Latest news with #ElizabethStone
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Netflix users slam new update
Published: | Updated: Netflix users around the world are lashing out over a new update that many say has ruined their viewing experience. The streaming giant, which boasts over 300 million subscribers , has rolled out a redesigned user interface (UI) to deliver better recommendations and a more personalized experience. However, the update has triggered a wave of frustration, with some subscribers calling it 'diabolical.' 'Netflix has destroyed the app. Worst UI redesign ever. Everyone needs to cancel,' one user posted on X. Users are now presented with enlarged title cards, the rectangular graphics that preview shows and movies, which they said takes up more screen space and reduces the number of titles visible at once. Previously, users could scroll through multiple rows of compact tiles. The 'clunky' title boxes have also taken the place of key features that users said helped them find movies and shows easily. 'Netflix's update is diabolical. Where the hell is the 'Coming Soon' section?!' another frustrated user shared on X. Chief Technology Officer Elizabeth Stone emphasized the company's focus on merging technology with entertainment, calling it Netflix's 'superpower' that improves user connection with shows and movies. The streaming giant believes the new experience will save users from overwhelming situations, like choosing what to watch, by providing tailor-made suggestions for them. In the previous version, shortcuts like Search and My List were located on the left side. Now, shortcuts to Search, Shows, Movies, Games, and My Netflix are located at the top of your screen and always visible. The revamped homepage introduces multiple rows of content that update based on a user's viewing habits. For instance, someone watching a romantic comedy may suddenly see an entire section dedicated to similar films. 'The new Netflix TV experience is still the one you know and love, just better,' Chief Product Officer Eunice Kim said. Despite the company's promises, many users are taking to social media to complain that the update has worsened their viewing experience. 'Whoever's job it was to update Netflix UI, I'm praying for a resignation in the coming weeks. IT LOOKS TERRIBLE,' an X user shared. On Reddit, where user experience discussions often gain traction, subscribers echoed the frustration. One described the update as 'so dire' they were considering canceling their subscription. Another added: 'It was so slick and easy to use before. Now it's so clunky.' Some subscribers have even launched a petition urging Netflix to revert the layout, arguing that the new interface shows only three to four titles per screen, which is a drastic drop from the 20 or more shown previously. While users are outraged, Netflix stands by the design that it said will better accommodate its growing library of movies, TV shows and games. The platform also plans to add generative AI-powered search features, beginning with a beta rollout on iOS. The new AI-powered search tool will let users find content using natural language — for example, typing 'I want something funny and upbeat' instead of searching for specific titles. Despite the backlash, Netflix appears committed to the redesign. The company said internal testing showed strong user engagement, suggesting confidence that the interface will grow on subscribers over time. Interestingly, signs of user discontent surfaced months ago. Some began voicing complaints during early beta testing, particularly over the enlarged tiles and the diminished ease of browsing, concerns that have since exploded across social platforms.
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Netflix users outraged over new 'diabolical' update to app: 'Everyone needs to cancel'
Netflix users around the world are lashing out over a new update that many say has ruined their viewing experience. The streaming giant, which boasts over 300 million subscribers, has rolled out a redesigned user interface (UI) to deliver better recommendations and a more personalized experience. However, the update has triggered a wave of frustration, with some subscribers calling it 'diabolical.' 'Netflix has destroyed the app. Worst UI redesign ever. Everyone needs to cancel,' one user posted on X. Users are now presented with enlarged title cards, the rectangular graphics that preview shows and movies, which they said takes up more screen space and reduces the number of titles visible at once. Previously, users could scroll through multiple rows of compact tiles. The 'clunky' title boxes have also taken the place of key features that users said helped them find movies and shows easily. 'Netflix's update is diabolical. Where the hell is the 'Coming Soon' section?!' another frustrated user shared on X. Chief Technology Officer Elizabeth Stone emphasized the company's focus on merging technology with entertainment, calling it Netflix's 'superpower' that improves user connection with shows and movies. The streaming giant believes the new experience will save users from overwhelming situations, like choosing what to watch, by providing tailor-made suggestions for them. In the previous version, shortcuts like Search and My List were located on the left side. Now, shortcuts to Search, Shows, Movies, Games, and My Netflix are located at the top of your screen and always visible. The revamped homepage introduces multiple rows of content that update based on a user's viewing habits. For instance, someone watching a romantic comedy may suddenly see an entire section dedicated to similar films. 'The new Netflix TV experience is still the one you know and love, just better,' Chief Product Officer Eunice Kim said. Despite the company's promises, many users are taking to social media to complain that the update has worsened their viewing experience. 'Whoever's job it was to update Netflix UI, I'm praying for a resignation in the coming weeks. IT LOOKS TERRIBLE,' an X user shared. The update includes features like 'My Netflix' a personalized interface, and visible shortcuts placed at the top of the screen for quicker access On Reddit, where user experience discussions often gain traction, subscribers echoed the frustration. One described the update as 'so dire' they were considering canceling their subscription. Another added: 'It was so slick and easy to use before. Now it's so clunky.' Some subscribers have even launched a petition urging Netflix to revert the layout, arguing that the new interface shows only three to four titles per screen, which is a drastic drop from the 20 or more shown previously. While users are outraged, Netflix stands by the design that it said will better accommodate its growing library of movies, TV shows and games. The platform also plans to add generative AI-powered search features, beginning with a beta rollout on iOS. The new AI-powered search tool will let users find content using natural language — for example, typing 'I want something funny and upbeat' instead of searching for specific titles. Despite the backlash, Netflix appears committed to the redesign. The company said internal testing showed strong user engagement, suggesting confidence that the interface will grow on subscribers over time. Interestingly, signs of user discontent surfaced months ago. Some began voicing complaints during early beta testing, particularly over the enlarged tiles and the diminished ease of browsing, concerns that have since exploded across social platforms.
Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Secret codes and shortcuts: 15 ways to use Netflix like a pro
Netflix is the UK's favourite streaming service – around three in five households have a subscription, as of the start of the year. It's all grown up – offering ads, sports, video games and live programming – but it's basically looked the same since launch while all its rivals caught up. So, the streamer is launching a full redesign on May 19. The current set-up was built for streaming shows and movies, according to Eunice Kim, the company's chief product officer, but the new look is supposed to be more flexible. There's more on-screen information about each programme, the navigation buttons have slid from the left-hand panel to a row at the top of your screen and the recommendations – it is claimed – will get better at responding to what viewers want. The new recommendations 'will pull in more signals' chief technology officer Elizabeth Stone told Vulture – including noting which shows you give a thumbs up to, which trailers you watch and which actors or genres you search for. Previously, it might take 24 hours for the recommendations algorithm to adapt to this info. It's now going to be faster. Which is welcome news for those of us who flop in front of Netflix almost every day and are starting to find it a bit annoying. The recommendations can be way off beam, despite all the tech sucking up our data. The algorithm often seems to show us whatever it is the company spent the most money on recently. And why is it always trying to persuade us to play mobile solitaire, watch the wrestling or tell us what it deems binge worthy? But you don't need the new interface to take back control of your viewing. There is so much more to the streamer's library than what's visible when you log in. At best, you're being shown the tip of the programming iceberg stored in the system. Unless, that is, you take positive action including one or two things Netflix absolutely disapproves of. So: here are our tips for using Netflix like a pro. 1. Netflix secret codes Watch on your laptop using a browser to use Netflix's own numeric genre codes. These can be incredibly specific. The code for comedy is 6548, but there are separate codes for musical comedies, dark comedies, political comedies, satire, screwball, slapstick and on and on. There are some 36,000 codes including a lengthy list of movie genres including Deep Sea Horror Movies (45028), Witchcraft and the Dark Arts (81552046) and Feel-good Sports Movies for Ages 8 to 10 (855). There are even codes for 90 Minute Movies (81466194) and Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon (81614959). Netflix adds to this list all the time – recently Jools Lebron curated a Very Demure, Very Mindful selection (81931239). All are listed at sites like or Type into your browser, where XYZ is the code of your chosen genre, and discover titles like slasher flick The Revenge of Robert the Doll, alien horror sex comedy Spaced Out and the appropriately named MILF. 2. Use the codes on your phone You can't search for any codes from within the app, but if you find a show/film/documentary deep in the Netflix basement using your laptop, just add it to My List for later viewing. 3. Pick the right browser
CNET
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Gemini Is Coming to Google TV to Help You Find Your Next Binge
We've all been there: aimlessly searching through Netflix or Hulu for something, anything, to watch. Instead, we spend as much time sifting through titles as it would take to just pick and finish an episode. But fear not: AI is here to save us. Hooray! My AI fatigue and unyielding skepticism aside, I'm admittedly pretty thrilled about a new Gemini feature for Google TV, which, in part, can help you figure out what the heck to watch. Announced as part of the Android 16 launch on Tuesday, Gemini can be summoned on your TV to offer a breakdown of the latest NBA game or a summary of the top headlines, for example. You can ask Gemini to explain the solar system to a third grader, and then be served a batch of relevant YouTube videos. But to me, what's most exciting is the potential for Gemini to solve our most pressing first-world problem: what to binge next. Gemini will be available on Google TV, the company's smart TV software, later this year. Google showed CNET an early demo of the feature at its headquarters in Mountain View, California. You can ask Gemini for film and TV show recs based on what you already like, or for an age-appropriate action movie for your kids. You can even pose a hot take like, "Which Mission Impossible movie is the best one?" (Gemini, being ever so diplomatic, will likely hedge that response as it did in our demo, with, "Ultimately, it's really a matter of personal preference," after offering up some suggestions.) Google's new feature arrives on the heels of a similar AI-powered search capability on Netflix, which is currently available in beta on iOS. You can use more conversational language to find title recommendations, by saying something like, "I want something scary, but not too scary, and also maybe a little bit funny, but not like haha funny," Netflix Chief Technology Officer Elizabeth Stone suggested during a press preview event. The streamer teamed up with OpenAI to develop the feature. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET's parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.) It's not surprising that companies like Google and Netflix are tapping AI to help us find the right entertainment, as it seems to be the tech industry's answer to just about everything these days. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney Plus and Hulu already lean on AI-based algorithms to analyze our viewing habits and serve up recs, so these latest conversational search capabilities are merely the inevitable next step. Watch this: Preview: We Got Early Access to New Android 16 Features 06:25 Just because it's new and shiny doesn't mean it'll stick, though. In 2023, Tubi launched an AI-powered search tool powered by ChatGPT called Rabbit AI to help viewers find what to watch. But it ended up discontinuing the feature, presumably because it didn't quite land with users. After all, it's hard for most of us to keep track of – or care about – the endless barrage of AI capabilities that just keep coming. Google's strategy to add Gemini everywhere, from your phone to your car to your smartwatch and TV, appears to be part of an effort to make the AI assistant your constant companion, whether it's helping you figure out what to say in a text or choosing your next movie marathon. You know, the way a human friend would. It's totally not creepy if you don't dwell on it. After all, what better way to silence your crippling anxiety over the rise of AI than settling in with a nice, distracting movie or TV show – with the help of AI.
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
All the changes coming to Netflix
On Wednesday, the streaming platform announced the most significant redesign of its homepage since November 2013. Alongside the visual update, Netflix revealed it will begin small-scale tests of generative AI-powered search and a TikTok-style vertical video feed on mobile devices. While these tests won't be available to everyone right away, the company hinted at a larger rollout given their global reach. The redesigned TV interface will relocate the main navigation from the left side to the center of the screen – taking a page from Apple TV's playbook. Viewers will notice tighter content descriptions and more tailored recommendations that update in real-time based on personal viewing habits and even the time of day. Netflix also plans to spotlight live events and gaming options more prominently, especially for users who have shown interest in those areas. Chief Product Officer Eunice Kim (pictured) and Chief Technology Officer Elizabeth Stone unveiled the updates during Netflix's first-ever virtual 'Product & Tech' event on Tuesday. Kim said the refreshed experience will start rolling out 'in the next weeks and months'. The AI-powered search will launch first as an opt-in beta on mobile, allowing users to search with phrases like 'I want something funny and upbeat'. The vertical video feature, launching soon, will offer short clips from Netflix's library, giving users a new way to discover shows and movies with just a tap. These announcements follow Netflix's record-breaking profits reported last month, calming investor nerves amid market turbulence sparked by President Trump's tariffs. And with Netflix's May 14 advertiser event just days away, the timing couldn't be more strategic—even if, as Kim put it, 'this wasn't … timed to influence the upfronts'.
