Netflix offline viewing: CEO Reed Hastings commits to 'keep an open mind' on previously-rejected feature

The company had previously said that it would wait for internet connections to catch up to viewing habits – but appears now to be feeling the heat from Amazon

Netflix has long presented itself as a champion of unfettered access to Internet content (Getty Images)

Netflix could be about to let people download shows in a shock move.

The company had always committed only to ever let people stream, rather than download. It would wait for Wi-Fi and phone networks to catch up to the required speeds, representatives said, rather than wasting time making its service adapt to old technology.

But the company now appears to have signalled that it is changing its mind on that strongly- and often-voiced position, potentially moving towards letting people download content so that they can watch it in places without internet connections.

“We should keep an open mind on this,” said CEO Reed Hastings during an earnings call. “We have been focusing on the click and watch, and the beauty and simplicity of streaming.

“But as we expand around the world where we see an uneven set of networks, it’s something we should keep an open mind about.”

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Netflix has been gradually moving into new and developing markets in recent years, many of which have much slower connections than the US and other core regions.

But the company might also have made the decision because the feature is already offered by Amazon Prime Video. Mr Hastings’ announcement came during a conference call that included much discussion of its rival, which added offline viewing last year, and fears that it could overtake Netflix.

Amazon has been adding new features to its streaming video service such as letting people pay monthly, apparently in an attempt to take on Netflix for streaming video customers.