during the Cannes Lions advertising festival that the future of the streaming giant will feature ads.
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