Netflix may soon support movie downloads

Netflix users have long been craving for movie download feature on the popular video-streaming platform. Downloading movies and TV shows could soon be one of our favourite past times if Netflix implements the idea of supporting this feature shortly.

The video-streaming company has in the past turned down the idea of offering content downloads on devices, due to the legal implications and licensing problems. However, all that could change soon. 

Netflix's CEO Reed Hasting has done a U-turn on his decision to explore new possibilities keeping an open mind about the company's stream-only policy. Here's what Hasting said in an interview with Re/code's Peter Kafka:

We should keep an open mind on this. We’ve been so focused on click-and-watch and the beauty and simplicity of streaming. But as we expand around the world, where we see an uneven set of networks, it’s something we should keep an open mind about.

The report suggests that Netflix's renewed interest in technologically developing countries with scarce network bandwidth could be the reason behind this optimistic strategy to shift its focus from the prominent western market.

Offering downloadable content is an entirely different challenge than the streaming on demand service. So, the company will have to strike a better deal while negotiating for the licensing rights.

While it is unlikely that major players like Disney would support such a move, smaller players like indie films and in-house creations might just capitalise on the opportunity to offer their content for download.

• Netflix
• movie downloads