Netflix has dropped an update to their app in the Google Play Store that brings back a feature that has been missing in the past few updates: Home screen widgets. If you remember, the movie and television streaming app had widgets prior to their big 4.0 update back in August but they were dropped and it was never clear why. In the latest build, version 4.4 for those keeping score at home, a single 5×5 home screen widget returns to highlight content or to give you one tap access to your movies and TV shows you are currently watching. The update is for both Android phones and tablets and if you already have the app installed, you should see the OTA update for it over the course of the next couple of days.
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Netflix Home Screen Widget Lets You See What You Are Currently Binging Easily
So you are binge watching The Walking Dead, or the Tutors or maybe the new series, Narco and you finally decide at 1AM to pull the plug and go to bed. If you have the Netflix home screen widget
Netflix Home Screen Widget
enabled on your phone or tablet, when you get ramped up for your next binge session the next day, you can just tap the show you want to start watching again and it will immediately start where you left off. In my case, the only thing I have to do that that point is tap the Chromecast button (the app supports casting) so I can cast it to my television and watch with my wife.
The new widget is a fixed 5×5 so you won’t be able to adjust the size of it. Keep that in mind as you plan out the look & feel of your home screens. Also, if you don’t sign into your account, the widget will only show those shows and movies that are new or trending.
Of course, if you want to search for new content you will need to go to the app itself to do so as this widget is really aimed at those who are already Netflix subscribers and in the middle of movies or shows.
If you are not a subscriber to the service, plans start at $7.99 per month with HD services starting at $9.99 per month. You will get your first month free when you sign up so you can try it out without any long term commitment.
