Netflix is finally launching its long-awaited application for Android update aimed at removing a lot of video lag and boosting the user interface to be more intuitive and easy to use.
Netflix 3.0 does not have any new visual features to boast but, according to Android Police, it still manages to impress and improve upon the older model in a lot of user friendly ways.
The screenshots and covers of the shows and films displayed seem a lot nicer on the app. The scrolling and tapping features feel a lot more comfortable and smooth and fits right up there on the high-end of user-friendly apps like Facebook and Twitter.
In addition to the better feel, the app has proper action bar at the top with the overflow menu button on the right and hamburger navigation, meaning it orients horizontally form left to right. Android Police notes that the trigger for the drawer is a little small but that it "does what it's supposed to."
Users of Google's latest TV streaming device, the Chromecast are in luck. The update to the Netflix app is much nicer about interacting with the flashdrive-sized dongle. The lock screen playback control no longer takes over the entire screen, it occupies a small spot on the interface like any other lock screen widget. The in-app remote function also has been revamped a bit to make it easier for users to use quickly.
For those who don't know, Google's Chromecast is a small device that plugs into your television's WiFi and allows you to stream content via your Wifi connection from your computer or mobile device directly to your TV. Right now Netflix and Youtube are among the only two apps on the device that have full integration. The Chromecast costs only $35 and is expected to have more access to things like HBO Go and more coming soon.
