Netflix has launched a new gaming app for children that eliminates ads and in-app purchases.

      Netflix Playground makes it easier to say yes to screen time.

      Netflix aims to attract families with Netflix Playground, a new standalone gaming app designed specifically for kids aged 8 and under. There are no advertisements, no in-app purchases, and no additional fees beyond your current Netflix subscription. The app is currently available in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, the Philippines, and New Zealand, with a global launch scheduled for April 28.

      What activities are available for kids on Netflix Playground?

      Users can download the app on a phone or tablet, log in with their Netflix account, and children gain immediate access to an expanding library of games featuring beloved characters. Kids can engage with characters like Peppa Pig, Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Storybots, Horton, and others across various activities.

      In the Peppa Pig game, children can care for guinea pigs and create smoothies; with Sesame Street characters, they can practice memory matching and connect-the-dots; they can engage in cause-and-effect play with Horton; or they can create a “fart-filled song” using a turntable in the Bad Dinosaurs game.

      Each game is readily playable and also works offline, making it particularly handy for long trips with limited internet access.

      What else is Netflix offering for young audiences?

      In addition to the app, Netflix has announced a new preschool animated series called Young MacDonald, created by Gabrielle Meyer, known for Ada Twist, Scientist. The series follows Mac, the grandson of Old MacDonald, as he manages his farm alongside a pig named Dumpling.

      Netflix

      Trash Truck and The Creature Cases have also been renewed for more seasons, along with an exciting lineup of returning favorites, such as CoComelon Lane, Ms. Rachel, Mark Rober’s CrunchLabs, Sesame Street, and Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, all set to air through summer 2026.

      Netflix’s gaming initiatives have not been as successful as the company anticipated, partly due to having fewer iconic franchises compared to competitors like Disney+. Concentrating on kids' content aims to bridge that gap, while families with young children are less likely to cancel their memberships.

      Manisha enjoys covering everyday technology, from smartphones and apps to gaming and streaming.

      Netflix ordered by court to refund customers due to repeated price hikes.

      Italian customers may receive refunds and lower monthly bills following a ruling by a Rome court in favor of consumers.

      If you're in Italy, Netflix might owe you money. A court in Rome has mandated that the company refund customers for several years of subscription price increases, possibly resulting in payouts of hundreds of euros and reduced monthly charges.

      The ruling pertains to changes made from 2017 to January 2024, and it includes more than just refunds. Netflix is anticipated to reverse subscription fees and inform users about their eligibility for compensation.

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      Is Dunesday dead? Would a new release date truly save Avengers: Doomsday or Dune: Part Three?

      Would Earth’s Mightiest Heroes fare better without confronting the forces of Arrakis in theaters?

      Hollywood continuously chases popular trends, from cinematic universes to live-action remakes, and more recently, double features. However, Marvel Studios might opt out of the latter with one of its superhero films. Insider John Campea reported that Marvel Studios is contemplating changing the release date for Avengers: Doomsday, stating, "The very non-committable discussions have taken place." This indicates the film may debut on the same day as Dune: Part Three, effectively burying the "Dunesday" double feature.

      It is still too early to confirm the validity of this information. The report follows Jumanji 3’s decision to move its release date from December 11 to December 25, one week after the anticipated Dunesday. Campea suggested that Marvel might shift Doomsday's premiere to December 11 to have a week to showcase the movie on IMAX screens originally booked for Jumanji 3 before they are taken by Dune: Part Three.

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      Maul – Shadow Lord is making a return for a second season, expanding the Star Wars universe.

      Maul's return is getting even bigger!

      Season 1 has yet to be released, but Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord is already confirmed for a second season. Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni has announced that Season 2 is officially in development at Lucasfilm Animation.

      Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord Season 1 will debut on Disney+ with a two-episode premiere on April 6, followed by the release of two episodes weekly thereafter. No release date for Season 2 has been announced yet, but the early renewal reflects strong confidence in the series.

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