Techniques for streaming a media title based on user interactions with an internet of things device

In various embodiments, an interactive streaming application plays back a media title via a client device. In operation, the interactive streaming application causes the client device to playback a first chunk of the media title. While the client device plays back the first chunk, the interactive streaming application determines a movement of an internet of things (“IoT”) device that is controlled by the user. The interactive streaming application performs reinforcement-learning operation(s) based on the first chunk and the movement to determine a second chunk of the media title to playback. The interactive streaming application then causes the client device to playback the second chunk of the media title. Advantageously, the interactive streaming application can automatically personalize the playback of the media title for the user based, at least in part, on movements of the IoT device.

BACKGROUND Field of the Various Embodiments (1) The various embodiments relate generally to computer science and communications technology and, more specifically, to techniques for streaming a media title based on user interactions with an internet of things device. Description of the Related Art (2) A media streaming service typically provides access to a library of media titles that can be viewed on a range of different client devices. In many implementations, to playback a requested media title via a given client device, the media streaming service sequentially transmits discrete portions or “chunks” of the requested media title over a connection to the client device in accordance with the storyline or “narrative” associated with the media title. To reduce the likelihood of a temporary degradation in the connection causing a playback interruption, a playback application executing on the client device usually stores or “buffers” multiple chunks of the requested media title before initiating the playback of the requested media title in order to prevent occurrences of buffer underrun. (3) Most media titles have predetermined narratives that are specified as a linear ordering of the chunks in the media title from a beginning chunk to an end chunk. In general, the narrative of a given media title is designed to appeal to the majority of likely users (i.e., viewers of the media title). For example, an action movie could have a relatively short introduction or “exposition” and a