Google has added offline playback support to its Google Play Movies and TV iOS app, reports The Next Web. The search giant had released the iOS app back in January this year, but unlike the Android version it did not come with offline playback. However, users still won't be able to buy or rent movies directly from the iOS app. This was an expected move from Google since Apple keeps a 30% cut on all purchases made through its platform. In June this year, Google had updated its Google Play Movies and TV app on Chromebooks to support an offline mode as well. The company claims its app can currently stream content from a variety of Android-based smartphones, tablets, game consoles, set top boxes, HDTV with devices such as Chromecast and desktop devices using a browser. YouTube movies: Interestingly, Google also runs YouTube Movies, which lets users watch movies for free, rent them or purchase them at prices mirrored from Google Play. Both the apps show purchases from the other, making one wonder why Google needs multiple movie rental platforms? Given that both platforms have similar listings, same prices and are inter compatible, it only seems a matter of time before the company merges them into one. Neither of the Google services offer blanket subscriptions though, which can make watching multiple movies a month an expensive prospective. The company had rolled out its YouTube rentals to India in March last year. Competition - Online video streaming service Spuul.com had introduced…
