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Netflix has started testing a new home screen with a select number of subscribers. The new home interface is considered the biggest app revamp in 10 years. It is designed to make it easier to choose what you want to watch through autoplay trailers, new menu navigation, and displaying extended information about a title without going to the title's detail page. If you've ever stared blankly at the screen upon opening the Netflix app, this may help you decide what to watch.

In an interview with The Verge Netflix's senior director of product Pat Flemming said, "We often see members doing gymnastics with their eyes as they're scanning the home experience." He further explained to Reuters that when trying to find a title that interested them, viewer's eyes were darting around from "the row name to today's top picks, to the box art, to the video, back to the synopsis." He said, "We really wanted members to have an easier time figuring out if a title is right for them."

Netflix has turned away from focusing on subscriber numbers to measure its success and is concentrating on keeping its viewers on the app. The company told investors it considers engagement time to be "the best proxy for customer satisfaction."  Increased interaction will begin on the newly designed home page.

In its present form, the home screen displays rows of titles chosen for you using algorithms. Although there are many titles shown, you may not know anything about them. To find out more information about the content or play a trailer currently requires clicking on the title to go to its details page. The new home page automatically presents the previews and info on the home screen.

In the redesigned home screen, hovering over a tile magnifies it, and a preview automatically starts to play. The synopsis, release year, and number of episodes will be displayed below the preview, along with highlighted relevant information like how the title "spent eight weeks in the top 10." 

Netflix is not the first to do this dynamic user interface, as Amazon's Prime Video has already employed the auto-preview feature. 

Along with the interactive tiles, the menu navigation has moved from the left side to the top of the screen in the redesign. This welcome change means that you will no longer need to scroll to the top of the screen but can press the back button on the remote to access the menu navigation that includes search, home, shows, movies, and My Netflix. 

The categories sub-menu has been removed but users can search for categories. Likewise, you won't find My List, which is now part of My Netflix, along with content recommendations and quick access to titles you recently watched. 

The revised interface has begun rolling out as a test among a small group of subscribers, starting with smart TVs and other streaming devices. 

It's important to note that the Netflix app has left some older smart TVs and devices. In August 2023, the app was removed from 2010 and 2011 Samsung TVs.  

Starting July 31, 2024, the Netflix app will no longer be supported on second- and third-generation Apple TV models. These models run an earlier iOS version that precedes the current tvOS and are no longer able to receive updates. 

Users can still access Netflix on the ‌Apple TV‌ HD (originally the fourth-generation model) and all ‌Apple TV‌ 4K models.

Also, some 2014 Sony BRAVIA TVs will no longer support the Netflix app after July 24, 2024:

This shutdown affects Sony TVs, specifically those made around ten years ago.

Starting July 24, 2024, the Netflix app will no longer be supported on some 2014 Sony BRAVIA televisions :

• KDL-60W610B
• KDL-60W630B
• KDL-55X830B
• KDL-65X830B
• KDL-70X830B
• XBR-55X800B
• XBR-65X800B
• XBR-49X850B
• XBR-55X850B
• XBR-65X850B
• XBR-70X850B
• XBR-55X900B
• XBR-65X900B
• XBR-79X900B
• XBR-65X950B
• XBR-85X950B

Flemming told The Verge that the new app could expand to more members if the revamp tests are successful. "If this goes well, which we are enthusiastic and hope that it will, then we would love to share this with most of the member base in the coming months and quarters."

With over 17,000 titles globally and 6500 in the U.S. alone, anything that makes it easier to find something to watch is a welcome change.