Netflix piloting a speed-binge feature for some terrible reason
Netflix is piloting a new speed-binge feature for some terrible reason, currently only on mobile devices, much to the dismay of Hollywood.
In the latest volley in the Streaming Wars, Netflix is testing a new feature on mobile devices that would allow viewers to control the speed at which they view content on the platform.
The feature, variable playback speed, is already available in many other forms, namely on podcatcher and audiobook apps and with the primary intent to listen to programs faster in order to get through more content.
Not surprisingly, Netflix has received backlash from a number of (angry male) Hollywood filmmakers and actors.
Judd Apatow, who co-created the Netflix series Love, Tweeted:
"“Don’t make me have to call every director and show creator on Earth to fight you on this. Save me the time. I will win but it will take a ton of time…We give you nice things. Leave them as they were intended to be seen.”"
Meanwhile, Aaron Paul, who recently reprised his role as Jesse Pinkman for the Netflix movie, El Camino, tweeted:
"“Stop … There is NO WAY @netflix will move forward with this. That would mean they are completely taking control of everyone else’s art and destroying it. Netflix is far better than that. Am I right Netflix?”"
Directors Brad Bird, Peyton Reed, and Peter Ramsey (who won an Oscar this year for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse) also expressed concern for the move by the streaming giant.
Netflix vice president Keela Robison confirmed the tests in a blog post:
"“We’ve been sensitive to creator concerns and haven’t included bigger screens, in particular TVs, in this test…We have no plans to roll any of these tests out in the short term. And whether we introduce these features for everyone at some point will depend on the feedback we receive.”"
It’s a particular sickness of late capitalism that forces such an overwhelming need for instant gratification upon the masses. We’re all guilty of it. But, more simply, the purist in me truly believes art should be consumed as the artist intended.
This means watching films that were originally shot on black and white film in black and white rather than as a colorized re-release. It means listening to an album or podcast at the speed it was recorded, not slowed down or sped up.
And it means watching Netflix at the speed the television show or movie was shot. If you’re craving that much content, maybe it’s time to turn off the screens and take a walk outside.
dark. Next. Here’s everything coming to Netflix in November