Why no Hulu/Netflix apps for offline viewing on a Mac?

[dockgaze]

I’ve been using iPad for international flights, primarily media consumption. Am now considering Macbook Air m2 for increased workflow production but am stymied why I can’t download Hulu/Netflix media for offline viewing!? What’s with that? Any workarounds? I thought the Mac ran circles around the iPad??

 

[chabig]

The decisions about what features to support on which platforms are made by the streaming companies. It has nothing to do with Apple.

 

[Ray2]

Made by streaming companies who now view Apple as a competitor. Expect more issues. Earlier this year I tossed ATV and went Roku. No more limitations, family happy in spite of a less elegant interface.

 

[ignatius345]

I always assumed this was because it might be easier to pirate content using a Mac because it's an open platform. iPadOS and iOS are so locked down that it probably makes the content providers more comfortable allowing things to be cached.

 

[zorinlynx]

I always assumed this was because it might be easier to pirate content using a Mac because it's an open platform. iPadOS and iOS are so locked down that it probably makes the content providers more comfortable allowing things to be cached.

Media companies should stop inconveniencing their customers over possible piracy. The content always gets pirated anyway. It only takes one pirate with the time and effort to figure out, and there's hundreds of them out there.

They might as well put in protection to keep the average Joe from saving the stream, but not restrict platforms like this.

Most media piracy happens on jailbroken streaming boxes, phones and tablets, including Apple TV.

 

[ignatius345]

Media companies should stop inconveniencing their customers over possible piracy. The content always gets pirated anyway. It only takes one pirate with the time and effort to figure out, and there's hundreds of them out there.

Yeah, I'm not arguing with you. Totally agree. In fact, the only times these days I find myself dipping into the dark side is when I can't find something I can watch legally. Make it available and convenient and I suspect the vast, vast majority of people will choose what's easier -- in this case streaming something through HBO Max or whatever instead of going to some sketchy website to torrent it.

 

[dockgaze]

So go figure . . . looks like Prime Video has a Mac app that I can use on the go, download content etc. Guess I’ll drop Netflix and reconsider Hulu value to me. On with the Macbook Air and Prime!!!

 

[Bento.Box]

There are applications that can rip stuff from netflix etc., and then you can watch it on the go.
(I don't use them, since I don't use streaming providers except for youtube).

In general, I find it most helpful to keep all the stuff I watch in standardized formats (e.g. mkv). Plays on my ipad, mac, windows PC, Linux HTPC etc.

 

[dogface1956]

I’ve been using iPad for international flights, primarily media consumption. Am now considering Macbook Air m2 for increased workflow production but am stymied why I can’t download Hulu/Netflix media for offline viewing!? What’s with that? Any workarounds? I thought the Mac ran circles around the iPad??

I don't want to sound stupid or anything, but why not use a browser for Hulu Netflix, that how I watch them on my TV and my laptop works just fine.

 

[dockgaze]

I’d stream if I could . . . . but on a plane at 35k feet the internet speed won’t allow it, and frequently none at all.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Amazon Prime Video has a Mac app available, I see.