New Technology- Netflix

Like many others, I am big fan of Netflix, but did not know anything about it before doing this project. It was very interesting to learn the history of such a popular and important company.

Netflix was founded in 1997 in Scotts Vally, CA by software engineers Reed Hasting and Marc Randolph. The official website launched in 1998. Netflix originally started as an online rental service where customers could order copies of videos to their house. In 2002, Netflix became a public company getting the attention of more investors and customers. Between 2003 -2005, the company gained more than 3 million subscribers.

Later on in 2007, Netflix introduced its online streaming service so members could watch on their personal computers- this than led to the development of the app which launched in 2010. Also in 2010, Netflix opened their international market starting with Canada and Latin America; by 2016 the app was available in 130 countries.

Today, Netflix has over 148 million paying subscribers worldwide- more than half are in the U.S. The company is estimated to be worth more than $155 billion, beating out all of it competitors.

Netflix truly is such a great thing. Viewers have access to shows and movies right at their figure tips- often times used for educational purposes as well. Netflix is also more convenient for many as some people cant offered a monthly cable bill so they pay for a Netflix subscription instead which is more cost effective. Although customers complain about the limited variety of shows or lack of, Netflix is user friendly, affordable, and convenient for anyone therefor making it a great invention.

Although not included in my original powerpoint, this video is a great summary of the making of Netflix. It includes some very interesting graphs and visuals, particularly in relation to how Netflix has changed TV.

Comments

EOTO pt. 2

While watching and listening to the other groups I learned many things. However, one topic I found particularly interesting was from group 1- the topic of an Echo Chamber. Before the presentation, I did know the term 'echo chamber', but I was familiar with the definition. The group member defined an echo chamber as a situation/group in which beliefs are amplified and reenforced in groups or organizations. Within these groups people share a common viewpoint and do not contradict each other but rather support and encourage. While presenting, the group pointed out that echo chambers can be very negative because they are sheltering and lead to polarization and bias opinions. I would for sure agree with this because when you don't allow yourself to be exposed to other ideas and thoughts, you are limiting yourself and your awareness for others. I think we live in such a diverse society with many different religions and cultures, and because of that, it is important to respe...

Privacy Online and Off

'online life, permanent as a tattoo': I thought this Ted Talk was a very spot on simile for impacts on the internet. A lot of people think things just disappear, or people are not watching us. However, that is not the case in the digital world, things are permanent and there forever. I was also very shocked to learn about websites like face.com and the facial profiling that is done based off of our social media. It is frightening to think that an innocent photo someone tags you in can result in your face being tracked and basically stalked by these websites to gather info about you. 'small details police track about us': License plate tracking can be a very useful tool. You see it being used to track down cars that have kidnapped children, carrying criminals, etc. Because of this technology, many good things have come from it and it has been able to save people and make the world safer. However, I do not think the police/authority should have the right to use our...

EOTO Project- SMITH-MUNDT ACT

The Smith Mundt Act was originally introduced in 1945. Known as the Bloom Bill, the original bill was to allow up and coming technologies like the radio to be permanent and accessible for the public. It also controlled propaganda sent out by the U.S government. However, the bill was denied because it was seen as pro Russian and pro communism. Considering the time frame (cold war), it is not an unreasonable thought for law makers to have. After working on the bill for a few years, it was passed and signed by President Truman in 1948. Formally becoming a law known as "The U.S. Information and Educational Exchange Act of 1948". Although there was still some doubt about the new law, Congress made it clear that it needed to cover 6 major things: Tell the truth; explain the motives of the United States; bolster morale and extend hope; give a true and convincing picture of American life, methods, and ideals; combat misrepresentation and distortion; and aggressively interpret ...

Grace Obletz- Com Law

Search This Blog