Netflix has reinvented the way we watch television. The week-by-week, Dickensian serial format is an antiquated way to go about it, reserved only for those few “live” shows we still care to watch (“care,” as in, the season is unfortunately still in process on a major network).
Turns out we’re all a bunch of hyper-obsessive bingers who crave the instant gratification of pressing “next episode” faster than the time it takes for “created by Vince Gilligan” to pop up on the end credits screen.
We’ve all been there; fast forward seven hours, and suddenly it’s three o’clock in the morning and we can’t help but wonder what we’re doing with our lives.
Now, Netflix is making the human predilection for ultra-marathons with Don Draper even easier with the Switch—a literal button that “does everything you need” for a long night of streaming, from dimming the lights, to ordering food, to silencing your phone. (“Not now, Sharon! I have an eight hour date with President Kevin Spacey tonight! UGH!”)
If You Build It, They Will Watch…
Netflix lists out all the steps on its website to construct and personalize your very own Switch. Warning: some assembly is required. (If you’re like me and have a hard time understanding even simple Ikea instructions, then you might want to consult someone who has some knowledge of electronics.)
The device is built on a Particle Core, a WiFi-connected microcontroller, and runs on a lithium-ion polymer battery with a charging circuit that connects via a Micro USB cable. It also incorporates a custom wooden enclosure with a standard, momentary push button (you can download the 3D model here). Also available for download is the schematic for the electronics (you’ll need it), including optional add-ons for ye hardy-of-heart—like the piezo for sound feedback and embedded LED indicators.
Best brush up on your soldering skills.
Netflix will also walk you through how to connect the Switch to your local network and other home devices, such as smart LED lightbulbs for optimal dimming, as well as how to program the microcontroller with the Switch’s source code. Once the Switch can communicate with your web-connected server, you can add code for any application programming interface (API) or service—from ordering that large pizza (extra cheese) to sending out a “do not disturb” message to your phone, tablet, computer (etc., etc.).
Voila. Netflix has given you everything you need, right at your fingertips, for an epic night of dark-lit rooms, fast food, and bacchanal-level laziness.
To that, please remember to program the Switch to remind you to get off the couch and seek human interaction once in a while.
