Netflix is rolling out a major redesign for its TV app from today (20 May).
Billed as an 'innovative new TV experience,' this is the biggest update to Netflix’s home screen in over a decade. But, while the streaming giant says the new look should make browsing easier and more 'personal,' some Netflix fans dubbed the implementation of AI as 'annoying' and a dystopian step 'backwards'.
Still, despite growing competition from Disney+, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video, Netflix continues to wear the crown.
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The streaming giant says the new design solves common issues that many users face. Primarily, it will tackle 'decision fatigue,' which is that all-too-familiar feeling of scrolling endlessly and struggling to pick something like a TV show or movie to watch.
"Finding your next watch on Netflix is about to become that much easier," Netflix explained. "A new TV experience is headed your way, and it comes with better recommendations and an improved interface that highlights what matters most to you."
The new design starts rolling out globally from 19 May, but Netflix says it could take 'weeks' before it hits everyone’s screens. Once it does, you’ll get a welcome message that will 'help walk you through your upgraded homepage.' That said, some older TVs and streaming devices might not support the new look, and it's unclear which devices these are at this time.
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Most noticeably, a new navigation bar will give users easy shortcuts to Search, Shows, Movies, Games, and My Netflix, which Netflix believes will enable 'simpler navigation.' The bar will stay locked at the top of the screen, meaning less browsing to find what you want.
Secondly, a feature called 'responsive recommendations' that updates in 'real-time' as you browse the TV app.
"Your homepage will respond to your viewing and browsing history," Netflix explained. "So, you can quickly find something that suits your mood in the moment."
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Furthermore, the addition of My Netflix shortcut pulls together everything you’re in the middle of watching. Serving as a 'personal oasis,' the tool will keep track of what you're watching, saved, or asked to be reminded about. All in one place, users will find tabs for Continue Watching, My List, and Remind Me.
With the redesign, Netflix also provides more detailed information for each content title.
"With the new interface, you can discover what makes each title worth the watch before you commit to pressing play," Netflix added. "Preview a title’s synopsis, runtime, award wins, Top 10 history, or key cast all up-front while you browse."
Keep an eye out, as your screen's new look could be arriving any day now.