Netflix testing a hosted web app within the Microsoft Store
Netflix might follow Hulu and other services when it comes to its app in the Microsoft Store.
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What you need to know
Updated March 16, 2020:Microsoft’s Brandon Paddockstates on Twitterthat Netflix “already is and always has been an HWA/WWA. While Netflix could be moving to follow the example of Hulu and Netflix, this HWA listing could be unrelated. The original story follows.
Netflix is testing a hosted web app within the Microsoft Store.Aggiornamenti Lumiaspotted the Microsoft Store listing, which is titled “NetflixHWA.” The app’s summary reads, “This is a test app for the Netflix Hosted Web App.” Some of Netflix’s competitors have progressive web apps, includingDisney+andHulu, and it appears that Netflix is looking to move in the same direction.
👀pic.twitter.com/nkpBsSfWxf👀pic.twitter.com/nkpBsSfWxf— Aggiornamenti Lumia (@ALumia_Italia)March 15, 2020March 15, 2020
As our executive editorDaniel Rubino points out, support for offline content and some other features are in a grey area for hosted web apps. Microsoft’s Kyle Pflug, who works on Microsoft Edge, has discussed offline support for streaming apps in the past. Pflugsaid on January 31that Microsoft has “Talked to some streaming partners in depth about this and in heard specific feedback that they need more robust filesystem access to deliver the offline experience they want. PWAs will get there but it’s reasonable to say they aren’t yet.”
Switching to a hosted web app would allow Netflix to share updates across platforms more easily. Adeveloper page from Microsoftbreaks down progressive web apps and briefly mentions their relation to hosted web apps. The page explains that “PWAs are a natural evolution of hosted web apps, but with standards-based support for offline scenarios, thanks to the Service Workers, Cache, and Push APIs.” While the Netflix app in testing is referred to as a hosted web app, there’s also a chance that Netflix could make it a progressive web app to have more functionality.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
