Netflix might make a choose-your-own-adventure ‘Black Mirror’

https://www.engadget.com/2018/10/01/netflix-choose-your-adventure-black-mirror-interactive/



Netflix

Apparently, Netflix isn’t content with just being a leader in traditional entertainment. According to Bloomberg, the streaming service is exploring choose-your-own-ending style interactive content. While multiple projects are reportedly in development, the first adult programming that viewers will see is an episode of Black Mirror. Viewers will be able to choose the ending to an episode, which is appropriate for a series that explores the effects and implications of technology. The company has apparently been exploring this tech for some time now.

Right now, Netflix does offer choose-your-own-adventure style storytelling for kids’ programming. Bloomberg points to a series called Puss in Book that allows children to choose the villain for the episode, and then go back after they’ve watched it and pick the other option. These types of narratives can have complicated deals and productions; studios are still trying to figure out pay scale for writers due to longer scripts. Using the feature in a high-profile show like Black Mirror shows that the streaming service is serious about exploring it as a storytelling option.

Netflix is a good avenue through which to explore how well interactive TV can work for consumers. It’s in a position to take risks, with its large user base, and it’s already well known for changing the way we consume entertainment. The company has reportedly already signed a deal for another adult live-action choose-your-adventure type project and has more that are currently in negotiations.

via Engadget http://www.engadget.com

October 1, 2018 at 10:06AM

Google Maps Adds Music Integration, Better Commute Controls, More

https://www.droid-life.com/2018/10/01/google-maps-adds-music-integration-better-commute-controls-more/


Google Maps is getting a whole bunch of new fun this week to help with commutes, give you quicker access to music as you commute, and show you exactly where your train or bus is as you head out of the office.

Seriously, this is a big time update for Google Maps. Google is adding better commute controls with more info. They are adding real-time location viewing of transit. And, and you can now control music through Google Maps as you head out for a drive.

A lot of the news surrounds Google Maps’ new commute controls. You can see how these look below, but the basics are that you now get comprehensive commute information with multiple route options. Google will tell you if your drive is “going to be a normal one or if you’ll need to budget extra time due to things like an accident or heavy traffic.” They’ll give you a meter, sort of like the restaurant location wait time meter, to show you if you are traveling at a busy time. And they can now break up your commute if it includes part driving and part transit (see image up top).

Google Maps Commute

Speaking of transit, Google has added even better real-time transit info. Now, in 80 regions around the globe, you’ll be able to see exactly where your train or bus is on the map, as it moves from stop to stop. In addition to that, Google has already partnered with one transit company in Australia that will show you how full your bus or train is. They expect to add this feature to more carriers in the near future too.

Google Maps Music

Finally, Google has added music controls to Google Maps and they support Google Play Music, Apple Music, and Spotify. As the image above details, you can keep your navigation session up while you change tracks or pause music. With Spotify, Google has also added controls for browsing through songs, albums, podcasts, and playlists.

Pretty big update!

Google Play Link

// Google

via Droid Life: A Droid Community Blog https://ift.tt/2dLq79c

October 1, 2018 at 08:40AM