Tech Brief: How Many Ads is Too Many Ads?

That's the biggest conundrum, isn't it? At this point, though, pretty much anything that's offered for free is ad-supported (remember: "If you're not paying for it; you're the product."), but one does not expect ads from a paid subscription service. However, contrary to expectations, popular video streaming platform Netflix appears to be testing personalised video promos ads in between episodes, much to the displeasure of users, who have taken to Reddit and Twitter to complain about the change. Netflix, in a statement to TechCrunch, has responded by saying that "we are testing whether surfacing recommendations between episodes helps members discover stories they will enjoy faster." Not sure if it will get publicly rolled out at some point, but one cannot help but wonder if this is a move aimed at monetising recommendations for maximising profit margins, or even starting an ad-supported free version, especially since it's fast running out of humans to pay for it.

Update on Aug. 21: Netflix promoting original series and specials in the login screen with full-screen background photos and serving video promos between episodes appear to be part of a broader series of tests the video streaming service is trialling in an attempt to boost profits, the latest of which is to entirely bypass the iTunes payment method on iOS devices by redirecting users to sign-up using the mobile web version. Recently, Epic Games announced that it would distribute the Android version of its megapopular game "Fortnite" through its website rather than through the Google Play Store, and Spotify not long ago did the same thing from having to pay Apple a cut on in-app purchases for each sign-up (as iTunes is the default payment method). But it had to face further trouble when Apple rejected the app update and forced it reinstate the feature back, only to discontinue the feature for new subscribers. But with Netflix being the top-grossing app on iOS (and Android), it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Update on Dec. 29: Netflix has officially stopped iTunes billing for new and returning customers (who have missed a billing period) on iOS, according to VentureBeat, which first reported the change. "We no longer support iTunes as a method of payment for new members. Existing members, however, can continue to use iTunes as a method of payment," the statement read.