Your next hotel stay may include personalized Netflix streaming

By Brendan Hesse Published June 18, 2018

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is the one thing everyone wishes they could do while on vacation? Watch TV, of course. Satellite TV provider Dish has now made it easier to get your fix while away from home, as its Evolve streaming platform will soon be getting Netflix integration.

OK, maybe we’re being a little too sarcastic but not every hotel stay is for a vacation after all, and being able to relax with your favorite TV shows while traveling for work or visiting family is great. But having your curated watch lists, suggestions, and watch progress seamlessly move from your home devices to your hotel room is even better.

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The Evolve is a “set-back” streaming box, meaning that it installs directly into the back of a TV, that is exclusive to hotels. Dish launched the device in June 2017. If you happen to find yourself staying in a room equipped with an Evolve, you have access to some impressive streaming features. Evolve runs on Android TV, features a customizable guide, and supports “thousands” of apps through the Google Play Store, including YouTube, Sling TV. There is also a built-in Chromecast, allowing you to watch content from your phone on your hotel room’s TV. Further, if your room is equipped for it, the Evolve box supports 4K playback.

Despite all those features and thousands of supported apps, Netflix was noticeably missing at launch, which is why the announcement is such a big deal.

Users will be able to access Netflix directly from the Evolve guide menu and sign in with their account. There will also be an option to easily sign up for a Netflix subscription if you don’t have an account yet. Once you’ve signed in, you will be able to pick up with your shows and movies right where you left off.

This will certainly be convenient, but if this sounds like an easy way to accidentally share your Netflix credentials with other guests if you forget to sign out, fear not. Once you check out of your hotel, your login information will be automatically removed from the Evolve device. This security measure is a welcome inclusion, especially in today’s world of mounting digital privacy concerns.

Netflix integration will be rolling out to all Dish Evolve devices in the coming months.

Former Staff Writer, Home Theater

Brendan has written about a wide swath of topics, including music, fitness and nutrition, and pop culture, but tech was…

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