Netflix For iOS Finally Gains Subtitle Support
May 12, 2011
Netflix subscribers taking advantage of their iDevice(s) for streaming content can finally utilize subtitles. Honestly, this is one of those "better late than never" scenarios, since the app has been out for over a year now.
Subtitles are the only addition in Netflix for iOS v1.3, but they are significant for some viewers. Primarily used by the hearing impaired, subtitles do have value for those with crystal clear listening capabilities. Such a feature can be beneficial in environments where sound would be disruptive to others, in loud atmospheres, to assist with non-distinct dialects, and even for language translation.
Subtitle availability and subtitle language varies by movie and television show. When available, tap on the screen to bring up the controls, then tap on the chat bubble icon to the right of the play / pause button, and finally select the preferred language to enable.
Despite being a positive, this will likely be another topic for Netflix customers to use as an excuse to make complaints. So far, the iOS app hasn't gotten much praise. The overall rating for the app is three-and-a-half stars, while the rating for v1.3 takes that down to two-and-a-half stars. One of the biggest gripes is the lack of full queue and account management. What's your opinion of Netflix for iOS at this point?
Netflix is a universal app compatible with iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch running iOS 3.1.3 or later, and is available in the App Store as a free download. Streaming content, such as that available in the Netflix for iOS app, is only available to unlimited DVD plan Netflix subscribers.