Netflix is launching a new standalone app for kids’ games called Netflix Playground, the company announced on Monday. Netflix Playground is available as part of a Netflix subscription, and doesn’t have any ads or in-app purchases. It can be accessed offline without a mobile or Wi-Fi connection, which the company says makes it the “perfect companion for long airplane rides or grocery trips.”
The real-time voting tool has been teased for the last few months, but it debuts today on the platform’s new Star Search reality show. Netflix says the votes collected during the show will determine who advances in the competition and who is knocked out.
In a wild turn of events, Netflix has killed support for Google Cast on the vast majority of products. Netflix says: Netflix no longer supports casting shows from a mobile device to most TVs and TV-streaming devices. You’ll need to use the remote that came with your TV or TV-streaming device to navigate Netflix.
The removal of the titles marks a disappointing conclusion to Netflix’s earliest efforts into interactive content. The company first launched the interactive titles in 2017 with Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale, and I remember being wowed (and horrified) by paths in Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.
After last fall signaling its intentions to expand into cloud gaming, Netflix today launched a new app that will soon allow subscribers to play games on their TV. The app, dubbed “Netflix Game Controller,” lets you use your phone as a controller after pairing it with your TV in order to play the games available through Netflix’s service.
“After an incredible 25-year run, we’ve decided to wind down DVD.com later this year,” says Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos. “Our goal has always been to provide the best service for our members but as the business continues to shrink that’s going to become increasingly difficult.”
“Today’s announcement comes as the streaming giant suffers from a loss of nearly one million subscribers and looks for ways to earn more revenue. Last week, Netflix launched its cheaper ad-supported tier.”
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