The recently released Netflix iPhone app is now more worthy than ever of the best streaming service. We noticed the change (after updating the app) when a "snap" sound effect played after selecting a user profile that uses the Thing from the popular show "The Wednesday Thing."

These changes are neat, as they make some of Netflix's best shows feel more "alive" in the app. And the new Netflix look and feel often feels more supportive of certain shows and movies. The new "billboard" layout, which puts one show at the top of the screen when navigating by TV, movie, or genre, might make you feel like you're browsing a movie theater poster.

The update, which is currently rolling out, was previewed yesterday (January 16) by Janum Trivedi, the engineer and interaction designer who led the Netflix app refresh (opens in new tab). He introduced five new features, starting with a billboard layout that responds to the way the iPhone is moved.

I updated the Netflix app and checked it out for myself, and found that the poster at the top of the screen moved slightly as I changed the position of my iPhone.

Trivedi also highlights the "wallpaper gradient created on the fly from the art" of the highlighted show, a feature that harkens back to the days of the old Apple Music app Navigating the Netflix app, as you move from show to show You will also notice that there are new animations for transitions from show to show. These animations are essentially "live" and can be interrupted in the middle of the show. You may also notice tactile feedback.

The biggest update, however, is that the "Coming Soon" section has been renamed "New & Hot." Here, upcoming Netflix shows like "That '90s Show" are mixed in with current popular titles. You will also see a "Fast Laughs" section, similar to TikTok or Instagram's Stories section.

However, the Netflix app remains the regular Netflix app, especially with a large grid of skimmable show and movie tiles.

Netflix, like many streaming service apps, does a poor job of helping you find the list of shows and movies you were just watching. In our tests, that line is now under three lengths across the entire iPhone screen.

It is also placed under the games section. Somehow, Netflix thinks that going back to the show you were watching is the thing to do after you've examined its forgotten games option.

This puts Netflix completely out of step with our view; I don't know anyone who likes Netflix games, and I doubt anyone opens the app to play games.