Stellar streaming service
Netflix: you have probably heard this name before. Netflix is the fast rising media giant and the global favourite streaming service. Subscribers can access TV shows, movies and documentaries on a variety of devices. Screens sparkle with the Netflix logo across the globe as millions of people unwind in front of an episode of their favourite series or settle down with a movie. If you have an iPhone, then you can now use the Netflix app and even download shows to watch offline. This stellar app is a veritable pocket cinema, as you have thousands of blockbusters, shows, and documentaries a mere click away. Where Netflix has a razor edge over its competitors is the legendary “Netflix Originals”, their own productions of award-winning content which is only available through this program. Today, most people are foregoing cinemas and cable cutting their TV subscriptions. Instead they are finding movies and shows online, and Netflix is pretty hard to beat.
Netflix: the cinema in your pocket for on and offline streaming
Netflix is a legendary library of online content: stream all your favourite shows
When it comes to streaming content, Netflix is King. This epic streaming software has an enormous catalogue of movies and TV which you can watch across your devices. The program comes at a price: but this is a small one. You can choose between the Basic, Regular or Premium subscription and Netflix is famously cheap. When you sign up for the first time, you select your favourite categories and the Netflix algorithm will recommend titles for you. Once you're in, you can use the free app on your iPhone and just login to your Netflix account. One of the best features of this program, is that with one package up to four users can stream content simultaneously. Better yet, each user has their own unique profile of current shows, histories, and personal lists. You can even download content to watch offline (a major plus of the mobile and tablet versions only!). It can be a great way to kill time on your commute or unwind in the evenings. What are the best (and worst) features of this program?
Netflix is great for binge-watching your favourite series. Do you fancy stepping back in time and watching some nostalgic Friends? You’ll have Seasons 1-10 a click away. Also, there is no need to fast-forward through a lengthy intro: just click “skip intro” and dive straight into the episode. Netflix will suggest movies and shows for you based on your viewing history which save you time-consuming browsing. The quality is excellent: Netflix offers 4K streaming which is ultra high definition (although this consumes a lot of bandwidth as a result and needs a computer). Bear in mind that as Netflix relies on an internet connection to stream content, a poor connection may result in lower quality image. Where Netflix blows its competitors out of the water however is with their original content. Are you a fan of Orange is the New Black, Stranger Things, or House of Cards¬¬? All Netflix home grown. The media giant has spent billions producing TV shows and movies which are only available on this service. There is new content being uploaded onto the service every day. This brings us to some of the drawbacks of an otherwise top notch app.
Netflix not only adds fresh movies and series regularly but also removes content. The TV show you are in the middle of watching could disappear without warning. Netflix is also not great for accessing the latest blockbusters; it can take up to a year for a movie to make it from the big screen to your phone screen. If you want to stay abreast of the shows on cable or hot off the cinema press, then you should check out Hulu or the Apple store. Remember too that Netflix requires a broadband connection and may use up your data depending on the package you have. The iPhone app is sleek, well-designed, and has a handy interface with a simple drop down menu for your browsing needs.Where can you run this program?
The beauty of Netflix is ample compatibility across nearly unlimited devices. Once you have subscribed to the service you can stream content on your PC or laptop (Windows and Mac), smart TVs, Chromecast, Apple TV, smartphones, and even your Xbox or PlayStation. In a nutshell, Netflix will run on pretty much any internet connected device. Netflix also allows you to download shows with the app which runs on iOS, Android or Windows 10. This is a really neat new feature that means you can download a bunch of episodes or movies to watch offline later. The latest version of Netflix is not compatible with Android 5.0 (Lollipop) devices and it won’t run on rooted smartphones.
Is there a better alternative?
When it comes to streaming content, Netflix is no one-stop-shop. Sports fanatics may be better serviced by a cable subscription, to ensure they catch all those live events and key match highlights. Game of Thrones fans, you should head on over to HBO (and check out Westworld while you're there). If you are chasing the latest blockbuster from cinema to the home screen, then check out Hulu. This veteran streaming service is co-owned by some of the biggest channels, allowing it to release content from 24 hours after its gone live. If you are already a loyal patron of Amazon, then one smart alternative would be Amazon Prime. This covers free delivery on all your packages, unlimited reading, shopping discounts, and access to their vast library of movies, TV shows, and music. Unlike Netflix however, with a Prime account you may still have to pay a (small) amount for certain movies and shows.Our take
Netflix may have been the trail-blazer starting out as a DVD rental service way back in 1993. Today there are many channels for online streaming. The terrifying success of the service - which attracts 148 million viewers across 90 countries - has stirred rivals into drastic action. The biggest rivals to the content crown have yet to be unleashed. Disney+ and Apple TV are the much anticipated future alternatives to Netflix. The future of streaming services is uncertain, but certainly glowing as HBO, Hulu, Netflix, and more only get brighter and better in their competition. The Netflix app still reigns supreme for sleek simplicity, impressive extras (skip the intro, downloading content offline), and a loyal staving off of ads (for now). For these alone, it can be rivalled. For original content, look no further than Netflix. It is investing a hell of a lot into making sure that it has the razor edge over its competitors for its own shows, and you only have to look at Black Mirror or Stranger Things to see that they have nailed it.
Should you download it?
Yes, for simple streaming and to binge watch some epic shows on and offline you are guaranteed not to find anywhere else, then download the Netflix app.
