While social distancing from others (due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic), there might be gaps in your social structure, one of which is spending time with friends or family and occasionally getting together to watch a movie or a favorite TV program. While at the beginning of this call-to-action by our government(s), Netflix quickly launched their extension “Netflix Party” to watch their platform with others. However, for those who prefer other streaming services, or other web content to watch (Prime Video, YouTube Plus, Microsoft Media (allows you to purchase or rent movies on your Microsoft Devices), Apple TV+, or other web streaming) which of services offer you the ability and access to watch with your friends and family from the comfort of your (individual) homes?
While some extensions do work better than others, here is a list that has been tried/tested by some NEOnet followers in our catchment:
TwoSeven: a Google Chrome Extension that allows you to share content already owned (movies/tv on an external storage, DVD (if your device has the hardware for that), Netflix, webpage, and YouTube content. As for the Prime Video “plug in” for the extension it is not the best for that. It is a bit more difficult to work with, but it does work adequately for watching together. It works with HBO, however since the application has merged with CraveTV, sharing that content is not available. You can have video and chats enabled, while sharing content. A notable feature is that users are allowed to take controls of a screen for playback options, but it is taking control of the host’s device that is streaming the content, which at times makes the service not as desirable, additionally opposed to other services, this one has participants more on the screen opposed to being displayed in a side bar, like other plug ins.
MetaStream: allows for sharing video content from a weblink and streaming service. Not all of them are listed it does work for Disney+ and for Netflix. It takes some trial and error to find other sites that work with the extension. While unknown how this service is for in-person video and audio, it does take a little more learning for this extension. Let us know how you have fared out with this feature!
Prime Video Extension: works very well except for the fact that there is a very slight delay in playback; it is, however, easy to use. Unfortunately, you cannot enable microphones or videos with this extension with your party users. A nice feature is that everyone in the party will have controls to pause/rewind and fast forward the content. This extension does not allow streaming with others in other countries due to licensing agreements.
Netflix Party: allows you to share the content from one Netflix account to other users in your party. Very little delay in playback. This service also allows you to use video/audio chat with others in your party as well. This extension also allows party users to pause, rewind and fast forward as required. The only downside is that it does not allow Party streaming with others from other countries (licensing agreements).
Google Watch Party: allows you to share content with others from Disney+ and Netflix. Note that users will have to use the Google Chrome browser to be able to stream content with you.
Facebook Watch Party: allows you to create a Watch Party (now also available in Facebook Rooms) with others, from Facebook Content. After its’ launch, earlier this year, Facebook started its own television content – yes there is Facebook Originals for TV now! – it makes it easier for you to watch Facebook content with others.
So, go ahead, grab some popcorn, call up a few friends and start streaming your shows and movies for a movie night thanks to these extensions. There are many more browser extensions that offer similar functionality - we highlighted those that have been shared with us from users in Northeastern Ontario that have first-hand experience using them. While social distancing from others (due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic), there might be gaps in your social structure, one of which is spending time with friends or family and occasionally getting together to watch a movie or a favorite TV program. While at the beginning of this call-to-action by our government(s), Netflix quickly launched their extension “Netflix Party” to watch their platform with others.