Netflix Problems for Linux Users Over; Streaming Service Supported Via Firefox

By Edward Leano, Christian Post Contributor Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Netflix has given its subscribers who prefer to use Linux another option to enjoy their streaming service. The encrypted video used by Netflix can now be watched with Firefox on Linux, with no additional plugins needed.

For Linux users who want to binge-watch their favorite Netflix show, Google Chrome used to be the only option to play Netflix feeds, according to an article by Engadget. That is because back then, the only browser for Linux that has the needed Encrypted Media Extension (EME) support was Google's browser.

For a short time, Linux users even had to make sure that they have the specific Chrome version with the right EME to watch Netflix on their system.

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Things have now improved on that front, as Firefox on Linux can now open Netflix streams as well, offering more choices for Linux viewers other than Google Chrome. Now, Linux users who prefer to use Firefox do not need to switch to Chrome, or reconfigure their Firefox browser to be seen as Chrome, to enjoy their favorite Netflix shows.

Netflix has issued an update about HyperText Markup Language 5 (HTML5) videos on their official tech blog. The streaming company has been enthusiastic about HTML5 video and the fact that they don't require plugins to be installed by the user to receive and decode encrypted video from the streaming service. According to their update, "Our excitement about HTML5 video has remained strong over the past four years. Plugin-free playback that works seamlessly on all major platforms helps us deliver compelling experiences no matter how you choose to watch," Netflix said in its blog post.

The major platforms that Netflix is referring to now include Firefox on Linux as well. According to the company, support for Firefox on Linux is a big achievement in for Netflix and their partners. "This marks a huge milestone for us and our partners, including Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Mozilla that helped make it possible," Netflix noted.