Netflix: Everything you need to know!
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Here's everything you need to know about Netflix.
Netflix is an extremely popular streaming service that lets you watch a vast library of movies and TV shows for a single monthly price. It's become almost synonymous with binge-watching, and you can use the service on practically any device that has a screen, including phones, tablets, and set-top boxes.
Here's everything you need to know to get started with Netflix.
What's new with Netflix?
Check back here for the latest updates in Netflix news.
May 31, 2017 - Netflix is apparently testing a few new features for its iOS app
Photo by Redditor mm2nam
According to a few sources, Netflix is either testing or fully implementing a few new interface control features. First reported by MacRumors and first spotted by Redditor mm2nam, the new features consist of an unobtrusive volume indicator as well as the ability to use a double tap gesture to skip forward or rewind. And, if you tap on the screen once, buttons will appear that will also allow you to skip backward and forward. This, as mm2nam points out, is similar to YouTube's iOS app, which also uses double tapping to control video — on the right to fast forward 10 seconds, on the left to rewind 10 seconds — as well as a similar volume indicator.
Though it's unclear at this point whether this is an actual update that will roll out to all users or a test that only a handful of users have access to, it's a move that makes sense considering many other video streaming apps already have these controls in place to make controlling videos more intuitive. That being said, many uses commented on mm2nam's initial Reddit thread claiming that they don't yet have the feature on their updated version of Netflix. So basically, we'll just have to wait and see if it sticks.
What is Netflix?
Netflix is an online service that lets you stream thousands of movies and TV shows over the internet. Netflix has apps for pretty much every device under the sun like iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, cable boxes, refrigerators (probably) and more.
Do I rent the movie or show I want to watch?
No. Netflix is a subscription service, offering access to its entire content library for a single monthly price.
What kind of TV and movies can I find on Netflix?
Netflix has everything from newer movies and recent seasons of popular shows to a wide selection of old favorites. For instance, the company has an agreement with Disney to be one of the first outlets on which you can find the latest Marvel and Disney movies after they've been released on home video. They've also got a deal with The CW to get seasons of that network's shows onto the service soon after they conclude.
Beyond content from deals, Netflix has its own original movies and shows, much in the same vein as HBO or Showtime. These include House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Master of None, and much more.
Does Netflix offer new episodes of a show's current season while it's still airing?
Netflix has stayed away from adding single episodes of TV shows, preferring instead to wait until a show's season has concluded before trying to get it onto the service, at least in the U.S. With it's own shows, the company has experimented with releasing a limited number of episodes a couple of time, but Netflix has become known as the place to binge-watch programs, and it has really leaned into that idea.
So it's like Apple Music or Spotify, but for movies and TV shows?
Yes and no. While the Netflix streaming library is extensive, it's not as exhaustive as those of the big streaming music services. Additionally, due to the agreements that Netflix makes with the content owners like studios and TV networks, the service's library is more of a revolving door than that of a music service, with many shows and movies not only being added to Netflix, but also leaving.
Why don't movies and shows stay on Netflix permanently?
Ah, that's the dream, isn't it? A perpetually-growing Netflix library that never gets smaller. Alas, the deals that Netflix makes with the content owners (i.e., studios and networks) prevent the company from keeping everything on its servers for good. Whether its agreements those content providers have with premium cable channels, a home video release, or some other factor, the fact of the matter is that company's won't see it has good business to keep their content on Netflix continually.
How often do movies and TV shows arrive on and leave Netflix?
Fairly often. Netflix is constantly updating its library, adding and removing content, if not every day, then at least each week. In particular, the first of each month often sees an influx of new titles to the Netflix catalog, as well as a number of departures.
You can see the best of what's new each week right here on iMore.
What are my mobile viewing options? Can I watch videos offline?
Netflix offers apps for iPhone, iPad, and Android, so yes, you can take Netflix with you wherever you go. You can also download movies and TV shows (so long as they support the feature) onto your mobile devices
How much does Netflix cost?
Netflix currently has three streaming plans available for customers. The first, available for $7.99 per month, lets you watch on one screen at a time in standard definition. To get high definition, you'll want the $9.99 plan, which lets you watch on two screens at once (perfect for sharing with a spouse, partner, or roommate) in high definition. The third and final plan allows you to watch on up to four screens at once in HD and Ultra HD (4K, when available) for $11.99 per month.
Where can I sign up?
You can head to netflix.com to get signed up.