Netflix ‘Hack Day’ unveils Oculus Rift virtual reality interface, mood lighting and a mini-browser extension
Netflix’s annual ‘Hack Day’, which sees the Silicon Valley employees brainstorm innovative ideas to enhance the company's video-streaming experience, saw employees test a virtual reality theater accessible the use of Oculus Rift.
The idea, known as ‘Oculix’, was live-tested at the event. The prototype feature allowed users to navigate the video streaming site’s extensive back-catalog, in a 3D room, much like a physical library.
Using hand and head motions, the user watched Netflix programme 'House of Cards' , after which, they were placed in a virtual cinema room with the video content broadcast on the wall.
The event also introduced other interesting ideas such as ‘Netflix Hue’, a moodlighting television modification built using Philips 'smart' lightbulbs.
Finally, the most practical feature was the Netflix Mini Google Chrome extension. This allowed users to multitask - opening a small video window on the corner of the screen.
On the Netflix blog where the innovations were showcased, Netflix users commented that they would instantly use the Google Chrome add-on.
This comes after Netflix CEO, Reed Hastings said that the company will extend its media library despite an on-going court case with US internet providers.