Technological obsolescence isn't any less annoying when it's unplanned.
Scores of smart TVs owner are ?????? ????????about to find that out the hard way come Dec. 2, when Netflix will stop supporting their devices. According to Samsung, the streaming service will no longer work on "select" 2010 and 2011 smart TVs sold by the manufacturer in the U.S. and Canada.
The stated reason, notes Samsung, is "due to technical limitations." However, the company is quick to point out that "there are many other devices that can be connected to a Smart TV to continue enjoying the streaming service."
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You just, you know, have to buy some compatible stuff.
Samsung customers aren't the only ones getting the shaft. Cord Cutters reports that, as of Dec. 1, owners of older Roku devices will also have their ties to that sweet streaming Netflix goodness severed. Specifically, the first two Roku models will be affected by the change.
Don't worry if you're unsure as to whether or not your device will pass these heightened technical standards — Netflix will tell you.
A Netflix help page lays it all out. "If you see an error that says 'Due to technical limitations, Netflix will no longer be available on this device after December 1st, 2019,'" you're pretty much screwed.
"This message will appear multiple times before the specified date as a reminder," notes the help page.
SEE ALSO: Unsurprisingly, TV streaming devices are collecting data, tooYou could, of course, still run something like an HDMI cable from your computer to your TV and bypass all this nonsense, but for many people that would defeat the purpose of having a smart TV in the first place.
Which, yeah, maybe something to keep in mind the next time you go shopping for a television.
Topics Netflix Samsung