OK—I didn’t believe it either, but it’s true. Netflix has introduced an amazing step-by-step guide for creating ‘Netflix socks.’
So what make this fuzzy pair of socks so special? Well, they automatically pause your video on your TV when you fall asleep. (If only you could feel my excitement through the screen.)
Imagine this–our new socks are powered by none other than an Arduino microcontroller and an accelerometer, which is used to detect motion. When the accelerometer no longer detects movement, like jumping up really quick off of the couch to grab another—ehem—water, an LED light will flash red and send a signal to your TV to tell it to pause the video.
Moral of the story? No movement = no movie.
Apparently this handy dandy accelerometer is so good, it can detect the difference between you sitting completely still, completely enthralled in the movie, and when you’ve actually fallen asleep (Zzzz…).
Realistically you could put your snazzy little DIY project into any ol’ pair of socks, but Netflix (obviously) recommends using one of their 17 different sock patterns based on their binge-worthy shows.
Although it’s super simple to create, you will need to do a bit of soldering and programming. My advice to you is to read the instructions twice before attempting. Or if you’re anything like me, ask your Dad to help (HA, just kidding…).
Official Netflix Socks video is below for your reference.
Filed Under: M2M (machine to machine)