thaliajen

My flight from HNL to LAX tomorrow night was originally an AVOD flight. But when I checked today, I got this message:" A beta test of our new personal device entertainment is available on this flight. Watch popular movies and TV shows on most Wi-Fi enabled laptops and Apple® devices. Before takeoff, customers with Apple devices should download the latest version of the United app. Wi-Fi is not currently available on this flight, but will be coming soon."

Has anyone dealt with this yet, and if so, WHAT do we do if we have Apple laptops? I can't download the UA app to my laptop. I've tried. I have it in my iTunes and of course the website is bookmarked, but that requires wifi.

I have a Kindle Fire with me but THAT just won't allow the UA app for some reason, and yes, I have the new version on my iPhone, but does that mean I have to watch movies on my little phone?

I have 3 flights Monday night-Tuesday and the 777 from HNL was the only one I could count on for IFE. I admit it- I have NO idea what Beta Testing is, or whether they're saying they're providing movies if we have the devices, or what.

I APOLOGIZE if this has already been asked. I couldn't find an answer.

Anyone know if my Apple laptop should be okay for this? Thanks!

mahasamatman

Use your own IFE or your phone. United's solution will not work with a laptop.

It means the software is not ready for public consumption, and you have volunteered to be a guinea pig to test their software for free.

mduell

United says otherwise, per the OP's post:

Watch popular movies and TV shows on most Wi-Fi enabled laptops and Apple® devices.

And further clarifies:

Laptops do not require an app.

zrs70

I used the wifi entertainment yesterday SFO-FRA on my iphone/iPad. Didn't need to pay for connection. It worked flawlessly.

mahasamatman

I guess you missed this part:

akonradi

Yes it will. See united.com/pde > laptop requirements. With a laptop, there should be no pre-flight setup needed, unless you don't have a supported browser.

The service streams over a local wifi network, regardless of whether one is using a phone, tablet, or laptop. The wifi network exists on equipped aircraft, even if a satellite link has not yet been installed. An additional piece of DRM software is required for laptop browsers for some content items, which is available via free download from the local network; since browser downloads and software installs are not available on most phones/tablets, the app must be downloaded via an internet connection.

mahasamatman

Apologies. It appears I misinterpreted the OP, and all you need is a web browser.

mduell

That's what they use to mean internet over wifi, not streaming content over wifi. Very confusing messaging, and most people don't understand wifi/networking anyway.

KenInEscazu

"A beta test of our new personal device entertainment is available on this flight. Watch popular movies and TV shows on most Wi-Fi enabled laptops and Apple® devices. Before takeoff, customers with Apple devices should download the latest version of the United app. Wi-Fi is not currently available on this flight, but will be coming soon."

Could have so easily been written for any level user to understand.

"Although Wi-Fi is not currently available on this aircraft, a beta test of our new personal device entertainment is available on this flight. Our local onboard network will allow you to watch popular movies and TV shows on most Wi-Fi enabled laptops and Apple® devices. Before takeoff, customers with Apple devices should download the latest version of the United app. Laptop users: Be sure to update to the latest version of your compatible browser. For a list of compatible browsers, click here."

I wrote that is less than one minute. Do they seriously not have someone capable of clear communication in charge of communicating with their customers?

mahasamatman

Ultimately, this is the problem:
For those of us who do know the difference, what they said makes no actual sense.

mduell

Except for the part where Wi-Fi is available on the flight: that's how they're distributing the streaming content!

KenInEscazu

OK....

"Although internet connection via Wi-Fi is not available on this flight...."

Happy now? Two minutes. I was writing to make a point. They were actually distributing information. Communications fail.

sb3

I had this on a flight in May. I got the same email so fortunately downloaded the updated app before boarding, others weren't so lucky. I tried on my Android tablet just to test it out and it didn't work, so watched on my iphone 4. Most of the time I like having a smaller phone, that was not one of those times.

It worked fine but there were fewer options than you typically find with the AVOD system.

thaliajen

LMAO! Well I certainly don't get it. I'm a writer and completely useless with devices. You want a brochure written about your hotel's new convention center, I'm your girl. Figuring UA's message about IFE tomorrow, not so much.

So I'm gathering that my laptop will be okay. And that UA is providing the movies/tv shows. Or have I completely bungled it again? I don't understand why they can't just leave the IFE alone and give us AVOD or Direct TV. Either of those works just fine for me. I booked this particular flight home b/c 777s usually have AVOD. I even looked up the aircraft specifications. I could've gone earlier on a 737-900 but after my flights here I learned that I can't count on those anymore either. There was an aircraft change and we got a 737-900 without ANY IFE.

Come to think of it, last time I got a message about this beta testing, we ended up getting a plane with DTV. Last minute aircraft change, maybe? Oh well, I'll hope for the best. I have a movie on iTunes if I need it.

Sb3- thanks for the warning. I'm going to keep trying with the Kindle Fire. I don't know WHY it won't download the app!

mduell

Pick two of: expensive to buy, expensive to operate, and meager usage.