But you're right, definition 2 turns Google from a proper Noun/verb referring to the service itself to a more generalized search.
Definition: to search for information on the Internet, esp. using the Google search engine
But this leads to the conundrum that you have presented here. Nevertheless, Googling is part of the language now because of Google's ubiquitousness.
And so as Netflix is both a brand name and a service, the same rules apply. Your example of Blockbuster online is moot for two reasons: a) no one would ever say that b) Blockbuster is not the major player in distributing DVDs via an online service. Netflix successfully dominates that market and their name easily lends to being used as a verb in English.
no subject
But you're right, definition 2 turns Google from a proper Noun/verb referring to the service itself to a more generalized search.
Definition: to search for information on the Internet, esp. using the Google search engine
But this leads to the conundrum that you have presented here. Nevertheless, Googling is part of the language now because of Google's ubiquitousness.
And so as Netflix is both a brand name and a service, the same rules apply. Your example of Blockbuster online is moot for two reasons: a) no one would ever say that b) Blockbuster is not the major player in distributing DVDs via an online service. Netflix successfully dominates that market and their name easily lends to being used as a verb in English.