Why is Netflix no longer on VR?
In 2016, Netflix became one of the first streaming services to support VR, allowing users to watch its extensive library of shows and movies in a virtual theatre environment using the Netflix VR app. However, in 2019, Netflix announced that it would cease supporting the app and halt development on any features that weren’t available on other platforms, which left many users wondering: why is Netflix no longer on VR?
The rise and fall of Netflix VR
Virtual reality has long been touted as a potential game-changer for entertainment. With the ability to immerse viewers in a virtually simulated environment, entertainment platforms like Netflix could revolutionize the way people consume media. Indeed, Netflix’s entry into VR in 2016 was greeted with much enthusiasm, and the Netflix VR app garnered mostly positive reviews.
However, the app was far from perfect. Despite its novelty, the Netflix VR app suffered from a lack of features. It didn’t allow users to watch shows and movies with friends, nor did it have support for 360-degree videos. Perhaps most significantly, the app wasn’t available on the most popular VR platform, Oculus Quest, the first iteration of which was released in 2019.
With limited features and availability, as well as the lack of support for Oculus Quest, one of the most popular VR platforms, it’s no surprise that Netflix decided to discontinue the app and focus their efforts elsewhere.
The future of Netflix VR
While Netflix has ceased supporting its original VR app, that doesn’t mean the platform has written off VR entirely. In 2021, Netflix announced a new feature that enabled users to watch content on a virtual big screen in VR, available on various VR devices such as the Oculus Quest. This signals a new direction for Netflix’s VR ambitions, focusing on augmenting the content consumption experience rather than replicating the cinema experience in VR.
The new feature, dubbed “Virtual View”, improves upon the shortcomings of the previous app by offering a simple and accessible way to enjoy Netflix content in VR. It provides a virtual big screen experience optimized for each user’s VR device, allowing them to enjoy movies and shows on a grand scale while still being able to see their surroundings in the VR environment.
Virtual View demonstrates that Netflix is still committed to enhancing the VR entertainment experience. By focusing on bringing the big-screen experience to VR, Netflix has created a feature with widespread appeal that delivers a unique and exciting way to consume content. As VR technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative features from Netflix that revolutionize the way we watch movies and shows.
