Netflix is testing a desktop pop-out player so you never have to stop watching

Appearing for some users

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Imagine how muchNetflixbinge watching you could do if minor inconsiderations like work, emails, or social networks weren’t getting in the way. Well, that might well be easier in the future, thanks to a pop-out player Netflix is testing for Windows and macOS.

First reported byEngadget, the mini player can be launched with a click from the web player in the browser, and then stays on top of other windows so you can get on with something else while keeping an eye on Netflix.

It’s not clear just how widely this is being tested: we haven’t spotted the new feature ourselves but some users have come across it and posted the news onTwitter. As with any Netflix test, there’s no guarantee it’ll make it as a permanent feature.

Netflix hasn’t officially commented on the new pop-up player, except to confirm to Engadget that a test is underway, so we’ll have to wait and see whether it makes the grade. It seems something that a lot of users would find helpful though.

Testing… testing… 1-2-3

Only yesterday we brought you news ofanother Netflix testthat’s underway: adding the option to have your phone vibrate in time to the movies and shows you’re watching. Again, we’re not sure if that’s going to become a permanent feature.

But it’s clear that Netflix is experimenting with all kinds of ways to help it stand out in an increasingly crowded market. Two of the biggest names in tech and entertainment –AppleandDisney– are launching their own Netflix-style services this year.

Netflix is going to need more of its Originals to hit their targets, as well as a steady stream of special features in its software and apps, if it’s going to carry on competing once the content libraries become more fragmented.

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.

Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.

If you’re a Netflix subscriber, keep an eye on the web player and the service’s apps on other platforms for new features andfurther testsas they appear.

Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you’ll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.

‘That was never the plan’: Arcane creators dismiss claims that the hit Netflix show was going to run for five seasons

Arcane season 2 was reportedly going to run for five seasons, so why is my all-time favorite Netflix show ending after two?

Trying to get the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU? It seems only scalpers have it and they’re jacking up the price