Netflix users with Android devices have lost the Google Cast feature. The casting option had been available on the application for Android for several years, but has now disappeared from the platform. The streaming giant has also confirmed the deletion of the feature, News18 reported.
Why was the casting option cast-away?
In a report by The Verge, it was said that casting, or watching content on a bigger screen, has become redundant. The report that approximately 10 percent of Android users use this feature. This might amount to a considerable population still using casting, but Netflix is probably willing to devote more attention to new features, News18 reported.
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The shift also seems tied to newer TVs and streaming devices. Older Chromecast models are still working for now, but that may be because they no longer receive updates. Over time, support for them could be dropped due to possible security risks.
Netflix, meanwhile, says the change makes sense. If your TV or streaming device already has a remote, you can simply use the built-in Netflix app instead of casting from a phone. This approach reduces the need for mobile casting and fits better with how most people now watch content.
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Win-win for Netflix
Chromecasting gave users the flexibility to stick to their regular subscriptions on their mobile devices, yet be able to watch content on bigger screens like smart televisions. The removal of the features has created a win-win situation for Netflix. This is because subscribers would either stick to their single, mobile-device plans or would upgrade their subscriptions to watch Netflix movies and web series on television, News18 said.
This might be the reason behind Netflix doing away with the casting feature.
