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Netflix is testing a new subscription in order to compete with other streaming services, reports PC Mag. The streaming giant is experimenting with a new mobile subscription option only, which costs only $ 4 a month.
Before you get too busy, it's worthless. For the moment, the option is limited to Malaysia and is subject to some restrictions. Users will be able to play Netflix on any smartphone or tablet, but not on devices such as TV.
In addition, the quality of the streams will suffer because the new plan allows only standard definition streams, which could be a problem for customers who have become accustomed to high definition content on the screens of their phones.
Netflix says the new option is a test aimed at "understanding the consumer interest for an exclusively mobile plan in some countries".
"As a rule of thumb, we are testing many new ideas at any given time, and their duration and number may vary, and we will never be able to deploy the features or items included in a test," Netflix said in a statement. at Quartz.
It is unlikely to be tested in the United States, where it already dominates; Even with 137 million subscribers, Netflix is lagging behind in Asia, where it has to compete with cheaper solutions. As the broadcast giant typically costs between $ 8 and $ 10 a month worldwide, services like YouTube are free, and there are still other services, such as Viu, Indian companies Hotstar and HOOQ, which charge less than Netflix.
The company is also trying to attract new subscribers to Asia through its programming. They recently announced their intention to film eight original films and a new series for Netflix India, as well as 17 original films from other parts of Asia.
Netflix has also tested other features, this time to the chagrin of many loyal users. During the summer, many users complained that the service was showing them ads for other Netflix programs with no way to ignore them.
The reactions to advertising began to accumulate on Reddit, many of them being very upset by the prospect that ads would be presented to the streaming giant.
In response to outrage, Netflix said the ads were not permanent – it was just a test. They also claimed that the ads made Display an option to ignore and users can move by clicking a button.
"We are testing whether follow-up recommendations between episodes help members discover the stories they will benefit from more quickly," said a Netflix representative. "A few years ago, we introduced the video previews in the TV experience because we found that it significantly reduced the amount of time spent browsing by members and helped them find something that they could not do. they would like to look even faster. "
Since the ads first appeared in August, discussions about them seem to have faded.
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