Initial Suggestions for Watch Together

Plex Labs
1

  1. Web should be your #1 priority for the next platform to roll out to, since it’s the single most universal platform as it can be accessed from a huge number of relevant device, including both Android and iOS mobile devices. I’m honestly more than a little shocked web wasn’t part of the initial rollout, and that seems like a huge oversight.

  2. The feature absolutely needs an integrated text chat, at a minimum. Optionally also (but not instead) integrated voice chat. Shouldn’t need a second app running and coordinating everyone in the shared watch to the same group/channel/etc. to be able to talk.

  3. Would be great to also see the feature for PS3, PS4, and other console apps.

3 Likes
2

I use Kodi with the Plex add on. Will the watch together functionality become available there as well?

3

Plex has metrics of usage, they probably know which platforms are used the most. Web shouldn’t be used it all due to the little direct play ability, and definitely not an android or iOS where native apps are available.

For text there are numerous other options you can use to reach your friends so for me this wouldn’t be a priority at all.

4

Coxeroni:

Plex has metrics of usage, they probably know which platforms are used the most.

  1. We have no idea what drives their priorities for updating app capabilities. Most users? Most streaming hours? Easiest to update? Newest? Most vocal users?

  2. Again, the web app is the most flexible. Effectively anyone who can use Plex at all has access to a web browser. It is the single platform that every single person can use, regardless of their preferred Plex app. Barring, I don’t know, your grandpa who you bought a Roku and an internet connection for Christmas who doesn’t have a computer or a smartphone.

Web shouldn’t be used it all due to the little direct play ability, and definitely not an android or iOS where native apps are available.

  1. I have no idea what you mean by “direct play ability.” I’ve found the web app to be as or more useful than every other app I’ve tried (Android, PS3, PS4, Windows).

  2. The Android and iOS apps cost money for people who aren’t Plex Pass subscribers. The web app is free, everywhere, on any platform with a web browser, anytime.

  3. Even for platforms where the app is free or when the user has a Plex Pass, it’s another thing to install, which might take up space on a small device. You likely already have a web browser, and it’s faster and easier to just open a new tab and navigate to a URL.

For text there are numerous other options you can use to reach your friends so for me this wouldn’t be a priority at all.

  1. Sure, there are other options. But who wants to have to have their phone out while they watch on a computer, or keep a giant Discord or Hangouts or FB Chat or whatever window over their streaming media? Up until now, I’ve been using SyncLounge as a workaround, and the built-in text chat is perfect. Think about other collaborative products. Ever played any sort of multiplayer video game? Did it have an integrated text (and/or voice) chat? Of course it did, because an in-application communication function is essential to any program that involves coordinated activity. You wouldn’t have to use an integrated chat feature if you like making things harder than they have to be. But it should absolutely 100% exist; and it should be one of the easiest things for Plex to add.
1 Like
8

This topic was automatically closed 90 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.