Software : Interview: The Netflix fix: UI overhauls, trend testing and ego-free changes incoming

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Interview: The Netflix fix: UI overhauls, trend testing and ego-free changes incoming Posted: Far away from MWC 2015, Netflix made camp in an airy loft, and tempted us over from Barcelona's urban sprawl with the promise of things to come. One of those things was something we'd dearly hoped for - a long awaited update to the Netflix iPad and web client user interfaces. There are a number of changes currently being tested, the first of which is a smaller update for the TV interface. When you select a title, Netflix will immediately start playing the content, with the usual information overlay. After a few seconds, that information will fade away, leaving you to watch your show. That's cute, but that iPad redesign is the big news. And here it is. As you can see, the vertical box-shots are gone and replaced by multiple rows of content, similar to the excellent Xbox One app. On trend Keep scrolling and you'll see more recommendations based on your viewing habits. The UI now presents a hierarchy of recommendations, championing the top one with much richer imagery. The web client has had a similar redesign too. But if you're starting to get excited, just hold on a second, because there's a caveat: Netflix will only implement this across the board if it passes user testing. For example, a small percentage of Netflix users are currently getting a 'Trending Now' selection, and their activity is being monitored. If those users show a decrease in usage - fewer minutes watched per session, less time spent on the service in general, that sort of thing - Netflix says it will take those improvements back to the drawing board, or perhaps scrap them altogether. That includes big UI updates like that proposed for the iPad. So basically, if users don't like it, Netflix won't roll it out, and you'll never see this layout again. Testing time "Two or three years ago, we tried a whole new kids experience. We were so excited, all these bells and whistles, it was great. [It was a] total failure. Less streaming. Worse retention. Total bummer," says Todd Yellin, Netflix's man behind Product Innovation. "We just want to drive a business, and we're not going to let our egos get in the way. So all that code and all those months, we threw it out of the window." It's the opposite end of the spectrum from Steve Jobs' famous 'people don't know what they want until you show it to them' line, which is fascinating for such an innovative company. But as Yellin says, that's a hardware-centric philosophy, and there's no honour in "jumping the gun" - if users don't want it now, Netflix doesn't want it either. Netflix has loads of original content on the way too, including the new Daredevil collaboration with Marvel, the Wachowski's Sense8 series, four new Adam Sandler movies, and plenty more thanks to partnerships with Sony Pictures, Dreamworks and others. It should be a great year to be a Netflix-er.

Mozilla Firefox heading for 64-bit Windows glory in May Posted: Mozilla has outed its new Firefox Developer Edition 38, the first version that includes support for a 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows. The addition of a 64-bit version for Windows users will be a boon for native game developers who want to deliver slick speeds and desktop quality experience from apps within the browser window itself. The improved experience is possible because the recommended heap size in the older incarnation of Firefox is 512MB, whereas the 64-bit heap size can go up to 2GB. It also brings with it faster task execution, increased security and the whole browser experience just feels that little bit faster when set against the older edition. Hitting all PCs in May Reports back in October 2014 claimed Mozilla was planning to bring 64-bit support with Firefox 37 originally by March 31 2015, but it will actually be hitting the release channel during the week of April 7. Firefox 38, meanwhile, is expected to arrive to end user PCs in May after landing on the beta channel in the big April 7 week. Until then Windows users that want a slice of the 64-bit action can already take advantage of Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or Opera already running in the souped up state. Via: Mozilla The best 64-bit apps for your PC

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