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Larry Magid: Netflix Rolls Out New TV-Friendly Interface

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Netflix is updating its user interface for people who watch their content from their television set, in an effort to make the service more informative.

Users will notice some new hovering features. For example you'll be able to hover over the title of the movie, which will lead to multiple graphics and images from the movie. And when it recommends something, it tells you why it's being recommended based on your previous viewing habits.

Netflix Rolls Out New TV Friendly Interface

Basically Netflix wants you to be online longer so that you continue to use their $8 a month service. One of their challenges (and I have this problem myself) is to get users to be better at finding content.

Sometimes it's late at night and I want to relax and I just want to watch a movie. Well, there's plenty there, but to be able to discover what you likely want to watch is a really important aspect of a streaming service.

I go back and forth between my Roku device, which is hooked up to my television, my iPad, and sometimes even my Android phone. Personally I like Netflix on my computer because you have a lot of searching ability, but they're trying to go for more of the TV audience.

If you have a way to watch Netflix on your TV you should notice a roll out of the new interface sometime this week.

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