Netflix is playing it safe with virtual reality, but there is a lot to watch.
Netflix is the most popular streaming service, thanks to its incredible selection and affordable subscription options. While its competition offers features like TV streaming and live sports, Netflix has focused its innovation on building a strong catalog of original content. If you’re looking to take your experience to the next level, there’s a less common aspect of the service waiting for you: the world of virtual reality. Here’s everything you need to know about Netflix VR.
What is Netflix VR?
Netflix VR is an app that allows its subscribers to watch their favorite shows and movies on their Oculus rigs and Google Daydream View VR.
Although the app was early to take up virtual reality, launching with Samsung’s Gear VR headset in 2015, it has only made little progress since adding Google Daydream View compatibility in 2016.
Users can choose between two modes, Living Room Viewing Experience and Void Mode. When you look into the living room you are in a cozy nest with a TV above the fireplace. There’s a mountain view even when you’re tired of Stranger Things. When using Living Room mode, you will need to sit as you normally would during TV time, as if lying on your back you will look at the ceiling of the room.
Blank mode removes the room, leaving you with a white space where you can watch sitting, however you like. If you like to look in bed, we recommend using the Blank mode. So much for the arrangements. While VR is a nice experience, it’s limited in the amount of variety it offers.
What can you watch on Netflix VR?
All standard programming is available on VR, but you won’t find any original VR or 3D movies in your package right now. Netflix may add exclusive VR programming in the future, but nothing has been announced so far. If you want a customizable experience, you might want to try Hulu in VR.
Are there any limitations to Netflix VR?
In a twist for travelers, VR content can’t be downloaded to your PC or mobile device. This adds pity to your Wi-Fi connection every time you want to use the service. However, the biggest problem is actually the video solution. Netflix’s VR content can only be viewed in 480p resolution, even if you subscribe to an HD plan. While understandable studios don’t want to release HD VR versions of their content, it’s a little odd that the Original series isn’t even available in HD for watching VR.
How to watch Netflix in VR
You have a couple of options for watching Netflix in VR. Here’s everything you need to know about each of them.
1) How to watch Netflix and VR on the Oculus Rift
Price: $399.99 for the Oculus Rift, plus a few hundred dollars for a PC that can run it.
With advanced VR and PC gaming in mind, the Oculus Rift is the ultimate home VR. Comes with two Oculus touchscreen controls, six free games, and the best display system and VR Rift is a powerful system, requires a PC with Windows 8.1 or higher, 64-bit operating system, NVIDIA GTX 1050Ti / AMD Radeon RX 470 or higher graphics tall. card with 8GB RAM. Unfortunately, even with all that power, you’ll still have a limited number of standard definition videos.
To view VR using the Oculus Rift, all you have to do is download and install the app on the Oculus store.
2) Use Google Daydream to watch Netflix and VR
Price: $59.99
VR listeners who want to know something who want to see a virtual reality world without a big budget should visit Google Daydream. This inexpensive VR headset uses your phone as a screen and then comes with a remote control to navigate the menus and surroundings. The only downside is that Daydream only works on a small phone option.
Netflix provides a step-by-step guide to connecting your account to Google Daydream View VR. You’ll want to start on the main screen in Google Daydream:
Tap the Play Store app.
Tap the lifting glass on the top right side.
Look for Netflix VR.
Tap the Netflix VR app from the list.
Click free.
Click OK.
The installation is complete when the display panel at the top of the screen shows Netflix VR is properly installed.
Exit to the Play Store.
Find and launch the Netflix VR app.
Enter your email and password.
3) Watch Netflix VR and Samsung Gear VR
Price: $66
Device: Samsung Gear VR compatible with Galaxy Note9, S9, S9+, Note8, S8, S8+, S7, S7 edge, Note5, S6 edge+, S6, S6 edge, A8 Star, A8, A8+. More details here.
If you own a Samsung phone and aren’t ready to get involved with the Oculus Rift, the Samsung Gear VR is a solid deal. It is supported by Oculus that the configuration is the same for both devices.
Select Netflix from the Oculus home screen
Follow the instructions to install the app
Once Netflix is released, all you have to do is sign up.
4) How to watch Netflix VR on Google Cardboard
Price: $15
This is where things get a little confusing. VR doesn’t publicly support Google Cardboard, so you’d better use the platform to make that happen. This involves installing Trinus VR on your PC and phone and then connecting both to a Wi-Fi network. This YouTube tutorial walks you through the process, but we have to remember: Google Cardboard is a terrible way to watch anything in VR for more than ten minutes.
