The Windows Latest website reported that Netflix has changed the Windows app on the Microsoft Store from the original written with UWP during Windows 8 era to a new web app instead. This change has resulted in the loss of some features, such as the ability to download movies for offline viewing.
According to Windows Latest, users who update the app to the new version will see a notification message stating “App Installed,” similar to pinning a web app in Microsoft Edge. Additionally, right-clicking within the app will reveal a context menu similar to Edge.
Netflix has justified this change by stating that the new version supports new Netflix features, such as live event streaming and supporting ad-supported membership packages. However, the new Netflix app still lacks in terms of customization and does not hide certain menus, allowing users to access functions like inspecting the web page or opening an InPrivate window.
The trend of using web apps as desktop apps is not new as it helps reduce the number of platforms to maintain. Microsoft themselves have employed this approach with the new Outlook app replacing the old Mail & Calendar app written with UWP.
TLDR: Netflix has switched its Windows app from UWP to a new web app, losing some features but gaining new ones. Users updating to the new version will notice changes in the interface and functionality, as well as a shift towards web apps as desktop applications.
Leave a Comment