A. Artificial Intelligence and Networking
Netflix app is where you can binge watch any award-winning series, movies, documentaries, and stand-up specials while you travel, commute, or just take a break. It uses AI in personalizing movie recommendations. This is perhaps the most well known feature of a Netflix. Netflix uses the watching history of other users with similar tastes to recommend what you may be most interested in watching next so that you stay engaged and continue your monthly subscription for more. In addition to this is the auto-generation and personalization of thumbnails. Using thousands of video frames from an existing movie or show as a starting point for thumbnail generation, Netflix annotates these images then ranks each image in an effort to identify which thumbnails have the highest likelihood of resulting in your click. These calculations are based on what others who are similar to you have clicked on. One finding could be that users who like certain actors / movie genres are more likely to click thumbnails with certain actors/image attributes. There is also the streaming quality which use the past viewing data to predict bandwidth usage to help Netflix decide when to cache regional servers for faster load times during peak (expected) demand.
They also notified the user when there will be a coming soon series or movie that would likely fall under the likes of the user since they add TV shows and movies all the time. There is also smart downloads that when you finish watching a downloaded episode, it will delete it, and then automatically download the next episode. You watch, Netflix do the work. They also use networking by having five different profile per user account under a specified subscription. Profiles allow different members of your household to have their own personalized Netflix experience, built around the TV shows and movies they enjoy. You can have up to five individual profiles within a single Netflix account.
B. Reaction Paper
When we still do not have Netflix, I am fond of downloading movies online which is really hassle since there is numerous ads before you can download it. Some movies have large size that takes time in downloading plus the internet speed is not cooperating. That is why, when we were asked if we want to have a Netflix since they have a spare profile in their account, we gave it a go. Our family is sharing in one profile. My father likes action movies, my mother watches Korean dramas, my brother prefers anime and I like horror movies and international series. From the home tab, it shows the series/films that you did not finish watching and by clicking it, you can resume watching it. I also like how the recommendations are showing. It shows list for International Programmes, Trending Now, Asian Films & TV, Popular on Netflix, and so on. It is also easy to pick any movies/series since it is categorized by their genres and types. The thumbnails are visually pleasing that allow each user to increase the probability that they will click it and watch. I can also say, that it is easy to download movies and series here. There is this Smart Download feature that automatically delete the finished videos in series and download the next video. It is really convenient and time-saver since the app does the work instead of clicking again the download button repeatedly. The downside would be if you have a bad internet connection. The videos really get crappy and are in low quality. It is also hard to edit the settings.
C. Critique
Netflix really utilize the application of artificial intelligence and networking. Its best feature for me is its good recommendation as I watch more movies and/or series. It also uses AI to generate many variations of high-probability click-thru image thumbnails to increase the likelihood that we will click it and watch eventually. I find it easy to browse new titles or search for my favorites, and stream videos right on any device. I also like that they have added synopsis to every videos be it movies or series. When I have something that I really want to watch but do not have the luxury of time, I just use the add to my list feature of Netflix. In this way, I will not forget the title of the program. They also have five profiles for an account. Thus, each member can personalized their Netflix. What I also adore in Netflix is its safe watching experience where it required password for any program that has mature content. Thus, it is a good thing for kids and family. When playing a series program, it gives you a choice if you want to skip the intro or opening so it will direct you to the main preview. The same goes if you want to view the post credits or go directly to the next episode. It can also save data by downloading titles to your mobile device and watch offline, wherever you are.
D. Innovation
It would be great if the new movies could be uploaded fast. In the same way, it would also be pleasing if they will add more classic movies. I also notice that some movies do not have download option that is why, you can only watch it online. It is also hard to browse the setting. For example, I would like to change the style of the subtitle. The app will lead me to another window that needs internet just to edit the subtitle and I find it inconvenient. I hope there will be an easy feature to edit the size, color, and position of the subtitle. Another one will be the history. It is difficult to show the history of the films/series you watch so when I forgot the series I watch some other day, I tend to browse and browse until I see it. It would be nice if the history will be easily accessible. Some downloaded titles also expires randomly when I didn't finish watching it, that is why I need to fully watch it before it expires. It would be great if they will remove the expiration in every downloaded titles.