Users can link up their Netflix account through the Google Home or Assistant App, and then use their voice to ask their device to open the app.
Users who have both Netflix and a Google Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max smart display can now stream the subscription VOD (video on demand) service.
Netflix is already available on Google’s Chromecast HDTV dongle, as well as dozens of other devices. But just recently, they have also been allowing Google’s Nest Hub to be displayed for collaboration.
Netflix in Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max
Netflix has added support for Google’s Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max smart display devices. The progress will come as a blow to Amazon, which lacks provision for streamers on its equivalent Echo Show devices.
As The Verge reported, Google’s Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max smart displays have beaten Amazon in being the first to get official support for streaming online video content. It also comes as something of an about-face from Netflix.
Because of this upgrade, Netflix users can now link their accounts through the Google Home or Assistant App and then use their voice command to ask their device to open the app.
Google also implemented a gesture for users of their Nest Hub Max that takes advantage of the camera. You can pause or resume a playback by looking at the display and holding up your hand.
Another excellent upgrade feature is the fact that you can call out to Google Assistant to play a particular show, or say, “Hey Google, open Netflix.” You can then scroll through the interface manually via the touchscreen on either Nest Hub model.
The story behind the upgrade
Netflix is finally making its debut on smart displays, rolling out across Google’s Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max worldwide. The company wants to be available on screens. For example, you can watch videos on Tesla’s car displays while parked once you signed in your account. However, a top priority for the company is providing a consistent user experience across platforms.
“We want members to control how and what they watch on whatever device they are using,” a Netflix spokeswoman said. “They can now use voice prompts to watch their favorite Netflix shows and films on Google Nest Smart Displays. We look forward to continuing to work with Google to improve the member experience.”
With that said, if you have a Netflix subscription, you can now link your account to the Google Home or Assistant app to play Netflix videos. Whether movies, TV shows, or documentaries, you can play it on the Nest Hub or Nest Hub Max, as long as it is available in your country.
Images used courtesy of Le comptoir/YouTube Screenshot and Vantage_DS/Shutterstock