Netflix’s long-time product chief leaves the company

Neil Hunt, Netflix’s long-time chief product officer, is stepping down from his post after 18 years with the company. After joining the company in 1999, he has led the development and launch of Netflix’s streaming service back in 2007. And he as even led development efforts from Netflix’s office in Tokyo since 2015. Hunt will be replaced by Greg Peters, who has been with Netflix for the past nine years. “Greg and Neil have collaborated through the years to make the Netflix experience all over the world absolutely incredible,” Netflix CEO Reed Hastings says in a statement. “I look forward to having Greg take on this role and to celebrate with Neil our 100 millionth member.”

At the same time, Netflix’s Chief Talent Officer Tawni Cranz will also be leaving the company to “pursue other interests.” Netflix hasn’t said who will replace Cranz. Hastings comments, “Over the last decade, Tawni has played a formative role in developing our business culture as well as developing an amazing talent team. We deeply appreciate her contributions.”

Source: Variety

Japanese creatives get the spotlight in web documentary series

If you’re a fan of Japanese comics, video games, art, or design, then this ongoing web series might be something you’d want to check out. Called Toco Toco TV, this series has already featured many Japanese creatives in 10- to 20-minute documentary style interviews. Its latest video features director of Nier: Automata, Yoko Taro. The video delves deep into the game designer’s creative process and how his games feel a bit more offbeat and human than others. While the episodes are in Japanese, you can turn on subtitles for either English or French.

Source: The Verge

Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup 4/2-4/8

Apple quietly refreshes Mac Pro line, promises new models and pro displays are coming

This ‘Magic Calendar’ is something we need in our lives 

Samsung Canada to open flagship experience store at Eaton Centre in Toronto 

Netflix brings offline downloading to Windows 10 PC 

Apple rumoured to be getting 70 million OLED panels from Samsung for iPhone 8 

ASUS’ hottest new products now at Best Buy Canada 

Casio partners with Microsoft for wearable patents licensing deal 

Review: Fitbit Alta HR 

This wireless mouse also works as a scanner 

Canada's only Certified LEGO Professional inspires kids to build a City Of Tomorrow 

Two Canadian universities chosen for new Autonomous Vehicle Competition 

Casper's VR experience is more than just pillow talk 

Periscope brings 360-degree broadcasting to all users 

Jay Z pulls music catalog from Apple Music and Spotify 

Netflix rolls out a screensaver of its original content on TVs 

Shaper by NOWA is a smartwatch designed like a classic timepiece 

Shaper by NOWA is a smartwatch designed like a classic timepiece

If you like your smartwatch to look more like a traditional watch, this new Kickstarter project might be worth looking into. The Shaper by NOWA is a new watch collection that keeps frequent fliers in mind. It links to your smartphone for automatic time zone changing. The watch is also capable of sleep and activity tracker. All this information is available through the app and automatically syncs in either Apple Health or Google Fit. 

Its design makes it look like a traditional analogue watch, too. It's made with Italian calf leather strap, durable stainless steel casing, and Sapphire coated glass. Plus, it promises to be the "slimmest intelligent watch ever made." It has a promised eight month battery life. If you're interested, you can pre-order this on Kickstarter for US$119. Shipping is expected this July.  

Source: Digital Trends