Being on-the-go with spotty internet can be a very irritating predicament; even more so when you’re trying to play catch up with your new binge-worthy show. Three years ago, Netflix addressed that with Smart Downloads which automatically downloaded the next episode of your show. This allowed you to seamlessly enjoy your show without any interruptions.
This year, they’re taking it one step further with Downloads For You. The new feature automatically downloads shows or movies that Netflix thinks you’d like. Rest assured, you won’t be dealing with terabytes of data being downloaded into your device – unless that’s what you want. Users will be able to control how much space the new feature takes up.
Managing the feature is as easy as going to the downloads tab and toggling the Downloads For You option. After which users will be able to select how much data the feature should take up – 1GB, 3GB, or 5GB. Of course, the more data you allow it to take up, the more content you get.
The feature is now available to Netflix users with an Android device. Netflix is working to get the feature on their iOS app soon.
With Malaysia and other countries going into another lockdown or, as Malaysia’s government puts it CMCO, we have a feeling a lot of us are going to need some suggestions to keep us busy and entertained. Of course, the one thing that most countries have is Netflix – so here’s our list of 5 series you can binge during the lock down. It goes without saying that the availability of the shows are based on Netflix’s Malaysian library as we are based here. However, you should be able to get these shows on one or more streaming services in your respective countries.
1. Breaking Bad
Source: mypostercollection
Named the “highest-rated TV series” by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2013, it is an American neo-Western crime drama produced by Vince Giligan. The drama consists of five seasons with a total of 62 episodes. This is a story about an underpaid and dispirited high school chemistry teacher (Walter White) who is struggling with stage-three lung cancer. Walter White turns to a life of crime, where he partners with his former student, Jesse Pinkman, by producing and distributing crystallized methamphetamine in order to secure his family’s finances before he dies, while navigating the dangers of the criminal underworld.
2. Black Mirror
Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones seen at the ‘Black Mirror’ panel Q&A at the FYSee exhibit space on Friday, May 19, 2017, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Blair Raughley/Invision for Netflix/AP Images)
A British dystopian science anthology television series with five seasons created by Charlie Brooker. This show focuses on modern society, particularly with regard to the unanticipated consequences of new technologies on how it may affect our future. This show can be interesting as it might inspire you to take a break from using your phone all day long. The episodes are standalone, and are usually set in an alternative present or the near future, often with a dark and satirical tone.
3. Shameless
A story that might make you appreciate your family more. Shameless is a story of a family of six kids with their drunk and selfish father. Fiona, being the eldest sister, has to raise the rest of the family on her own. Staying with a father that takes everything and offers nothing, they had no choice but to steal food and money for a living.
4. Grey’s Anatomy
An American medical drama television series that premiered on March 27 2005. 15 seasons are available online on Netflix while the 16th season is currently airing on ABC. This is a fictional series that focuses on the lives of surgical interns, residents and attendings as they develop into seasoned doctors while balancing their personal and professional relationships.
The series recently became the longest running medical drama beating previous title holder, ER. Produced by Shonda Rhimes, it is bound to give you hours of emotional ups and downs and keep you on the edge of your seats.
5. Parks and Recreation.
A TV show with 7 seasons. This is a story of protagonist, Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in an Indiana Parks and Recreation Department. The protagonist was hoping to beautify the town and at the same time boost her own career by helping the local nurse, Ann Perkins, to turn an abandoned construction site into a community park. Nevertheless, it seems to be a simple project but the protagonist has been facing ups and downs where she was being interfered by oafish bureaucrats, selfish neighbors, governmental red tape and a myriad of other challenges.
Malaysia’s largest pay TV operator, Astro Malaysia Holdings, is looking to start a streaming service to take on deep-pocketed, international rivals such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Astro is planning to launch a new streaming service sometime in 2021. The service will mainly focus on the original content made by the pay-TV company. This includes their numerous productions spanning multiple genres such as movies, series, and variety shows. Naturally, the main audience Astro is looking at for now, is the Malaysian audience.
Source: Astro Malaysia
Astro’s ability to subsidize local content production and its understanding of the market gives it and added advantage over global competitors. The report by Nikkei also pointed out that Astro is relying on its knowledge on the Malaysian market as well as its extensive customer, marketing, and sales reach in order to attract other content providers. Astro will be a natural partner to welcome any companies that are seeking to enter the Malaysia market . Astro has so far partnered with HBO GO and China’s iQIYI which aligns with Astro’s efforts to position itself as a “super aggregator” of digital content.
As it enters the Streaming (known in the industry as over the top (OTT)) it will be looking at catering to different groups which have emerged. This can be seen from the pricing strategies adopted by its competition which caters to unique groups with different psychologies. However, it seems that one thing that may take anyone by surprise, the pay TV operator isn’t going to banking on its brand for the streaming service opting to go with a completely new brand.
An increasing number of homes are beginning to cut the cord and depend more on streaming platforms such as Netflix for their everyday entertainment. It’s a trend that many streaming apps are reporting and it is, unsurprisingly, gaining momentum even in places like Malaysia. That said, with such a wide library of content now available at everyone’s finger tips, it can become a worrisome affair for parents.
1. PROFILE It
Netflix has, over the years, introduced steps and features to help parents stay on the ball. One of the first features borne out of the need to guard against children accessing mature content is the now staple profiles.
Setting up a specific profile for the kids in the family allowed parents to keep an eye on the content being consumed. In fact, parents can ensure that only child-friendly content appears in their kids’ profile. Creating a profile on Netflix will make sure that settings, preferences and recommended shows are individualized. In this case, it would also keep more mature shows out of your kids’ profile.
2. Cu-RATE it
Creating a profile is just the first step. You also need to setup age limitations when it comes to the profile. Netflix has made this a little easier with the “Allowed TV shows and movies” option when you set up a profile.
However, limiting your kids’ access based on general ratings may not be enough. I mean, Netflix can only filter so much. So, jump into the profile and get curating! Remove shows you feel are not suitable for your child and Netflix will begin to learn the boundaries you’re setting for your kid.
3. PIN It Up
We all know how kids are, they’re curious and they always want to test boundaries. The best way to enforce boundaries is to set them. There’s no better way in the Netflix app than by setting up PINs. Similar to your bank account, the PIN will block unwanted access to your account – in this case, your kids.
The little explorers will hit a wall asking for the PIN should they find themselves any other profile on the app. So, you can rest at ease while you’re attending to chores and work.
4. Re-VIEW it
If you’re still a tad bit uneasy with what your kids have been watching, you don’t have to worry. Netflix has introduced a “viewing activity” section for profiles. Using this option, you’ll be able to see keep an eye on what your child has been watching. You can then go back and remove any shows that you feel are inappropriate from the list.
5. Play Next Episode? No Thank You!
We all know Netflix has a tendency to encourage binge watching shows. However, we know that too much screen time is no good for the kids – even Netflix. So, they’ve introduced an option to turn off the “Play Next Episode” option on profiles. In fact, they’ve even introduced a feature to turn off previews from playing after the show.
So, you can literally tell your kids, “This is the last one” and rest easy knowing that Netflix isn’t going to play the next episode.
Some of the steps in the list feature enhanced parental control features which have recently made their way to the Netflix app. However, a majority of them have been there since Netflix’s humble beginnings. Keep an eye out for more tips and tricks as the company rolls out more features.
Netflix has come a long way from just CD rentals to the biggest online streaming platform not only in the United States but across the entire globe. Netflix has been busy improving its services and features. So what does Netflix have up its sleeve this time to keep our butts stuck to our couch.
This time around, Netflix has added a top 10 list of what’s popular on Netflix in each country. This new label would be displayed on the top right corner of the show’s poster. Other than whats the most popular on the entire Netflix. Netflix has also separated what’s most popular based on whether it is a TV show or Movie.
Its been a while since I have kept up with the latest offerings from Netflix but here are some of the TV shows that I feel are a must-watch.
RIVERDALE
What started off as a murder mystery series quickly became a disturbingly addictive show. The spin-off of the Archie comic book series starts off with the mysterious murder of Jason Blossom, the popular kid in town.
Viewers were strapped onto their seats through a multitude of plot twists throughout the first season. The first season finale ended with a cliffhanger, luring all of us gullible souls into the second season. This was where the writing went off the rails, venturing more so into the realm of teenage fan-fiction. But hey, who can resist the cliffhangers and the hilariously cringy writing?
CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA
As another spin-off of a well-known comic series from the good-old-days, the Netflix exclusive takes a darker turn in this witchy tale. The first season is essentially the coming of age story of Sabrina, where she has to choose between being a mortal and a witch.
As it ruffled some feathers among the satanist community, it remains an interesting watch, especially if you like feeling like a badass when the show’s official soundtrack comes on. Though it seems to be going down the same route as Riverdale in terms of writing, it’s a nice, lighthearted show for lovers of the fantasy genre.
THE GOOD PLACE
If you like Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Office, you’ll love The Good Place. The show is basically a take on the afterlife and morality. Though chock full of actual ethical philosophy, the show maintains its comedic tone throughout the seasons.
The story starts with the main character, Eleanor Shellstrop being assigned to what seems to be the wrong afterlife she deserves. Eleanor alongside Chidi, Tahani, and Jason, the ethically confused quartet go on a journey of self-betterment so they can end up at The Good Place.
Netflix is arguably one of the most popular content streaming platforms out there. So, what happens when the largest content streaming platform when they release a sequel to one of their most popular teen romance dramas? Well, they allow you to stream the original for FREE.
The original romantic comedy, “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before”, which aired last year, will be available to stream for free. The free stream is done in conjunction with the launch of its sequel, “To All The Boys, P.S. I Still Love You”. The stream will be made available until 9 March, 2020. You can access the free movie at netflix.com/toalltheboys.
To All the Boys I Loved Before follows Lara Jean (played by Lana Condor) after her sister accidentally sends out love letters she’s written. These find their way to their intended recipients, boys whom she’s loved from afar. The movie chronicles the events that happen as she has to come face to face with them.
The sequel which premiered on Netflix on February 12, 2020 follows Lara as the letters continue to reach their recipients. The complication? Things have started to blossom between her and one of the boys from the first movie.
So, don’t miss out on the original misadventures of Lara Jean as she navigates a very awkward situation. However, you will need to subscribe to Netflix to watch the sequel. Netflix subscriptions start at MYR17 for the mobile only plan in Malaysia.
Official Synopsis
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them…all at once? Lara Jean Song Covey’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control when the love letters for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all– are mysteriously mailed out. From New York Times Bestselling Author, Jenny Han, the film adaption of the popular YA novel stars actress Lana Condor (Alita: Battle Angel, X-Men: Apocalypse) and Noah Centineo (Sierra Burgess Is A Loser, The Fosters).
To All The Boys I’ve Loved P.S. I Still Love You
It’s a new year and Lara Jean (Lana Condor) and Peter (Noah Centineo) are no longer pretending to be a couple. They ARE a couple. And, as Lara Jean navigates a trove of official firsts with Peter — her first real kiss, her first real date, her first Valentine’s Day — she finds herself leaning more on Kitty and Margot (Anna Cathcart and Janel Parrish), Chris (Madeleine Arthur), and an unexpected new confidant, Stormy (Holland Taylor), to help her manage the complex emotions that come with this new chapter of balancing a relationship and figuring out her authentic self. But when John Ambrose (Jordan Fisher), another recipient of one of Lara Jean’s old love letters, enters her life again she must rely on herself more than ever as she’s confronted with her first real dilemma: Can she love two boys at the same time?
