Netflix has finally made good on their promise to release a video app for the iPhone and iPod touch to match their early iPad offering. Now Netflix subscribers can stream their Watch Instantly shows to their handheld devices, as well as search and manage their queue.
What is it?
In addition to renting DVDs throuh the mail, Netflix has a large library of films and TV shows available to watch via streaming video. Subscribers to the service get unlimited access to as much of the “Watch Instantly” selections as they want, which they can watch on a computer (using Microsoft Silverlight for DRM), through their TV using a device such as a Roku box or through a console like the Xbox, PS3 or Wii. When the iPad launched, Netflix was one of the flagship apps, bringing thousands of streams to tablet. It’s now available for iPhone and iPod touch running iOS 3.1.3 or later.
How does it work
Log into your Netflix account and the app will automatically load your Watch Instantly queue (you can’t view or manage your DVD queue, however). Select the movie you want to watch (or search for another one) and voila, it starts streaming. If you have to leave the app, when you return to it it’ll ask if you want to resume watching the film or go back to browsing. The beautiful part is that since the app works with your Netflix account, you can start watching a film on your computer, stop, and pick it up on your mobile device from the same point.
Is it contagious?
If you don’t mind watching movies and TV on a tiny screen, Netflix for iPhone is a great way to take your favorite movies on the road—provided they’re available, of course. Netflix has signed several deals to beef up their streaming library, but they still face issues with films being unavailable or having their rights expire.
The app itself has a clean interface, and if you can find a Wi-Fi connection, you have access to thousands of movies and tv shows without having to fill up your hard drive. Best of all, if you’re already a Netflix subscriber, it’s free!
Category: Entertainment (streaming video)
Developer: Netflix
Cost: Free (Netflix subscription required)
Download: Netflix for iPhone, iPod touch (also available for iPad)
This will be money in the bank for iPad users. Doesn't really thrill me to watch a flick on my mobile, screen is a bit small.