Netflix is trialing its own voice search functionality, which appears to be less frustrating.

      A new beta feature allows a select group of Netflix users to search by mood or vibe through AI voice search.

      Finding a show to watch on Netflix can often be a tedious task. To address this, Netflix has quietly begun rolling out an AI-driven voice search feature to a limited number of users in the US (as reported by The Verge).

      Rather than typing a specific title, users can simply express their mood, and Netflix will handle the rest. Though it's still in its beta phase, initial feedback has been positive.

      How does Netflix's voice search function?

      Users with access to this feature can press the Netflix button on their remote, which displays a variety of mood-based options, such as "I need a good cry" or "watch in the background."

      An "Ask" button initiates the AI voice search. Users can speak naturally, and Netflix will provide recommendations, which appear as text on the screen. However, there is no audio response from Netflix.

      A Reddit user who discovered the feature on a Sony A80J Google TV described it as a highly requested feature that worked seamlessly from the start.

      Initial testers have been impressed by its accuracy, as it can handle unconventional prompts like "I had too much coffee today, what should I watch?" resulting in suggestions such as a laid-back comedy special and the Headspace Guide to Sleep.

      Users can refine their search with additional requests like "more unhinged" or "more bittersweet." Currently, Netflix's voice search does not utilize your viewing history, so recommendations aren’t tailored to individual users.

      Why doesn’t Netflix simply use the existing search function on your TV?

      The feature is currently compatible with Chromecast with Google TV and TCL Google TV devices, but not with Roku or Fire TV. This likely stems from Netflix's desire to have searches conducted within its own app, avoiding a platform-wide search that includes results from competing services.

      When utilizing the mic button within Hulu or Disney Plus, users are often directed to universal search engines from Google, Roku, or Amazon. Netflix, similar to YouTube, has sufficient market influence to maintain control over its own search functionality.

      There’s no information on a broader rollout yet, but if this beta version proves successful, the experience of mindlessly scrolling through Netflix may soon come to an end.

      Manisha Priyadarshini is a tech and entertainment writer boasting over nine years of editorial experience.

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