Netflix adds HoloLens and VR support for Windows 10

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by Radu Tyrsina 

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Netflix is planning to build an app destined for Microsoft’s HoloLens augmented reality headset. These plans to support the HoloLens were mentioned in one of the company’s recent job listings for Senior Software Engineer promising an amazing experience to all Windows app users on a variety of devices, with the HoloLens and VR devices also included.

The original post stated the following:

Netflix is the leading video streaming service globally, and the Netflix Windows application is one of the most widely used apps in the Windows Store. Our mission is to provide a great experience to all Windows app users in a variety of devices, from desktop/laptop, to tablets and phones, as well as HoloLens and VR devices. We are constantly focused on enhancing our consumer experience around the world by building out new product features and improving performance.

Netflix plans confirmed

A Netflix spokesman confirmed the company’s plans for support “in a basic way down the road”. This means that Netflix will be a bit cautious with augmented and virtual reality, with the company having already built some basic apps for VR headsets such as Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream.

The Netflix spokesperson said the company’s plans for HoloLens will involve some effort and emphasizes that it is still in wait-and-see mode regarding AR and VR technologies. Still, the company has started producing some 360-degree promotional footage but hasn’t yet full-on embraced VR as its own medium. Netflix CEOReed Hastings has repeatedly expressed skepticism about VR becoming anything else than a medium for video games.

The competitor’s approach

Competitor approaches are a bit different. Let’s take Hulu and Amazon, for example. Hulu has invested in its own VR content including a weekly news show and a comedy series. Amazon, on the other hand, has been keeping quiet but it seems that the company has hired people to produce and distribute VR originals. One of these recent hires included Genna Terranova, former Tribeca director who currently heads  VR content for Amazon Studios.

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Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina Shield

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.