Offline usability

[c0utta 10]

The functionality when offline (at least on the Android Mobile client) is far from usable.  I find that most times the client gets into a loop, asking for a server to be selected once "My Downloads" is selected.  When it does work, the content is unstructured compared to what has been synced.  It's almost like there's two separate applications thus is not seamless. 

 

A better approach would be to have a proper "offline mode" where only the content that has been downloaded is available.  This mode could be selected from within the client, or the when the client starts and realises that there is no server connection.

 

In offline mode, the only side menu option would be "Go Online" and the Home Screen would have the synced content listed as per the synced item (whether it be a playlist, favourite, artist, etc).

 

 

Feasible?

 

 

 

 

 

[Luke 42078]

Hi, we are working on improving this. Thanks !

[neik 873]

+1 from and probably everybody using the current offline mode on Android at least.

[c0utta 10]

@@Luke, I know you guys are working hard to improve this functionality and your work is appreciated - hence I'm now a Lifetime Premiere subscriber.  I also know that you don't comment on when functionality will be released, but what are the options to get some more focus on this feature?

 

Without trying to sound like too much of a smart arse, Emby Premiere Features states "Download your media to your smart phones and tablets for easy offline playback. Supported on Android, iOS and Windows".  You can certainly download media, but there's no easy offline playback yet - at least on Android.

[hvt 6]

The concept on Spotify is quite cool, but I think too complicated to implement in the Emby app. An offline snapshot of the database would be cool and those entities which are downloaded are not grayed out/disabled in offline mode.

[bobaldis 24]

With regards to offline functionality particularly with my Android client I would like to request:

 

1) If an item is downloaded on my client if I select to play it from any menu it defaults to playing the downloaded copy rather than trying to stream it even if the device is online as this will always give the best viewing experience.

 

2) Smart download is a great feature, but I'd like to be able to choose the networks that it works on, so it doesn't overwhelm a slow connection.

 

I watch my media on my daily commute and whilst the train offers free Wifi, either or both of the above features would make the whole experience more enjoyable.

 

Thanks,

 

Bob

[neik 873]

1) If an item is downloaded on my client if I select to play it from any menu it defaults to playing the downloaded copy rather than trying to stream it even if the device is online as this will always give the best viewing experience.

This is a very nice idea, doesn't make sense to stream something when it's already local on your storage.

[ginjaninja 605]

there is a possibility that the a local copy is reduced quality, so it might make sense, when playing a media item , to ask the user ..do you wish to play

local or server.

possibly reminding the user what the max resolution and bitrate available on local and server resources is.

 

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

[KarlDag 25]

This is a very nice idea, doesn't make sense to stream something when it's already local on your storage.

Depends, if you're on local wifi it wouldn't make much of a difference in playback experience but the image quality might be much better by streaming.

 

there is a possibility that the a local copy is reduced quality, so it might make sense, when playing a media item , to ask the user ..do you wish to play

local or server.

possibly reminding the user what the max resolution and bitrate available on local and server resources is.

 

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

Exactly.

[neik 873]

there is a possibility that the a local copy is reduced quality, so it might make sense, when playing a media item , to ask the user ..do you wish to play

local or server.

possibly reminding the user what the max resolution and bitrate available on local and server resources is.

 

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

 

Makes sense, didn't think of that.

As you suggested asking the user would probably be the way to go.