Netflix engineers experiment with bump-based video sharing and sleep tracking

Netflix uses its internal Hack Day competitions to encourage new thinking around its streaming video service, and its latest event has produced a few clever experiments that we wouldn't mind seeing in finished apps. One of them, Netflix Beam, uses Apple's Bluetooth-based iBeacon technology to share Netflix videos between iOS devices just by bumping them together. Another effort uses a Fitbit to check if you fall asleep mid-movie; if you do, you can resume from the point where you nodded off. Other handy Hack Day inventions include gamepad-friendly text entry, custom playlists and PIN-protected profiles. Netflix warns that these projects may never reach its public-facing software, but they're still worth checking out to see what the company's engineers are thinking. We've posted two of the pitch videos (Beam and the sleep tracker) below, and you can see a few more at the source link.

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Source: Netflix Tech Blog

Tags: fitbit, hackday, hdpostcross, ibeacon, internet, netflix, netflixhackday, streaming, video, wearable Next: Hulu sells its Japan operations to a local broadcaster, licenses brand name and tech .fyre .fyre-comment-divider

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CrunchWeek: Netflix Earnings, Stripe’s Big Raise, And Snowden’s Live Q&A

Next StoryApp.net Launches Backer, A Bitcoin-Friendly Crowdfunding Engine For Individual Software FeaturesFacebookTwitterLinkedInNetflix Earnings, Stripes Big Raise, and Snowden’s AMA & NSA News

It’s that time of week for an episode of CrunchWeek, the show that brings a few TechCrunch writers together to chat about the most fascinating stories of the past seven days in tech.

In this week’s episode, Ryan Lawler, Alex Wilhelm and I talked about Netflix’s stronger than expected earnings and the company’s stance on net neutrality, payments company Stripe’s new funding round and NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden’s Q&A (and the recent news around the RNC denouncing the NSA’s surveillance tactics).

Check out the video above for more!

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Netflix 'post-play' feature that automatically jumps to the next episode is now optional

Netflix has been rolling out a 'post-play' experience (shown above) on various platforms since late 2012, but not everyone is a fan of how it jumps to a new episode automatically. That's not a problem anymore, since TechHive points out that now there's a toggle in your Netflix account settings (under playback settings) that keeps it from playing the next episode automatically. By default the feature is on, although as Netflix explains, it still requires a prompt of some kind to keep going after a couple of episodes have played. The post-play UI remains intact no matter what you choose, so watching the credits for every last best boy, grip and "no animals were harmed in the making of" will still require jumping on the remote to zoom back in. Of course, if your main concern is of House of Cards moving on an episode or two after you've dozed off, then this will fix it. Like other settings it's locked to individual profiles, so turning it off for the kids can keep them from turning out like the rest of us -- far too lazy to bother clicking a button to advance.

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Sony leads with in-home 4K videos, Netflix partnership

The Japanese conglomerate unveils a slew of new gadgets at CES, including a tennis racket sensor, but kicks off its event with a focus on media content.

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Sony Unveils Massive 4K Smart TVs and Netflix Partnership

384SharesShareTweetShareWhat's This?By Adario Strange2014-01-07 01:00:38 UTC

Following what appears to be a bit of a trend in terms of high definition TVs at this year’s International CES, Sony has just unveiled a new line of 4K televisions in several new sizes and configurations.

Termed as “Ultra HD TV” the lineup of smart televisions includes the XBR X950B Series (pictured above), which comes in a whopping 85-inch frame or a 65-inch version. In addition to its massive screen real estate, the television also has HDMI 2.0, built-in Wi-Fi (a convenient feature for streaming video content) and screen mirroring that can be initialized via NFC touch.

See also: CES 2014: 5 Tech Trends to Watch

Sony has also announced the X900B Series and X850B Series 4K televisions, which will be offered in screen sizes ranging from 79-inches/65-inches/55-inches and 70-inches/65-inches/55-inches/49-inches respectively.

And while the trend toward 4K has put a spotlight on the general lack of interest in 3D televisions unveiled at CES events in the last few years, all the new Sony 4K televisions will include a 3D viewing component. Each model is 3D capable and comes with two pairs of 3D glasses.

Along with the new hardware, Sony also announced a partnership with Netflix designed to focus on 4K content. Streaming at 60 frames per second over the Internet, the Sony televisions have been specifically optimized to support Netflix 4K content due to debut in the first half of 2014.

Prices for Sony’s new 4K televisions have yet to be announced, but all three models will be available this spring.

CES 2014Toyota Fuel Cell Vehicle

Unveiled today at CES, Toyota debuted it's latest Fuel Cell Vehicle concept car. Fuel cell vehicles combine pure hydrogen with air to create water, a reaction that also produces electricity. The fuel cell channels the electricity to a drive motor, powering the car.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenSamsung Curved Televisions

Samsung's U9000 UHD TVs feature a wider field of view and a balanced and uniform viewing distance across all areas of the screen. The company claims that a curved TV offers up to two times the enhanced contrast ratio of a flat TV in a normal viewing environment.

EyeLock Myris

The Eyelock Myris takes biometric security to the next level. Plug this device into your device's USB port, and it will scan your eye to grant access.

Image: Mashable, Kenny SuleimanagichLG G Flex

LG G Flex, the first curved phone with a "flexible" display, is moving out of the lab and into U.S. markets in the first quarter of 2014.

Image: Mashable, Will FenstermakerPanasonic Facial-Recognition TV

Panasonic has dropped the production of plasma TVs, instead focus efforts on increased levels of interaction. The Life+ will come in both 4K and 1080p, but the real feature of note is facial recognition.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenPebble Steel Debut

For CES 2014, Pebble is showing off its new Pebble 2.0 software, the Pebble app store and Pebble Steel, its premium smart watch. Like the original Pebble, the Pebble Steel is waterproof and has a battery life of 5 to 7 days. The e-paper display is the same, too — only now it's covered with Corning Gorilla Glass.

Image: PebbleThinkPad 8

The Lenovo ThinkPad 8 is sized to compete with the iPad Mini, but the comparison is only skin deep. Lance Ulanoff wonders if Windows 8.1 can compete with Android and iOS.

Image: MashableSharp's New Aquos Quattron+ TVs

Sharp's Aquos Quattron technology is capable of creating a picture that comes close to 4K, but from a 1080p set. The new TV's start at a decent price point – the SQ Q+ TVs start a $2,299.99 and the UQ models start at $2,999.99.

Image: MashablePhilips PicoPix PPX3610

Philips' new PicoPix PPX3610

Image: Mashable, Christina AscaniSchwinn CycleNav Smart Bike Navigator

Schwinn unveiled the CycleNav Smart Bike Navigator. Schwinn CycleNav is a free mobile application paired with a handlebar-mounted smart-bike navigation unit designed to give riders turn-by-turn audio and visual navigation from their handlebars.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenSOL Republic Relays

The SOL Republic Relays are designed to fill two niches: everyday wear and fitness wear. Mashable reporter Pete Pachal says they're some of the most comfortable he's worn.

Image: Mashable, Christina AscaniToshiba Chromebook

Toshiba joins the list of Chromebook manufacturers with a 13.3-inch netbook. While it isn't the largest-resolution Chromebook on the market, Toshiba's Chromebook has an impressive $279 price tag.

Image: Mashable, Christina AscaniSkulpt Aim

The Skulpt Aim, smaller than an iPhone, collects data when pressed against your muscles. Use it to track body-fat or set and share goals.

Image: SkulptJune bracelet

This smart bracelet, from Neatatmo, measures sun exposure and connects to iOS devices to let users know if they've had too much (or too little) sun.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenTao exercise device

The Tao coaches you through 50 exercises related to isometrics — the science of applying pressure, which is the basis of many popular workouts such as pilates and plank exercising — and adds a gaming element.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenWithings Aura Sleep System

Withings sleep system works with a pressure-sensitive pad and a light system that measures the appropriate time to wake you and the appropriate hues for falling asleep and waking up.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenSphero 2B

At CES Unveiled, Sphero introduced the 2B model, the second model of the popular Orbotix toy.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenKolibree Smart Toothbrush

Kolibree introduced a smart toothbrush that monitors user's brushing habits and let's them keep track of their routines on an app.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenDrones, everywhere

Any CES wouldn't be complete without a fleet of drones. Parrot introduced a minidrone model at CES Unveiled.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-HansenChevy Brings 4G LTE to Cars

Chevrolet announced it is bringing 4G LTE to its OnStar infotainment system.

The 2015 Corvette Stingray has a performance data recorder which allows drivers to record hi-definition video and share with friends.

Image: Mashable, Nina Frazier-Hansen

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

Image: Sony

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CES 2014: Sony and Netflix team up to offer 4K video

Sony and Netflix team up to offer 4K video streaming | News | TechRadar --> Mobile version2014-01-07T10:40:00ZMagsNewsletterRSS FeedsFollow @TechradarA Future Site ▼ TechRadartelevisionsSearch the siteSearch term:Log inJoinLog outHomeReviewsVideosPhonesTabletsCamerasComponentsComputingCar TechNewsDealsBundlesSave on broadband TrendingCES 2014PlayStation 4iPad AiriPad mini 2Nexus 5Windows 8.1Xbox OneThe Tip OffHomeNews by technologySony and Netflix team up to offer 4K video streamingSony and Netflix team up to offer 4K video streamingCES 2014 Breaking Bad to be remastered tooBy Gareth Beavis 7th Jan 2014 | 01:38Comments TweetSo sharp, Walt will cut your screen in twoRelated storiesLook forward to 4K Netflix and Amazon after Samsung partnershipSony hints at a 4K-heavy CES 2014YouTube to demo 4K streaming at CES with Google's fancy new VP9 codec

Sony took to the stage at CES 2014 to announce a deal with Netflix to bring more 4K content to users' living rooms.

The two have teamed up to improve the amount of 4K movies and TV shows to the Netflix platform, and doing it more quickly too.

Reed Hastings, Netflix CEO, said it saw the internet as 'the natural medium to deliver [4K video] as the first million homes with 4K TVs don't have much content except that found on the net.'

He added that Netflix is working with Sony as well as other content groups to bring 4K to the platform, and original Netflix content, such as House of Cards later this year, will be shot, edited and processed in 4K.

Sharpening the past

Hastings confirmed that it's working with Sony to go back and remaster its content into 4K quality, which will include Breaking Bad among other series.

The new service also allows for faster streaming, with Hastings stating that 4K content began faster than ever before – and users will 'only' need 15Mbps broadband speeds to stream the higher resolution video.

While that might sound like a hefty speed needed, given its four times the resolution of standard HD content it's a rather impressive speed requirement, showing the impressive compression on offer with the new codecs.

We're still waiting on a release date for 4K streaming on Netflix, but when you can finally afford a 4K set the good news is you'll have some stuff to watch from the outset.

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Netflix adds director's commentary option to House of Cards season one

You'll have to wait until Valentine's Day to get the next dose of Netflix's popular series House of Cards, but it's doling out some love early. Starting today, fans can revisit season one with optional director's commentary tracks from all six directors: David Fincher, James Foley, Joel Schumacher, Charles McDougall, Carl Franklin and Allen Coulter. As shown above, viewers get the additional commentary option under the alternate audio/subtitles menu and it should be available on all devices. Usually these kinds of extras are tied to physical media, but Netflix announced recently it would give them a test run starting with its original content like this show and Orange is the New Black. If you appreciate the extra insight give them a spin, we know the streaming company makes many of its decisions based on analytics so vote with your play button -- if you're waiting for 4K we should hear more about that very soon.

House of Cards S1 Director's Commentary feat. David Fincher and more - Now live on Netflix: http://t.co/Ut6TckaVYn pic.twitter.com/8sSL99O5Lx

- House of Cards (

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Netflix is testing multiple new subscription plans, like 3 streams for $9.99

Netflix likes to run small tests of features and packages before it offers them widely (like its new unified UI), and that includes the "1 SD stream for $6.99" some have started seeing recently. Another offer currently in testing covers the hole between the standard $7.99/month offer that provides up to two simultaneous streams on one account and the $11.99 offer that goes up to 4 at once. Just like the 1 stream offer not everyone will see it and there's no way to know if it will ever become widely available, but a few will see a $9.99 option that provides 3 simultaneous streams.

Netflix has declined to push cable TV-style tiers and pricing packages, but the multiple tests seem to show how it's trying to find the sweet spot with what it offers. We also checked on a widely-reported reported list of movies that may leave streaming January 1st, but Netflix could not confirm which titles will actually go away, referring to the constant ebb and flow of titles on Watch Instantly. We'll be interested in seeing what's still available after the ball drops and what new options arrive (seasons 5 - 8 of Dexter and Jack Reacher are incoming, and original content like S2 of House of Cards isn't far off) but if you really need to watch Half Baked this wouldn't be a bad time to press play.

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Tags: hdpostcross, netflix, streaming, subscription, test Next: Daily Roundup: NSA iPhone malware, Mac Pro teardown, this year in reviews and more! .fyre .fyre-comment-divider

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Netflix CEO Reed Hastings’ Salary To Get 50% Bump To $3M In 2014

Remember Qwikster? Wall Street doesn’t.

The AP is reporting this morning that the Netflix CEO will get a healthy pay raise in 2014. According to a regulatory filing, Reed Hastings’ annual salary will jump to $3 million, up from the $2 million he earned this year. His annual stock option allowance also improves to $3 million from the current level of $1 million.

It’s hard to argue against the pay increase. Netflix had a great 2013. The stock price is up 296% on the year. It’s trading around an all time high of $365. The stock was the top performer in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 this year.

The company isn’t raking in the profits, though. In its most recent quarterly report, Netflix only made $32 million. But Wall Street doesn’t seem to mind and so the company should stay the course raking in the subscribers and producing award-winning original content. Netflix just needs to remember to listen to their subscribers.

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Netflix outage interrupts streaming in US, Canada and Latin America (update: fixed!)

As they do each year, the holidays have brought their usual assortment of family gatherings, overeating and service outages, including one tonight affecting Netflix. We're able to play videos on some of our devices but not others, and users are flooding Twitter with reports that it's out. The official support account tweeted that it's aware of streaming issues on "all devices" throughout the US, Canada and Latin America. There's no word on when service will be restored, but while we keep an eye on

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A Look Back At How The Content Industry Almost Killed Blockbuster And Netflix (And The VCR)

Editor’s note: Derek Khanna is a technology policy consultant and columnist. He previously worked for the House Republican Study Committee where he authored their report on copyright reform. He spearheaded the national campaign on cellphone unlocking that resulted in proposed legislation to legalize unlocking your phone. Derek regularly writes for The Atlantic, National Review and Forbes. Follow him on Twitter

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