For Google to worry, the upcoming Microsoft Edge is the first Browser based on Chromium that will support both WideVine and PlayReady DRM technologies.
By support of Microsoft's DRM PlayReady, Chromium-based Edge will be able to play Netflix videos in 1080p HD and 4K UHD resolution.
In video streaming from Netflix to a computer, the resolution depends on the browser and the DRM used.
For example, Apple's Safari can run in 1080p with FairPlay DRM, while the Firefox and Chromium-based browsers such as Google Chrome, Opera and Brave can play up to 720p using WideVine DRM technology.
Users who want extra resolution can install a extension called Netflix 1080p and allows streaming in 1080p on Chrome and Firefox.
Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer, on the other hand, use Microsoft's PlayReady DRM technology, which enables 1080p resolution in Internet Explorer and 1080p – 4K in Microsoft Edge.
Netflix resolution requirements
- Google Chrome
- Up to 720p on Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Up to 1080p on Chrome OS
- Internet Explorer up to 1080p
- Microsoft Edge up to 4K *
- Mozilla Firefox up to 720p
- Opera up to 720p
- Safari to 1080p on Mac OS X 10.10.3 or later
*Streaming in 4K requires an HDCP 2.2 compliant connection to a 4K capable display, Intel's 7th generation Core CPU, and the latest Windows updates. Check with the manufacturer of your system to verify specifications.
Chromium-based browsers support streaming from Netflix to 720p, and Edge users are concerned that the new Edge will have limited analytics capabilities.
This will not happen as Microsoft has added PlayReady DRM to the upcoming Microsoft Edge browser, allowing app users to view Netflix videos in 1080p HD and 4K UHD.
Reddit users who tried video playback on the new Netflix Edge they mention that streaming at 4K is smooth and without delays.
______________________
- Mozilla: Prepares Firefox to block push notifications
- Warp from Cloudflare: free & secure VPN to everyone
- How to Enable or Disable Translation in Chrome