A Blip in the Stream: Google TV and Netflix's Watchlist Woes
Google TV users unable to include Netflix Originals in their watchlist listings.
Dive into the latest digital dispute between Google TV and Netflix as we unravel the intriguing drama unfolding on our favorite streaming platform. Recently, it was claimed that the new Chromecast with Google TV is failing to support some of Netflix's standout content when it comes to managing watchlists.
Earlier this week, 9to5Google pulled back the curtain on this issue, exposing that Netflix originals were unable to be added to Google TV's watchlist, a nifty feature that organizes content you're interested in across various services. On Wednesday, the same site reported an even more alarming issue: Netflix's catalog appears to be unavailable on the Google TV Android app altogether. Quite the inconvenience for those eager to simplify their streaming life with Google TV's powerful organizational tools.
Google yesterday confirmed via email to Gizmodo that the Netflix app and its catalog are still accessible on Chromecast with Google TV. However, Google TV users are left in the dark when it comes to adding Netflix's originals to their watchlist, rating them, marking them as watched, or browsing the content via search and discovery features within the Android app.
As Google's spokesperson put it, "With Google TV, our aim is to offer the best of our search and discovery features across your subscriptions on your preferred devices." But, they admit, the level of integration varies by content partner. Netflix, it seems, has yet to fully board this train.
Netflix has yet to respond to a request for comment on this matter.
So, is this the end of the digital world as we know it? Far from it. You're still likely opening the Netflix app to browse titles and while away the time. But discovery and recommendation are two of Google TV's key selling points, and they're a significant reason why this device has become the go-to choice among friends and family, outshining rival streaming sticks and dongles. Streaming can feel overwhelming at times, with discovery across multiple apps proving challenging. A lack of strong recommendation features within certain apps doesn't exactly help either.
In essence, this makes finding content a bit of a quest. But we've grown accustomed to such navigational hurdles, haven't we?
Some Tips and Tricks for Watchlist Management:
- Give the Netflix app a spin: Although Netflix content can't be added to Google TV's watchlist, managing your watchlist directly within the Netflix app remains possible.
- Third-party help: Some third-party apps and services might offer cross-platform watchlist management, albeit not officially supported by Netflix or Google TV.
- Pen and paper: Why not go old-school and manually keep track of shows you'd like to watch using notes or reminders on your device?
- Reach out: Providing feedback to both Netflix and Google TV developers could potentially encourage better cross-platform integration in the future.
If you find yourself struggling with adding content to your watchlist on other platforms, ensure that your apps are updated, and you're utilizing the latest features available.
- Although Netflix originals cannot be added to Google TV's watchlist, you can still manage your watchlist directly within the Netflix app.
- If cross-platform watchlist management is important to you, consider using third-party apps or services, even though they may not be officially supported by Netflix or Google TV.
- In the absence of digital tools, going old-school with pen and paper can help you keep track of shows you'd like to watch on Netflix or Google TV.
- Expressing your desire for better cross-platform integration between Netflix and Google TV through feedback to their respective developers might help drive improvements in the future.
