Netflix, the streaming video service, has rolled out a new design for its online web video player this week, which greatly improves the experience of watching media via their online player. The new design now mirrors that of Netflix’s main navigation pages, with larger buttons and text.
To aid users in seeing the navigation whilst it plays on HDTVs and similar, that might be positioned a few feet from where users are sitting, Netflix has made several thoughtful enhancements. The larger buttons and text are particularly beneficial for users who stream content on larger screens or from a distance, ensuring that navigation remains intuitive and accessible.
Enhanced Navigation for TV Series
Other new enhancements have been added to the way users navigate between episodes of a TV series. One of the standout features is the ability to hover over the ‘forward’ button to reveal a thumbnail of the next episode and a short description of its content. This feature allows users to get a sneak peek of the upcoming episode without interrupting their current viewing experience. It’s a small but significant improvement that enhances the overall user experience by making it easier to decide whether to continue watching or switch to another show.
Additionally, the new design includes a more streamlined interface for browsing through episodes. Users can now see a list of episodes with thumbnails and descriptions, making it easier to pick up where they left off or jump to a favorite episode. This is particularly useful for binge-watchers who want to quickly navigate through multiple episodes without having to return to the main menu.
Compatibility and Performance
The new Netflix web player should work with most modern browsers, provided you have the latest version of Microsoft’s Silverlight plugin installed. Silverlight is a powerful tool that enhances video playback quality and ensures smooth streaming. However, it’s worth noting that Netflix has been gradually moving away from Silverlight in favor of HTML5, which offers better performance and broader compatibility across different devices and platforms.
For users who may not have the latest version of Silverlight, Netflix provides clear instructions on how to update the plugin. This ensures that all users can take full advantage of the new features and improvements. Moreover, the new design is optimized for performance, reducing buffering times and improving video quality, even on slower internet connections.
Netflix has also made efforts to ensure that the new web player is accessible to users with disabilities. The larger buttons and text, combined with improved keyboard navigation and screen reader support, make the platform more inclusive. This aligns with Netflix’s broader commitment to accessibility and user experience.
In conclusion, Netflix’s new web video player design is a significant improvement that enhances the viewing experience in multiple ways. From larger buttons and text to improved navigation for TV series and better compatibility with modern browsers, the new design is a welcome update for all users. Whether you’re watching on a large HDTV from across the room or on a smaller screen up close, the new features make it easier and more enjoyable to stream your favorite content.
Source: Venture Beat
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