On Thursday, July 25, Netflix finally rolled out its updated app for Windows on the Microsoft Store, but the new version isn’t likely to get the thumbs up from users. In fact, it’s downright disappointing.
The update, first announced in May, saw Netflix stating the native app would be retired by June. Following some delays, the update was tested in July before being pushed live. The most significant change is that the Windows app is no longer a full-fledged application. Annoyingly, it’s now just a simple Microsoft Edge-based web app that runs netflix.com.
Another major alteration is the removal of downloads, an important feature in the original app that allowed users to save content locally for offline viewing. This feature’s removal is a significant step back for users who relied on it while traveling or during commutes.
Windows Latest describes the new app as awful and pointless, noting that you can watch Netflix just as easily via any web browser. According to Netflix support, the new version will now include access to live events and compatibility with ad-supported plans, but the lack of download support remains a major drawback.
