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Netflix will experiment with DVD-style extras for originals, Android app gets UI tweaks
Netflix made a couple of interesting announcements today, the first of which should be most pertinent to the Android users amongst you. The streaming video company has updated its app for the Google mobile operating system with a revamped interface that promises snappier covers, smoother scrolling and new action and navigation bars. Chromecast users should especially take note, as apparently the Netflix app has been slightly tweaked to play nicer with the TV dongle, such as improved lock screen playback controls. The only bad news? It still doesn't have support for the new profiles, although we asked and the company is still working on that, as well as broader HD streaming support. The slow rollout begins today, though you can hit Android Police for the APK if you're impatient. The second announcement is a little more experimental. Netflix's VP of Product Innovation, Todd Yellin, mentioned at the GigaOm Mobilized conference today that the company will begin testing enhanced content or extra features around its original shows such as House of Cards or Orange is the New Black. If that works out, he says Netflix is open to offering DVD extra-style content to other partner providers as well. "Hopefully if we try something like that," said Yellin, "We have that lightning bolt of an idea that it's more than just a tiny percent user game." For those who're in the process of giving up physical media, additional extras like these could certainly be welcome.
Netflix original series House of Cards gets its first trailer (video)
We're still a few months away from the debut of Netflix's new series House of Cards, but the streaming company has posted a trailer on its service and on YouTube giving us an early peek. You can check it out after the break, or head to the Netflix site and see the new page it's whipped up to promote the show that's accessible whether or not you subscribe to the service. That's also where it plans to add behind the scenes content, reviews and other promo material as the February 1st launch approaches. The trailer is brief, but the style and everything we can see of star Kevin Spacey as Congressman Francis Underwood has the feel of a high quality production. This path is already well worn by AMC, HBO, Showtime and others trying pump up value by adding exclusive new shows (Lilyhammer also aired on Norwegian TV) on top of existing catalog movie offerings. We'll see if the critics and subscribers put it on a par with shows like Game of Thrones, Mad Men, Dexter or Breaking Bad, and how viewers react to Netflix's strategy of making all the episodes available at once.
Lilyhammer (or: 'Silvio in Norway') now streaming on Netflix
Lilyhammer, Netflix's first original series (shortly to be followed by the probably awful remake of House of Cards and Arrested Development season four) commenced streaming today. Little Steven (Van Zandt, of E-Street Band and Sopranos fame) plays wholly against type as a mafioso despatched by the witness protection program to Lillehammer. Unlike the HBOs and AMCs of this world, you'll be able to binge-watch the whole show as soon as you get in from work, just make sure the under-18s are in bed before you begin as freed from the network censors, it's a little coarse. Oh, and if you're wondering, those of us in the know have decided to nickname the show "Paulie Silvio in Norway," in the hopes that it'll catch on before the already confirmed season two begins filming.
