Netflix has managed to annoy a good number of its users with an announcement about an upcoming update to its Windows 11 (and Windows 10) app: support for adverts and live events will be added, but the ability to download content is being taken away.

Netflix must realize that it’s a huge frustration for people who relied on offline downloads to watch content without internet access: on planes, trains, and campsites, and anywhere else where Wi-Fi is unavailable or unreliable.

There’s a small chance that Netflix will change its mind if it gets enough complaints, but the streaming service seems determined to add as many money-making features as possible, while taking away genuinely useful ones.

  • @linearchaos@lemmy.world
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    -26 months ago

    There’s not enough guaranteed margin in a single combined streaming and production house to feed the employees, investors, and media moguls.

    None of these companies are being outright assholes (well not more than normal). The business model is simply not sustainable and they’re doing whatever they can to slow the inevitable collapse. We’re producing 10 times the content we used to produce, and the revenue from the streamers is nowhere near enough to cover the bills.

    • @three20three@lemmy.world
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      26 months ago
      • Netflix gross profit for the quarter ending December 31, 2023 was $3.525B, a 44.02% increase year-over-year.
      • Netflix gross profit for the twelve months ending December 31, 2023 was $14.008B, a 12.54% increase year-over-year.

      What?

      • @linearchaos@lemmy.world
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        06 months ago

        Why would you use the gross numbers that don’t include the price of making the movies?

        Netflix is in reasonably green but it’s the only one

        Disney Plus is still in the red if you include their ESPN streaming.

        Warner/discovery/max is barely in the green at 100 million.

        • @three20three@lemmy.world
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          6 months ago

          Revenue in Q4 grew 12% year over year, to $8.83 billion, higher than Netflix’s previous forecast due to favorable foreign exchange rates and “stronger than anticipated membership growth,” the company said. Net income was $938 million, or $2.11 per share.

          • @linearchaos@lemmy.world
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            06 months ago

            I’ll give you the silver star for participation award. Now you want to talk about how they’re the only truly profitable company or does that straight too far from your agenda?