Netflix Rolling Out "Major" TV App Update For The First Time Since 2013
Just recently we heard that a price increase was coming to Netflix, but that it would slowly be rolling out over the next ten years as the company encourages users to upgrade to the high-definition streaming plans.
However, there's a more immediate change to Netflix coming for those who use the streaming service by way of an application to their TV. It's being called a "major update," but in reality it's just the first significant update to the TV app since it was completely overhauled back in 2013. It's nothing earth-shattering, but it will make watching Netflix on your TV slightly more convenient.
Learn more about the Netflix TV app update after the jump!
The Netflix TV app update should be rolled out to all users in less than a week, and while the company had a massive update to their own website last month, this isn't quite as drastic. In reality, the update merely allows the Netflix TV app to act more like traditional TV programming.
When a user selects which title they want to watch, it will immediately resume or start playing while still displaying the key infor you need to help confirm that this is the title you want to watch, or that you want to start where you last left off. Basically, not unlike a digital cable or satellite user interface, the title, description, episode number, etc. will be viewable while the program starts playing. It's the same information you normally see, but instead of having just a still image, the program will start playing just like if you changed the channel.
Netflix says (via TechCrunch) the intention is to provide a "more immersive and cinematic experience," and this makes it a little easier to watch what you want to watch. Frankly, I don't see how this makes it any more convenient with regards to watching something for the first time, but when it comes to resuming a program, that's a handy feature.
Netflix started rolling out the update to eligible devices yesterday, and it should reach everyone in the next few days. The update will also be available on all newer, smart TVs, especially the ones that will are being suggested for purchase as a "Recommended TV" by Netflix. So if you're in the market for a new TV and a Netflix app is important to you, keep an eye out for their seal of approval.
Now if Netflix could just introduce a feature that randomly chooses a movie for you, that would be fantastic. If that's something that sounds fun, Netflix Roulette already gets the job done, but it would be nice to see Netflix officially embrace this risky entertainment endeavor sometime down the road.