Archive for: Netflix
Technobuffalo have released an amazing article that showcases the leading online video streaming services and compares them for the US market.
As you can see from the above table Netflix in my opinion is still a long way ahead of its competitors. Netflix has a strong library and a better HD service, which must be worth paying a little more than Amazon Prime. It seems as though Hulu is quite limited because its a partnership between to NBC, Fox and ABC. Thus, competitors might be more willing to join other services instead of adding their catalogue to this service.
However, what we are forgeting here is that Amazon recently acquired LoveFilm, which has a very strong presence in Europe. Thus, Amazon Prime will only be getting stronger and stronger.
It seems as thought Redbox is considering launching their own Netflix type service. Redbox President Mitch Lowe has now confirmed that the service will be subscription-based, but he did not indicate price points for the service.
Currently, Redbox operates a large network of unmanned DVD rental kiosks throughout the USA. I cant see how Redbox thinks they can move from unmanned rental kiosks to being a strong technology based service.
The Boxee Box has been upgaded with an amazing service just in time for Valentine’s Day. Boxee added Netflix support for the Boxee Box.
Netflix was supposed to be supported by the end of 2010, but it is finally here and it is going to make a lot of customers very happy.
Automatic firmware updates will roll-out later this week, but owners can force the download now by manually initiating a firmware update.
Netflix is the digital phenomena that has delivered entertainment to us for many years. Starting off with DVD’s, then offering Blu-Ray, and now offering streaming services on just about any platform you might be on, whether desktop, laptop, or mobile. Today Netflix has updated its Apple iOS app to provide support for the iPhone, iPod touch as well as the iPad. Now users can use their Apple devices to not just manage their online queue but also stream their favorites straight to their handsets.
Users with unlimited memberships can interact in the Netflix environment and have all sessions sync across multiple platforms. For example, if you are streaming a video and you pause it on your mobile device, you can pick up where you left off at home on your desktop or laptop as if nothing happened. Managing your Netflix queue is available but interestingly it only manages your “WATCH NOW” queue and not the discs that are mailed to you.
So does this change where you will interact with your streaming library? If you weren’t a Netflix subscriber, does this change the game for you?
Version 1.1 of the Netflix application requires iOS 3.1.3 or later.
There’s a lot of us out there who have cut the cable bill for the open, a al carte world of streaming digital media. Most of us are consuming content on sites like YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, or any other site providing quality content for the end user. Whether it’s music, video, or photos, streaming media seems to be the way of the future. And while there are other competitors out there, one seems to stand heads and shoulders above the rest…the key word being “seems.”
+Continue Reading
The world of Apple Apps is kind of slowing down recently. We’re entering the third quarter of 2009 and companies are focusing their power elsewhere or saving the best until the Christmas season when surely millions of people will be opening Apple iPods on December 25th.
However, Crenk does have one piece of good news for you concerning the app situation with the iPhone – NetFlix.
Yup! That’s right. According to initial reports its thought that NetFlix will be making a move onto the iPhone with users being able to use their existing subscription. The service is currently available on the XBOX 360, PS3, PC and Mac. It will also be on its way to the iPod Touch should these rumours hold water.
In fact, I think that they do. NetFlix want to be the biggest internet movie company so making an app for the world most popular smart phone would indeed make perfect sense. By compatibility issues alone, millions would rather be with Netflix for all their devices rather than several.
Quality would be an issue but not a big one. Recently, AT&T upgraded their 3G internet service especially to large urban areas so downloading wouldn’t be too painful. I imagine their would be separate movie files for the iPhone as you don’t need huge TV quality files when it’s all going to be shrunk down onto a small handheld screen.
In summary, this would make for one of the best apps yet and would use many of the good features such as the widescreen and good audio on the iPhone.
Netflix, an extremely popular online movie renting site, has done what other sites have been unable to do so successfully, bring the end of brick and mortar video renting locations. Not only have physical video rental locations dwindled, but other online competitors simply could not get the following that Netflix was able to acquire with its extensive selection and quick mailing turnaround.
But even with all of its successes, Netflix was still marred by one fact, their streaming option was not supported by Apple computers. Earlier this year Netflix announced that members of their site would be able to directly stream content from their site, making it easier on the user to view as opposed to having to wait for the mail out. This easily accessible option drove streaming use through the roof, but only for Window’s users. Mac owners were left out in this major announcement until now.
Last week it was announced by Netflix, Inc. that testing was being done to ensure that Mac users would be able to stream content by the end of this year. The announcement which many members thought would never come, came with a catch. The streaming technology would only be available for Intel based Macs, and not be supported by older models.
Thanks to Microsoft’s Silverlight technology, Netflix is able to bring it’s streaming library of over 12,000 movies and TV shows to non-windows users. I personally find it ironic that the only way streaming media could have been brought to the Mac was via a windows bridge, ala Silverlight. Nevertheless, those holding onto older Macs have a reason to ditch it for the Intel based models.
Currently there is a Mac media player that is available for beta testing. The product, now available for public beta testing can be downloaded by anyone. The beta as admittedly experienced several bugs that may interfere with the quality of the movie played, but plans from Netflix are to have most if not all of these bugs worked out by the end of the year.
Personally I love Netflix’s “Watch Instantly” choice, and have longed for support on the Mac. Interestingly though, the DRM only allows a certain number of machines that you can watch your streaming media on. This limitation is similar to what iTunes has with its account set up. I’m not necessarily sure this will be much of a problem for most of us, but the limitation seems silly to begin with.
Thus far the player has worked fine on my machine, but even with my limited use I may not come across all of the bugs that are expected to pop up. If you are using the public beta software to stream movies on a mac, I’d like to year about your experiences and whether this was a good move for Netflix, Inc. Make sure to leave your comments and be heard!
For those of you who are dedicated gamers, and rely on Gamefly to feed your need, here’s even more of a reason to stay with the game renting site. Just announced, Gamefly is going to offer their site through mobile access.
What does this mean?
Now you can add games to your queue, purchase the games you want or are renting currently, and re-order your queue on the fly if something catches your attention. The gaming site boasts millions of users, and having access from your mobile device will only make it even more popular.Gamefly, which is to gamers what Netflix is to movie buffs, offers the latest in new games and even offers an extensive back catalog of older games for some of us more nostalgic players.
Signing is is just as easy with the power of your account at your fingertips!
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=6f174a0c-338a-4c13-bb20-fb1730c12c27)
