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Tag: Netflix

  • Netflix snubs iTunes for new user subscriptions

    Netflix snubs iTunes for new user subscriptions

    Netflix is no longer allowing users to subscribe to the streaming service via iTunes, the streaming giant has officially confirmed. The move will reportedly save the company over $250 million a year, and is going to cost Apple in excess of $250 million a year. With this change, new Netflix users with an iOS device will be required to subscribe for the service by directly visiting their official website.

    “We no longer support iTunes as a method of payment for new members. Existing members, however, can continue to use iTunes as a method of payment,” ,” a Netflix spokesperson told VentureBeat.

    Apple typically gets a 15 percent share if users pay for an app via the App store. While this may not sound a lot, but if you have thousands of users and subscribers worldwide, this small interest amounts to a lot of money.

    It’s also worth noting that active users who’ve subcribed for Netflix through iTunes are not affected by this move. They can carry on using the service as they’ve been until now. It’s only new users, or someone who wants to reactivate their account will have to do so via the official Netflix website.

    Netflix did the same thing with Google Play. Back in May, the company stopped allowing users to pay for the service via the Play Store. Interestingly, it’s not just Netflix who’s trying to avoid fees from Apple and Google.

    Fortnite Developer Epic Games, has now launched its own dedicated store for PC and Mac users to avoid taxes from Apple. Besides, even music streaming service Spotify has ditched Apple. The music streaming giant now wants users to sign up for the service directly through Spotify, rather through iTunes or the AppStore to avoid fees Apple charges on subscriptions purchased through iOS.

  • Netflix will not support Wii after January 31, 2019

    Netflix will not support Wii after January 31, 2019

    If you’re still using the old Wii console just to watch Netflix. Well, it’s time you should start looking for a new alternative as Netflix has officially confirmed that Nintendo will suspend Netflix and other streaming services on the Wii after January 31, 2019.

    In addition, Nintendo also announced the shutdown of the Wii Shop channel indicating that the console won’t be of much use besides playing offline games starting next year. Nintendo emailed customers of the news pointing users to get other alternatives to continue watching Netflix, suggesting the streaming service might soon land on Nintendo Switch.

    “We hope you’ll soon enjoy an even better Netflix experience with additional features on a supported device,” said Netflix.

    The move is likely to disappoint Wii owners, as keeping online services up for the Wii would’ve fetched the company more brand loyalty. Wii owners were already disappointed when Nintendo decided to stop users from adding points to Wii Shop anymore. Put simply, moves like this are just a reminder of the issues we face with streaming services. Most of us have other systems like a PS4 or Wii U to use streaming services. However, the older lower middle class who got a Wii long ago and don’t want anything else are out of luck.

    However, the news shouldn’t come as surprise as the Wii is nearly a 12 year old console and is approaching the end of its life cycle. If you don’t own a smartTV which has built-in streaming apps, you have the option to get a streaming device that’ll cost much less than what you paid for your Wii.