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  • Netflix Unleashes Free ‘Playground’ App: Fun and Learning with Favorite Characters at No Extra Cost!

    Netflix Unleashes Free ‘Playground’ App: Fun and Learning with Favorite Characters at No Extra Cost!

    While Christmas is several months away, Netflix has given its customers an early Easter gift in the form of a new, free app. The new Netflix Playground app, designed with kids in mind, is sure to be appreciated by many parents.

    The All-Inclusive App

    The Netflix Playground app is designed to be an all-inclusive platform. The concept is straightforward, offering games that feature favorite characters from various popular shows like Sesame Street, Dr. Seuss, Peppa Pig, StoryBots, and Bad Dinosaurs. Moreover, all the games are age-appropriate, ensuring a safe and relevant environment for the kids.

    The best thing is, Netflix Playground is free of charge. In a world where most things come with a high price tag, this is a welcome development. The app is included in every Netflix subscription, making it accessible for all subscribers.

    The primary goal of the app is to spark creativity, laughter, and fun amongst kids. Parents can feel safe handing over their mobile devices to their children when using this app as it has no ads, in-app purchases, or additional costs.

    The Available Games

    Netflix Playground is set to expand its game offerings in the future. However, presently, the app features a chosen team of well-loved characters.

    The initial lineup includes games inspired by Dr. Seuss titles, Sesame Street, Peppa Pig, StoryBots, and Bad Dinosaurs. These games offer a range of activities, including puzzles, music-based play, memory challenges, and light creative interaction. For instance, Dr. Seuss games engage kids in rhythmic and exploratory play, while Sesame Street emphasizes pattern and object recognition. Peppa Pig and StoryBots introduce more variety with activities like counting, decorating, and skill-building mini-games. Bad Dinosaurs combines puzzles with sticker-based creativity.

    With an intentionally simple and accessible design, the app focuses more on engagement than complexity. Netflix also hinted that this is just the beginning, with more titles and franchises expected to be added over time.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Netflix Playground app?
    Netflix Playground is a free app for kids that features games with popular characters from shows like Sesame Street, Dr. Seuss, Peppa Pig, StoryBots, and Bad Dinosaurs.

    What type of games does the Netflix Playground app offer?
    The app offers a variety of games, including puzzles, music-based play, memory challenges, and light creative interaction. The games are inspired by popular characters and emphasize skills such as pattern and object recognition, counting, and creativity.

    Is the Netflix Playground app free?
    Yes, the Netflix Playground app is free and is included in all Netflix subscriptions. It contains no ads, in-app purchases, or additional costs.

  • Paramount Skydance Outbids Netflix with a Whopping $108.4 Billion Offer for Warner Bros Discovery

    Paramount Skydance Outbids Netflix with a Whopping $108.4 Billion Offer for Warner Bros Discovery

    Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile $108.4 billion counteroffer for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), threatening to eclipse the previous $73 billion cash and stock bid from Netflix. Paramount Skydance’s offer proposes $30 in cash for each share of WBD, which surpasses Netflix’s offer of $23.25 in cash and $4.50 in Netflix stock for each WBD stockholder.

    Bidding War Heightens

    On Monday, WBD’s shares saw a 4.41% increase, hitting $27.23 with a rise of $1.15. Paramount Skydance’s bid outstrips Netflix’s by $18 billion in cash. Paramount Skydance bolstered its offer by arguing that its deal not only benefits the creative community more, but will also have an easier journey through regulatory approval processes.

    Despite this, a transaction with Paramount Skydance would involve the Paramount-owned CBS and CBS-owned local stations, thereby requiring approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and possibly the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). A Netflix acquisition of WBD, on the other hand, would not necessitate FCC approval.

    Acquisition Details

    Paramount Skydance’s purchase proposal includes several key assets: the Warner Bros. movie studio, HBO, streaming service HBO Max, and a collection of cable channels such as TNT and CNN. Netflix’s deal does not incorporate the cable networks, which would be spun off into a new company named Discovery Global.

    David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount, contends that his deal is a superior alternative to Netflix’s offer. He asserts that WBD shareholders deserve the opportunity to consider Paramount’s all-cash offering for their shares in the entire company. Ellison is confident that their public offer, which matches the terms provided privately to the WBD Board of Directors, represents a greater value and a swifter, more certain path to deal closure.

    Political Influence

    Earlier this year, Ellison’s Skydance acquired Paramount in an $8 billion trade. Given his father Larry Ellison’s close ties to President Donald Trump, securing FCC approval for a Paramount Skydance acquisition could potentially be expedited. Prior to Paramount Skydance announcing its bid, President Trump expressed concern that the Netflix bid could raise antitrust issues and indicated his intention to be involved in the approval process.

    Funding and Future Implications

    Following the announcement of the deal, Ellison appeared on CNBC, highlighting the potential market power that a combined Netflix-WBD company would hold. With over 400 million subscribers, it would dwarf its closest competitor, Disney, which currently has just under 200 million. Ellison opined that such a scenario could be detrimental to Hollywood and asserted the superiority of their offer.

    In the event that WBD reneges on its agreement with Netflix in favor of the higher offer from Paramount Skydance, Netflix is set to receive a $2.8 billion breakup fee. Importantly, Paramount Skydance has already secured funding commitments for half of the purchase price, amounting to $54 billion, from Bank of America, Citi, and private equity firm Apollo Global.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the value of Paramount Skydance’s counteroffer for Warner Bros. Discovery?
    Paramount Skydance has made a bid of $108.4 billion for Warner Bros. Discovery.

    What does Paramount Skydance’s deal include, and how does it compare to Netflix’s offer?
    Paramount Skydance’s offer includes the Warner Bros. movie studio, HBO, HBO Max, and a collection of cable channels. It outbids Netflix’s offer by $18 billion and is an all-cash deal compared to Netflix’s cash and stock offer.

    What is the potential impact of Paramount Skydance’s bid on the market dynamics?
    If the deal goes through, Paramount Skydance believes it will benefit the creative community and face fewer regulatory hurdles. However, a Netflix-WBD merger would create a company with over 400 million subscribers, considerably larger than its nearest competitor, Disney.

  • Netflix Disables Mobile Casting to Most Modern TVs in Unexplained Update

    Netflix Disables Mobile Casting to Most Modern TVs in Unexplained Update

    The popular streaming platform, Netflix, has recently discontinued a feature that allowed shows to be cast from mobile devices to the majority of contemporary televisions. The reasons behind the decision remain unexplained.

    Changes in Casting Accessibility

    Netflix subscribers can no longer cast their desired shows from mobile devices to virtually any modern TV. According to an announcement on Netflix’s help page, the app has ceased to support casting shows from a mobile device to the majority of TVs and TV-streaming devices. For viewers to access Netflix, they’re now required to use the remote of their TV or streaming device to navigate the platform.

    The only exception to the new rule pertains to casting to older Chromecast devices and televisions that are compatible with Google Cast. Netflix has clarified that this privilege is only available to users who are subscribed to its ad-free plans. Unfortunately, those who own a Google TV Streamer, Chromecast with Google TV, or an Android TV-powered television will no longer be able to cast Netflix from its mobile app.

    Netflix’s decision to disable this feature is not entirely surprising. Back in 2019, the streaming giant discontinued support for Apple’s AirPlay feature, citing the inability to differentiate between the diverse range of devices that support AirPlay as the reason. This made it difficult for Netflix to ensure the highest-quality viewing experience across all devices.

    The Ad-Supported Tier

    Netflix’s ad-supported subscription model, introduced in 2022, never offered support for Google Cast and Chromecast-only devices. However, the “Basic with ads” plan previously permitted casting to Google TV-equipped devices, including both the 4K and HD versions of the Chromecast with Google TV.

    Implications for Netflix Users

    Netflix has always been stringent about password sharing and the use of accounts on TVs situated in different locations. Historically, casting from a mobile device was a secure workaround, particularly for those on the move or visiting friends and family.

    The recent change complicates the process of watching Netflix on hotel TVs, which may cause some users to reconsider their subscriptions.

    Questions & Answers

    Why can’t shows be cast from mobile devices to most modern TVs anymore?
    Netflix has stopped supporting the casting of shows from mobile devices to most TVs and TV-streaming devices, although no specific reasons were provided.

    Are there any exceptions to this new rule?
    Yes, casting is still possible to older Chromecast devices and TVs that support Google Cast, but only for users on Netflix’s ad-free plans.

    How has this change affected the viewing habits of Netflix users?
    This change could potentially complicate the viewing habits of users who frequently travel or prefer casting shows from their mobile devices to TVs in different locations.

  • MyIX to finalise deal with Netflix next month

    MyIX to finalise deal with Netflix next month

    The Malaysia Internet Exchange (MyIX) will finalise its deal with America’s popular online entertainment company, Netflix, to provide its video and movie content in Malaysia by end-August, says chairman Chiew Kok Hin.

    The non-profit MyIX is the first neutral Internet Exchange where local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and content providers connect to exchange Internet traffic.

    He said with the deal entered into with the entertainment company, neighbouring countries such as Indonesia could also obtain the content from Malaysia at a nominal fee, hence paving the way for the country to become a content hub in future.

    “We hope with the sealed deal, we can attract other international players to come to Malaysia in the future as we are working to position the country as a regional Internet exchange gateway,” he said.

    Netflix is a popular online American entertainment company that provides a range of videos and movies and is also the world’s ninth-largest Internet company by revenue (US$8.83bil).

    Chiew added that with the country being positioned as an Internet exchange gateway, it would attract South-East Asian countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia to make Malaysia their content hub.

    “It will bring the content nearer to us, and neighbouring countries will not only save cost but also improve on content quality,” he said.

    Since MyIX’s inception in 2006, it has closed deals with various parties including Alibaba and Yahoo.

    Chiew also said the cost to bring the content had dropped over the years, allowing telecommunication companies (telcos) to reduce their pricing and offer more data and bandwith to their clients.

    “With this in effect (cost reduction), the pricing set by telcos is being monitored by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission to ensure it is fairly set,” he said.

    As for the Internet speed in the country, Chiew, who is also AIMS Data Centre Sdn Bhd chief executive officer, said overall, the speed offered to Malaysian Internet users was satisfactory.

    However, there still remained certain areas in the country that did not have receive good Internet coverage.

    “Telcos have taken steps to widen their connectivity but it is acknowledged that there are still obstacles in providing fast Internet speed nationwide,” he said.

    The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) early this year mentioned at an international conference that the accelerated 5 Generation (5G) schedule, which would enable 3GPP-based large-scale trials and deployments as early as 2019, would be commercialised worldwide by 2020.

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  • No entertainment shows, only movies for Netflix in Vietnam

    No entertainment shows, only movies for Netflix in Vietnam

    Starting Monday Netflix will remove all entertainment and reality shows from its platform in Vietnam and only distribute film-related content to comply with local laws.

    The U.S.-based streaming service would only show films that have been classified, the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information said in a recent release.

    In Vietnam, film and entertainment shows fall under different categories and are subject to different regulations.

    Distributors of entertainment shows need to set up a company in Vietnam, but film distributors do not.

    Netflix has to remove content entertainment and reality shows such as “Love on the Spectrum,” “Longest Third Date” and “Down For Love.”

    After the decree on entertainment shows came into effect in 2023, some platforms withdrew from Vietnam, including U.S.-based Amazon’s Prime Video service which shut down in October after a seven-year presence.

    China’s Iqiyi was flagged the same month for distributing entertainment shows since it has registered only to provide film-related content.

    The broadcasting authority said last year that the enforcement of such regulations aims to ensure fair competition between domestic and international television businesses.

    Earlier foreign platforms benefited from regulatory gaps, with some avoiding taxes or distributing prohibited content, it said.

    “New regulations, issued to ensure fairness, have caused some companies to cease operations in Vietnam,” Le Quang Tu Do, the authority’s director, said at the time.

    “Adjusting business models to comply with local laws is a routine part of doing business.”

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  • Netflix is big in Japan

    Netflix is big in Japan

    Netflix reached a milestone of over 10 million subscribers in Japan during the first half of this year. That’s a success! Netflix is gaining attention in the Land of the Rising Sun with…. Japanese-language programming.

    You see, Japanese series are drawing significant attention in the expanding market. Over the past four years, the company’s subscriber base has doubled, and the streaming giant has recently released several popular Japanese-language shows that distinguish it from local broadcasters.

    Kaata Sakamoto, vice president of content for Japan, expressed satisfaction with the success of shows like “Tokyo Swindlers”, “The Queen of Villains”, and the reality-romance series “The Boyfriend”, which have garnered considerable viewership. Since Netflix began reporting viewing rankings in 2021, only two English-language series, the live-action adaptation of hit “One Piece” and the fourth season of “Stranger Things”, have topped these rankings in Japan.

    Sakamoto also noted that Japan has a strong demand for local content, which is why Netflix continues to prioritize producing such programming. In September, Netflix announced a five-year contract with Hitoshi One, the director of “Tokyo Swindlers”, a drama about a group of real estate scammers.

    The growth of streaming has led to increased consumption of Japanese content, with major entertainment companies turning their attention to their hits. For example, Amazon has adapted Sega Sammy’s “Yakuza” game series, and reports indicate that Sony is in talks to acquire media company Kadokawa to strengthen its entertainment portfolio.

    Netflix has stated that Japanese content is its third-most-viewed non-English content, following Korean and Spanish programming. Additionally, its anime offerings were watched more than 1 billion times worldwide last year.

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  • Netflix subscribers are warned that they are the target of a dangerous SMS phishing campaign

    Netflix subscribers are warned that they are the target of a dangerous SMS phishing campaign

    It’s absolutely nuts to think that more than 13 years and five months ago we were telling you about the Netflix app becoming available for the Motorola DROID and DROID X from the Android Market. We’ve gone from Android 2 to Android 15, the Android Market is now the Google Play Store, Netflix now offers a wide range of original content, and Motorola is trying to recapture the magic that made it and HTC early leaders among Android phone manufacturers.

    One thing that we didn’t worry about too much back in 2011 that we worry about now is the possibility of getting scammed by phishing attacks. These are emails or texts that are made to look as though they were sent from a company you do business with asking you to reveal personal information. Cybersecurity researchers are reporting that hackers are running an SMS phishing campaign against Netflix subscribers that seeks to access their Netflix accounts and steal information about the credit cards used to pay for the service.

    “We will never ask you to enter your personal information in a text or email. We will never request payment through a 3rd party vendor or website”-Netflix statement

    These bogus texts make it appear as though a subscriber’s account was placed on hold and ask the subscriber to update his/her information by clicking on a link. Here’s the scary part. This link will take the victim to a website that looks remarkably like the real Netflix site with a prompt asking for login and credit card information. If the information they request is provided to them, the scammers will take over control of the victim’s Netflix account and will have the ability to use his/her credit card and wipe out the remaining credit available.

    Security experts are warning Netflix subscribers to be on the lookout for any texts or emails stating that their Netflix account is on hold or will soon be suspended. Other texts accuse the subscriber of not paying for the service and urgently demand payment by threatening to cancel the account. Do not press on any links that are included in the text or email. You might be able to tell that the text and website are fakes since they are usually loaded with grammatical and spelling errors.

    The phishing campaign was discovered by cyber security firm Bitdefender. The security firm says that it spotted this campaign running in 23 countries, including the United States, since September. If you do receive this text, ignore it and delete it.

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  • Just before eagerly awaited Tyson-Paul fight, Netflix goes down

    Just before eagerly awaited Tyson-Paul fight, Netflix goes down

    You were looking forward to binging one of the best rom-coms of the year tonight on Netflix, “Nobody Wants This,” starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell. After all, everyone at work has been talking about the film and you were the only one in your clique who hadn’t viewed any of it. So after surviving a tough day at the office you head home, get comfortable, turn on Netflix, and…nothing happens because the streamer is down.

    According to DownDetector, the number of complaints it received about Netflix soared from 406 at 7:27 pm ET to a whopping 99,876 by 9:42 pm ET. That’s a huge increase and is certainly indicative of an issue at Netflix. 88% of the complaints were related to video streaming while 11% of the submissions were related to problems with the server connection. The remaining 1% had to do with logging into the service.

    The issue could be related to the heavy traffic expected to watch the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight which is being streamed tonight on the platform. Most of the written complaints from Netflix users were related to the fight which was free for paid Netflix subscribers. Many said that their connection was constantly getting buffered. Other complained that the video feed was hard to look at while others said that they had no audio. The streaming issues started during the co-main event between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano who were battling it out for the women’s Undisputed Super Lightweight Championship.

    These complaints keep coming into Downdetector with comments suggesting that Netflix stick to movies instead of live events. Others said that Netflix obviously can’t handle internet traffic of this magnitude.

    Despite the large number of Netflix subscribers complaining about the service being down, the streamer’s own status page says that Netflix is up and is not experiencing any interruption to its streaming. Back to Downdetector, the outage map shows that Netflix is having problems in major cities like New York, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.

    Whether you wanted to watch “Nobody Want This” or the Tyson-Paul fight, Netflix has let down a large number of subscribers tonight.

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  • Netflix uses dubious method to get some subscribers to switch plans

    Netflix uses dubious method to get some subscribers to switch plans

    A change is coming to Netflix subscription plans in some markets starting on July 13th. That’s when the video streamer’s $11.99 ad-free plan will be discontinued in two countries. This is the cheapest ad-free subscription option that Netflix offers and eliminating it will force subscribers to move to one of three plans. These subscribers can choose the $6.99 per month plan that subjects them to viewing ads, or they can sign up for one of two ad-free plans that are available. There is an ad-free plan that costs $15.49 per month and a plan that offers ad-free 4K streams for $22.99 per month (more on this later).

    A photo posted on a social media site shows that a Netflix subscriber, even though he still has a valid subscription for a couple of weeks, is not being allowed to use the platform until he subscribes to another plan. While this user was trying to view content on Netflix, he sees a sign on his television that said, “Your last day to watch Netflix is July 13. Choose a new plan to keep watching.” Underneath that heading Netflix writes, “Your Basic Plan has been discontinued, but you can easily switch to a new one. Plans start at $5.99 with upgraded features.”

    This is unfair to the subscriber who is being forced to decide which plan to subscribe to right away if he wants to enjoy the remainder of the subscription that he pays for monthly. On Reddit, several people called out Netflix for doing something that they felt bordered on illegal. “There’s no option to continue watching without selecting a new plan,” one Netflix subscriber said on Reddit. Still, this shouldn’t be too surprising to Netflix subscribers since the company said this past January that it would push customers to less-expensive or more-expensive plans.

    Those receiving the notice telling them that their current plan expires on July 13th can choose from one of three aforementioned options. Standard with ads is $6.99 per month and features Full HD (FHD) resolution streams with no more than two devices allowed to stream at once. This plan supports downloads and up to two devices can download content.

    Ad-free options include Standard for $15.49 per month which has all of the same features as the Standard with ads plan, but without ads. The Premium plan is $22.99 per month and streams in Ultra HD resolution. Four devices can stream at once and up to six devices can  download content for viewing when offline.The notices about the discontinuation of the Basic plan is being seen by Netflix subscribers in Canada and the U.K. with U.S. users expected to be targeted soon. American Netflix subscribers should remember the saying, “To be forewarned is forearmed.”

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  • Your credit card data and other personal info is at risk if you respond to fake Netflix emails

    Your credit card data and other personal info is at risk if you respond to fake Netflix emails

    One of the reasons why so many victims are separated from their money thanks to online scams is that the scammers do a great job of playing with victims’ emotions. You might have been part of a phishing expedition that uses emails that look as though they came from a well-known company that you might do business with. These emails are fake and try to get you to hand over personal data that can be used to wipe out your online accounts.

    But it takes more than a cleverly designed email that includes the logo of your wireless firm to scam you. The email has to get you to act and tap on a link so it might say something that scares you into taking action immediately. One scam uses a phished email from your bank asking you whether a large purchase made with your credit card is valid. The scammers know it is not a legit request so they phrase the message to ask you to tap on a link if the transaction is not yours.

    The victim, worried about getting ripped off, naturally taps on the link and is sent to a page where she is asked for account info including a PIN or password, social security number, and other personal data. The key to the whole attack is to get the victim so scared about losing an important service or such a large amount of money that instead of using common sense, the victim acts emotionally which typically results in him doing the wrong thing.

    The most recent phishing campaign uses an email which the scammer sends randomly hoping for it to be received by consumers with Netflix accounts. Looking to play with the victim’s emotions, under the Netflix insignia the email reads, “Your Membership has expired!” For those who use Netflix often for their streaming entertainment, this might be upsetting. Underneath the streamer’s iconic “N” logo, the message continues. “Dear customer, your Netflix account has expired.”

    The message continues to say, “But as part of our loyalty program, you can now extend for 90 days for free.” The scammer wants you to press the red button underneath the text that says “Extend for free.” Once the next page is open, you probably are asked to give up some of your personal data.” DO NOT DO IT! Even though the button says “Extend for free,” directly underneath it mentions that your credit card data is required to get the free 90 days.

    One of the ways you can detect a scam is to look for grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. There are no major issues along those lines with the Netflix email. On the other hand, if you’re offered a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is not a legit offer. And getting three months of Netflix for free is certainly an offer that is too good to be true. Don’t let the disclaimer at the bottom of the email stating that the message is not a scam convince you that it is on the up and up.

    The domain name did not have the Netflix name included at all which is a major red flag. My wife received the email twice and deleted it both times. And that is exactly what you should do too if you receive the email.

    For its part, Netflix says that it will never ask you to share personal information through an email or text including:

    • Credit or debit card numbers
    • Bank account details
    • Netflix passwords

    If you’ve already shared information with the scammer, immediately change the passwords for your financial apps and call the financial firms you deal with ASAP. Also, change your Netflix password as well. If you receive a text or email that is trying to pass itself off as coming from Netflix, take a screenshot of it and send it to Netflix via email at [email protected] and type in the date and time that you received the email.

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  • Netflix starts forcing grandfathered subscribers to stop paying Apple

    Netflix starts forcing grandfathered subscribers to stop paying Apple

    In 2018, Netflix stopped accepting payments for new subscriptions through the App Store, forcing new subscribers and those returning after a brief hiatus to pay Netflix through its website. It has been six years since Netflix allowed such subscribers to pay for their service through the App Store. This way, Netflix could avoid paying Apple its 15% to 30% cut on in-app transactions that go through Apple’s in-app payment processing platform.

    Netflix representative Momo Zhao told The Verge that all “members on the basic plan who were using an iTunes method of payment” now must pay Netflix directly for service using a credit card or a debit card. Those who signed up for Netflix before the video streamer stopped allowing users to subscribe through the App Store were able to hold on to a good deal for years and continued to pay each renewal period through Apple.

    Netflix has allowed grandfathered subscribers to continue to pay each month through the App Store, but that is about to change. As one “X” subscriber wrote in a tweet, “Netflix stopped working with Apple Pay and didn’t inform me. Now I’m locked out of my $9.99 a month price I had paid for years and I had to get charged $31 until I get a refund through Apple.”

    If you’re in the same shoes as the person who posted the above tweet, you’ll have to pay $5.50 more a month for the same plan you were paying $9.99 a month for or pay $3 less per month for the privilege of having your streaming interrupted by ads. No matter which plan you choose, you’ll be paying Netflix directly.

    To reiterate, if you are a long-time Netflix subscriber and have been paying through the App Store to maintain your Netflix subscription, be on the lookout for an email from the video streamer that says that if you want to remain a Netflix subscriber, you will have to stop paying your bill through Apple. And you might be paying a little more or a little less each month for Netflix service depending on whether you can live with ads running on the videos you’re watching.

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  • No dedicated Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify apps for the Vision Pro

    No dedicated Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify apps for the Vision Pro

    It was back in July when we first told you that Netflix wasn’t planning a dedicated app for the Vision Pro. And while those planning to shell out $3,499 for the Vision Pro might have hoped that Netflix would change its mind, that is not the case, as the spatial computer kicked off pre-orders today in the U.S. Other streamers have announced plans to build an app for the Vision Pro including  Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Paramount Plus. The device will be released on February 2nd.

    Netflix also notes that it is not making its iPad app available to Vision Pro users, which means that the only way for Netflix subscribers to stream using the Vision Pro is to use the Safari browser and visit the Netflix website. Unlike those viewing content on one of the aforementioned streamers supporting Vision Pro, movies, television shows, and documentaries viewed on Netflix will not feel so immersive.

    Netflix spokesperson Kumiko Hidaka said, “Our members will be able to enjoy Netflix on the web browser on the Vision Pro, similar to how our members can enjoy Netflix on Macs.” However, certain features that Netflix subscribers can enjoy on mobile platforms, such as viewing content offline, will not be made available to Vision Pro users. Netflix might have decided that it was best to wait and see how popular Vision Pro would become before deciding to spend time and money on a dedicated app for the platform.

    Disney+ is taking a different tact and has decided to go all-in on Vision Pro. Subscribers can view streaming Disney+ content in one of four immersive environments, including one based on Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre. Others are based on Pixar’s Monsters, Inc., Avengers Tower from Marvel’s Avengers films, and one environment made for Star Wars fans is set in the cockpit of a landspeeder located in the Tatooine desert.

    Disney, constantly rumored to be a possible acquisition for Apple, loves Vision Pro. Bob Iger, Disney CEO, says, “At Disney, we’re constantly searching for new ways to entertain, inform, and inspire by combining exceptional creativity with groundbreaking technology to create truly remarkable experiences. Apple Vision Pro is a revolutionary platform that will bring our fans closer to the characters and stories they love while immersing them more deeply in all Disney offers. We’re proud to be once again partnering with Apple to bring extraordinary new Disney experiences to people worldwide.”

    If Vision Pro becomes a hot commodity, Netflix could decide to develop a dedicated Vision Pro app for future versions of the spatial computer. Other high-profile streamers that are not launching apps for Vision Pro include Google’s YouTube video streamer and audio streamer Spotify.

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  • Netflix reveals the first mobile games joining its library in 2024

    Netflix reveals the first mobile games joining its library in 2024

    With about two weeks left of 2023, Netflix decided it’s time to share details about what’s coming for those interested in the gaming part of its service. As some of you probably know already, Netflix started offering its subscribers free mobile games two years ago.

    Throughout 2023, the streaming company added no less than 40 games to its ever-expanded library, including Grand Theft Auto Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, Football Manager 24 Mobile and Storyteller.

    Furthermore, Netflix bought a couple of well-known indie developers to help expand its portfolio of mobile games. One such studio is Night School, the developer behind Oxenfree II: Lost Signals, and Boss Fight Entertainment, the studio that made Netflix Stories: Love is Blind.

    By the end of this year, Netflix will have 86 games included with every membership without ads, in-purchases or extra fees. According to Netflix, no less than 90 more games are now in development and are expected to be added to its library in the coming months.

    Four of the games that will join Netflix’s library have been revealed today and they’re quite different: Cozy Grove: Camp Spirit, FashionVerse, Game Dev Tycoon, and Sonic Mania Plus. The latter will be exclusive to Netflix Games and on mobile for the first time.

    More games coming in 2024 include Braid, Anniversary Edition (April 30), Chicken Run: Eggstraction, The Dragon Prince: Xadia, Dumb Ways to Survive, Hades, Harmonium: The Musical, Katana Zero, Money Heist: Ultimate Choice (January 4), Monument Valley 1 & 2, Netflix Stories: Virgin River, Paper Trail, and The Rise of The Golden Idol.

    In more exciting news, Netflix confirmed it’s working to bring a Rebel Moon game developed by Super Evil Megacorp to its library, along with a game set in the universe of Squid Game.

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  • Coles rolls out Netflix favourites-inspired frozen food range

    Coles rolls out Netflix favourites-inspired frozen food range

    Coles has rolled out a range of frozen food products inspired by two of the most-watched Netflix shows: Stranger Things and Squid Game.

    The Netflix range includes Stranger Things-themed frozen pizzas, beef brisket BBQ patties, spicy wing nibbles and ice cream, and Squid Game-themed chicken nuggets and stuffed potato mashies.

    Available in two flavours, Rad Pepperoni and the Gnarly Hawaiian, the frozen pizzas are packaged in the same retro-designed boxes as The Surfer Boy Pizzas, the show’s pizzeria.

    Meanwhile, the four-pack beef brisket BBQ patties take inspiration from the show’s family-owned diner, Benny’s Burgers, and the Hellfire Club Spicy Wing Nibbles from the show’s Hawkins High School Society.

    The Stranger Things ice cream is available in 1-litre tubs in three flavours: Butterscotch, Cinnamon Buns Vanilla, and Cookie Pieces.

    The supermarket also launched a 9-pack BBQ chicken nuggets in the shape of triangles, circles, and squares inspired by Squid Game’s guard marks, alongside a 12-pack of Stuffed Potato Mashies with a red and green filling, playing on the red light, green light game from the show.

    Tim Lane, business category manager for frozen at Coles, said the company was thrilled to partner with the streaming service and bring new products inspired by its popular franchises.

    “We’re committed to working with suppliers to expand and diversify our product offering, and this innovative range draws on inspiration from the concepts and brands fans have seen throughout the shows,” said Lane.

  • Netflix continues to add subscribers in the U.S. after cracking down on password sharing

    Netflix continues to add subscribers in the U.S. after cracking down on password sharing

    Once Netflix started its plan to crack down on password-sharing in May, the video streamer started to add new subscribers. A report in BroadbandTV News cited stats from Antenna which revealed that after a 12.9% decline in the number of gross additions to its U.S. subscriber list in April, Netflix saw that figure rise 27.8% in May and an incredible 128.9% in June. July showed a 25.7% drop off in U.S. gross additions.
    Still, the company did manage to add 2.6 million U.S. subscribers in July after signing up 3.5 million in June. Since the beginning of the crackdown in May, Netflix has added 7.5 million U.S. subscribers which seems to indicate that the company has done a good job in convincing password borrowers that they still want to watch the platform’s content even if they have to pay for it with their own money.
    Netflix no longer offers the basic ad-free service in the U.S. which means that besides the ad-supported tier, U.S. Netflix subscribers can choose between Standard and Premium. Priced at $15.49 monthly, Standard includes unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games and can be used by two supported devices at a time. Content is streamed in Full HD and one person who doesn’t live with the subscriber can be added for $7.99 per month.
    The Premium service, which costs $19.99 per month, includes unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games and four supported devices can use the service at a time. Content is streamed in Ultra HD, Netflix spatial audio is included, and six supported devices can download content for offline viewing. Up to two extra members who don’t live with the subscriber can be added for $7.99 per month per subscriber.
    Discussing the elimination of its old Basic package, Netflix wrote, “We’ll be interested to see how this impacts the composition of Netflix subscriptions and sign-ups overall in the coming months.” For the quarter that ended June 30, Netflix doubled projections by adding 5.9 million subscribers worldwide bringing its total globally to 238.3 million.
    Meanwhile, some of the new content on Netflix includes PainKiller, a series about the Sackler family and how it pushed doctors to prescribe its Oxycontin painkiller. The second season of Heartstopper also recently dropped on the platform.