offlineviewing
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Hulu subscribers can finally download shows to watch offline
Starting today, Hulu subscribers on the $12/month No Ads plan can save shows and movies for offline viewing. You'll see download icons on the details pages for eligible titles, as well as a "See What's Downloadable" section. You can access your downloads from a dedicated tab at the bottom of the screen.
ESPN+ adds personalized recommendations and offline viewing
ESPN is making some welcome (and arguably overdue) improvements to its ESPN+ service that could change how and where you watch. Its updated app now includes personalized recommendations for ESPN+, starting with on-demand videos. Watch a lot of hockey? You'll probably see more highlight clips from the latest NHL matches. Recommendations will "soon" spread to live and future events, so you might spot big matches you would otherwise miss.
CBS All Access' 'Star Trek: Discovery' is viewable offline with a catch
We're inching closer to a future where more of our streaming services make their offerings available offline. The latest is CBS All Access, as spotted by TechCrunch. Unfortunately, this feature is exclusive to folks paying for the no-commercials tier. In addition to Star Trek: Discovery you'll also be able to grab a range of TV episodes from the service's catalog including Big Brother and Survivor.
Netflix's offline viewing mode was inevitable
The ability to finally download Netflix videos came as a surprise this morning. After all, it's the same company that just a few years ago said that offline support was "never going to happen." But recently, Netflix's tone started changing. Back in April, CEO Reed Hastings said it would "keep an open mind" about the feature. And earlier this month, chief content office Ted Sarandos noted that it might be necessary for international markets. And if you really think about it, there are plenty of reasons why Netflix couldn't avoid offline viewing any longer.
Three more Android devices now support BBC iPlayer app's offline viewing
Only 11 devices supported BBC iPlayer's offline viewing feature when it arrived on Android, but now three more have passed the network's thorough testing process. Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 mini are joining that initial list, thanks to the app's latest update on Google Play. The feature lets you download shows and save episodes for up to 30 days on your phone or tablet, although that timespan shortens to 7 days after the first time you press play. If your gadget still isn't included in that slightly longer roster -- a shame if you've been wanting to watch that particular EastEnders episode -- don't worry. BBC says the app will be able to add offline viewing support to more devices in the future without the need for another update. Update: You can also add the Kindle Fire 7 and Kindle Fire 7 HD to that list, assuming your tastes run to Amazon's Appstore. Senior Product Manager David Berlin also provided more context for the slow rollout, stating that some devices experienced bugs that caused hard resets or disabled the iPlayer app entirely. Because of those issues, the network has chosen to test thoroughly before enabling support, even on newer high-powered hardware.
