To continue comfortably watching your series and movies in SVoD on Google Chrome for PC, you must make sure you don’t miss the next browser update (v.107). This also applies to Microsoft Edge or Opera.
Watch out for the next Chrome update. Version 107 of the Google browser will have a significant impact on your SVoD platforms. So there are a few things to know to make sure you enjoy movies and series on Netflix, Disney + and others.
As explained in a blog post from the company Bitmovin – specializing in the development of video solutions – Google recently contacted the companies concerned to tell them the news. Thus, from December 6, 2022, the Widevine module for playing DRM-protected content will become obsolete. Note that all Chromium-based browsers are affected (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Opera, Vivaldi, etc.).
A history of DRM
As a reminder, the acronym “DRM” stands for “Digital Right Management” in English. This term is used to designate the security devices implemented on digital content (films, series, music, etc.). On paper, this is supposed to protect works against piracy and defend the interests of rights holders. SVoD platforms therefore necessarily use it.
The Widevine module on Chrome allows you to manage DRM in order to legally and under the right conditions access series and films on Netflix, for example. Note also that the Widevine solution is also used on Android to unlock HD qualities on SVoD services. This will not change. The changes made here by Google only affect web browsers on computers.
Google will therefore replace Widevine with a new decryption module. This is already used on the Canary version of the browser (dedicated to developers). The deployment of the stable version of Google Chrome 107 is, meanwhile, planned from October 25, 2022. It will be necessary to wait until November 15 for the other Chromium browsers such as Microsoft Edge or Opera to benefit in turn from the new module. . Then, on December 6, 2022, the Widevine module will no longer be used.
Update Google Chrome
To sum it up simply, remember that if you use one of the browsers affected by this change, make sure you have the latest update on December 6, 2022. Otherwise, you may encounter problems watching your films and SVoD series.
A priori, you probably don’t have to worry too much. Many users take advantage of automatic updates on their browsers. Stay on the lookout to avoid possible inconvenience. Remember that you can check the version of your Chrome browser and launch updates from the Help > About Chrome section.
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