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Netflix kills casting from phones to TVs

EviLore

Expansive Ellipses
Staff Member

Article:
Netflix has quietly removed the ability to cast content from its mobile apps to most modern TVs and streaming devices, including newer Chromecast models and the Google TV Streamer.

The change was first spotted by users on Reddit and confirmed in an updated Netflix support page (via Android Authority), which now states that the streaming service no longer supports casting from mobile devices to most TVs and TV-streaming devices. Users are instead directed to use the remote that came with their TV hardware and use its native Netflix app.

The only exception appears to apply to older Chromecast models without remotes, as well as TVs with built-in Google Cast support. However, even on these legacy devices, casting only remains for those on costlier ad-free plans, but it is unavailable for subscribers on Netflix's ad-supported plan.

User reports appear to suggest Netflix began removing the Cast button from its mobile apps in mid-November, but the company provided no advance warning to users. One Reddit user said customer service explained that devices with remotes can no longer cast, claiming the decision was made to improve the customer experience.



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Weird, what would be the reason for this? Seems like it's just making the experience worse overall. Is there some new tier coming that distinguishes the devices you can stream on?

Casting can be really useful, especially when you're travelling.
 
Weird, what would be the reason for this? Seems like it's just making the experience worse overall. Is there some new tier coming that distinguishes the devices you can stream on?

Casting can be really useful, especially when you're travelling.
Our internet at home went down on Thanksgiving. I ended up casting from my phone to my TV.
 
Weird, what would be the reason for this? Seems like it's just making the experience worse overall. Is there some new tier coming that distinguishes the devices you can stream on?

Casting can be really useful, especially when you're travelling.
I assume this is part of their crackdown on account sharing. People were circumventing 'household' limitations by casting. Makes the service worse though, yes.
 
Netflix offers a cheaper mobile-only subscription where you can only watch on the phone and not anywhere else. If you just cast from the phone to the TV, then you're watching on a device that's technically a higher tier, more expensive subscription.
 
How dare you bring your Netflix over to your friend's house.

What does this look like, a rental (service)?
I hadn't thought of that aspect. That must be it. Greedy bastards.

It's also shitty for the elderly, who at this point might be used to using their phone but might get thrown off by another remote.
 
Netflix offers a cheaper mobile-only subscription where you can only watch on the phone and not anywhere else. If you just cast from the phone to the TV, then you're watching on a device that's technically a higher tier, more expensive subscription.
So have the casting option tied into that. Stupid anyhow.

Screen mirroring on the phones would be a workaround. Maybe.
 
I stopped subscribing after the Cuties controversy.

I quit my subscription about a year ago too. The cancellation of Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance and the Witcher dumpster fire was my breaking point. And the quantity over quality approach they've been spearheading the last several years.
 
I feel like we're regressing tech-wise each year. It all started when Apple stopped shipping their computers with IR-receivers and those Apple remotes.

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Or how you could with the physical buttons on your phone easily switch songs or even albums(if you had good muscle memory). I feel like for every two steps forward something goes back one step.
 
How dare you bring your Netflix over to your friend's house.

What does this look like, a rental (service)?
Netflix is a rental service.

Since they can't (yet) stop non-subs from watching on a TV at a subscribing friends house, this just makes them look unnecessarily draconian, and only serves to discourage both existing and new subs alike.
 
I hate this. I often cast content to screens that are outside of my house. I don't account share with anyone so this is punishing.
 
Raising prices and reducing features sure seems to be the streaming business model. Next thing you know and ads will be back. Oh wait.
 
Weird, what would be the reason for this? Seems like it's just making the experience worse overall. Is there some new tier coming that distinguishes the devices you can stream on?

Casting can be really useful, especially when you're travelling.
That's capitalism "innovation" for you. Take what you once got for free and now charge for it. So that's probably exactly what they're trying. You're only allowed to cast on premium tiers.
 
That's capitalism "innovation" for you. Take what you once got for free and now charge for it. So that's probably exactly what they're trying. You're only allowed to cast on premium tiers.
It's more of the venture capital model of letting a startup run at a loss indefinitely as long as it gains market share, disrupting legacy competitors, then becoming worse when the industry takeover is complete and nothing is left to compete with, at which point it's expected to capture profits. With a successful IPO this can extend the runway available to disrupt and capture a monopoly almost indefinitely.

If Netflix continues to get more expensive and worse there will be a breaking point. Competitors will chip away at it and consumers will go elsewhere. They'll make adjustments or fade away.

The answer to Netflix getting worse definitely isn't seizing the means of production tho.
 
Most modern TV's come with the netflix app already on it by default. I can kinda see this feature being redundant now.
 
Damn. My Chromecast 2 has survived everything, until now

Twitch already broke quality control for casting, and the Chromecast 2 can't handle 1080/60fps without stuttering. And now Netflix is killing casting from phones?

Those were the two apps keeping this thing alive. Guess it's finally time to move on

Celebrate Rest In Peace GIF by Jason Clarke
 
We removed features for your benefit. They sound like the government trying to help you.
Yeah, like enriching your community with lovely people straight from the boat. 43 nationalities at your school and 8 barber shops opening down the street. They are just looking out for your best.
 
It's more of the venture capital model of letting a startup run at a loss indefinitely as long as it gains market share, disrupting legacy competitors, then becoming worse when the industry takeover is complete and nothing is left to compete with, at which point it's expected to capture profits. With a successful IPO this can extend the runway available to disrupt and capture a monopoly almost indefinitely.

If Netflix continues to get more expensive and worse there will be a breaking point. Competitors will chip away at it and consumers will go elsewhere. They'll make adjustments or fade away.

The answer to Netflix getting worse definitely isn't seizing the means of production tho.
I disagree. Seizing the means of production gets rid of the venture capitalists vultures that destroy everything. Can't have venture capitalists if they actually have to get off of their lazy asses and work like the rest of us.
 

Article:
Netflix has quietly removed the ability to cast content from its mobile apps to most modern TVs and streaming devices, including newer Chromecast models and the Google TV Streamer.

The change was first spotted by users on Reddit and confirmed in an updated Netflix support page (via Android Authority), which now states that the streaming service no longer supports casting from mobile devices to most TVs and TV-streaming devices. Users are instead directed to use the remote that came with their TV hardware and use its native Netflix app.

The only exception appears to apply to older Chromecast models without remotes, as well as TVs with built-in Google Cast support. However, even on these legacy devices, casting only remains for those on costlier ad-free plans, but it is unavailable for subscribers on Netflix's ad-supported plan.

User reports appear to suggest Netflix began removing the Cast button from its mobile apps in mid-November, but the company provided no advance warning to users. One Reddit user said customer service explained that devices with remotes can no longer cast, claiming the decision was made to improve the customer experience.



oFolUTao5rimoDZJ.gif
ryan reynolds hd GIF
 
I assume this is part of their crackdown on account sharing. People were circumventing 'household' limitations by casting. Makes the service worse though, yes.
in my opinion there still should be exceptions for your internet goes out in your house but yourself 5G on your phone
 
Netflix offers a cheaper mobile-only subscription where you can only watch on the phone and not anywhere else. If you just cast from the phone to the TV, then you're watching on a device that's technically a higher tier, more expensive subscription.
that makes sense but they should still have technology where they can check and see if you're in the higher tier if you are you're allowed to cast from your phone
 
Finally, I can tell mom to cancel Netflix for Christmas. This was how we shared a single plan. It was getting wonky of late, asking me to be on her WiFi once a month.

I kinda thought Netflix just wanted me to stay in touch with family.
 
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