Netflix has teamed up with OpenAI’s Gen AI chatbot ChatGPT to develop an AI-powered search function.
The new feature allows users to search using conversational language instead of keywords, and the tech interprets what a user’s watching intent is based on what they have searched.
In a press release, the streamer gave the example of users being able to search “I want something funny and upbeat” to discover film and TV shows.
The search update was first trialled in Australia and New Zealand and is currently available as an opt-in beta for iOS users.
In addition, the streaming platform has revamped its interface and layout to make it more intuitive to a subscriber’s needs, including a ‘Search’ and ‘My List’ feature at the top of the homepage.
Content suggestions are also given in real-time, meaning they are more in-line with a subscriber’s current mood and interests.
On mobile devices, the new design shows a vertical video feed – much like social media apps – that show clips from shows and films.
“One of the reasons I joined (and why I stay) is because this company has always had a unique ability to marry incredible tech with incredible entertainment. That’s our superpower,” said Netflix’s Chief Technology Officer, Elizabeth Stone. “Obviously, everything starts with great shows and movies that people love. But if you think about all of the areas where Netflix has a big advantage – our reach, our recommendations, our fandom – tech enables all those things.”
