Netflix – Impact Lab

Netflix launches ‘Downloads for You,’ a new feature that automatically downloads content you’ll like

February 25, 2021

Netflix today is launching a new feature that aims to bring more offline content to users who opt-in automatic downloads. With “Downloads for You” enabled, the Netflix app will download recommended TV shows and movies to your mobile device based on your tastes, as determined by your Netflix watch history.

After turning on the feature for the first time, you’ll be able to select the amount of storage space you want to dedicate to saving these recommended downloads on your device: either 1GB, 3GB or 5GB. The downloads will then take place when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network, and will contain a mix of recommendations that Netflix believes you’ll like. Typically, the app will download the first few episodes of a TV show — enough to get you started.

You can also cast the downloaded content to a nearby TV, where it will stream directly from your phone.

After you’ve watched the episodes or movies, you can delete them from the device to free up more storage space for the next time you’re connected to Wi-Fi.

Award Winner, Batteries, Internet of Things, Netflix

A massive, ‘semi-infinite’ trove of rare-earth metals has been found in Japan

January 7, 2019

Researchers have found hundreds of years’ worth of rare-earth materials underneath Japanese waters — enough to supply to the world on a “semi-infinite basis,” according to a study published in Nature Publishing Group’s Scientific Reports.
Rare-earth metals are crucial in the making of high-tech products such as electric vehicles and batteries, and most of the world has relied on China for almost all of its needs.

Continue reading… “A massive, ‘semi-infinite’ trove of rare-earth metals has been found in Japan”

Advertising, Analysis, Big Data, Latest Trend, Netflix

Billboards — yes, billboards — are having a heyday in a digital world

October 16, 2018

It’s the era of internet advertising. The era of targeting that tracks you across browsers, platforms and across the city. The era of apps that know what you want before you do.

But surprisingly, a seemingly retro ad format — outdoor advertising — is also having its heyday.

Continue reading… “Billboards — yes, billboards — are having a heyday in a digital world”

Business, Entertainment, Internet, Netflix

Netflix’s catalog is 50% less than a few years ago

October 2, 2016

If you’ve felt like Netflix’s US catalog has shrunk dramatically since the company started making its own shows and movies, you’re absolutely right.

Since 2012, Netflix’s selection of titles has dropped over 50%, from roughly 11,000 titles to about 5,300, according to streaming blog Exstreamist, which cites multiple former Netflix employees.

Continue reading… “Netflix’s catalog is 50% less than a few years ago”