Netflix is coming to the rescue of indecisive viewers

Los Gatos, California - Streaming leader Netflix wants you to spend more time watching and less time choosing. That's why they've come up with a solution that might sound familiar to some.

Netflix will begin roll-out of the "Play Anything" button which will use an algorithm to match content to users (stock image).
Netflix will begin roll-out of the "Play Anything" button which will use an algorithm to match content to users (stock image).  © 123RF / Kaspars Grinvalds

Despite some lower-than-expected numbers as the pandemic tapers off, Netflix has announced some exciting developments that have kept the streaming giant center stage.

The latest innovation should prove useful to indecisive users: the "Play Anything" option is the modern version of an iPod shuffle, Tom's Guide reported.

Streaming executives probably realized that viewers spend a disproportionate amount of time scrolling through options. Perhaps they are overwhelmed, or they just can't find anything to fit their mood.

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After all, what use is the service if you spend 20 minutes of your one free hour not being able to select a genre, let alone a show?

With the use of a bit of AI, Netflix says it can calibrate the media it chooses for users based on their habits, giving them the chance to stop scrolling and actually start watching.

The official blog post says that if you click the "Play Something" button a second time, you'll get even more options, including a different series or film. Perhaps it's one you put on a list and forgot about, or something you were in the middle of but forgot to finish.

Cover photo: 123RF / Kaspars Grinvalds

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