Netflix on iPhone & iPod Touch

[Pliablemoose]

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/26/netflix-adds-iphone-and-ipod-touch-compatibility-in-latest-app-v/

Netflix is IMHO a killer app on the iPad, just installed on an iPhone 3G, and I love it....

There's supposed to be an Android app in the works, should show up soon.

 

[Deeko]

Pretty big step.

 

[Oyeve]

Cant wait for Netflix on android. my vibrant needs this.

 

[cronos]

This is truly awesome.

 

[Fingolfin269]

It's definitely a killer app. Any idea how much bandwidth gets used streaming a single 2 hour movie?

 

[Headcase_Fargone]

Hopefully when they release the Android version it will support HDMI-out ports. It looks like the iPhone version uses their own custom player, and I'm pretty sure individual apps like that have to specifically enable HDMI playback.

 

[Spicedaddy]

Dammit, no Netflix in Canada yet, coming this fall...

 

[Pliablemoose]

Hopefully when they release the Android version it will support HDMI-out ports. It looks like the iPhone version uses their own custom player, and I'm pretty sure individual apps like that have to specifically enable HDMI playback.

Why? Netflix streams to almost everything already.

 

[theeedude]

Cant wait for Netflix on android. my vibrant needs this.

Doesn't Netflix also have a Flash website?

 

[Headcase_Fargone]

Why? Netflix streams to almost everything already.

Streaming to the television in a hotel room would be nice. But no, not "almost everything" by a long shot. The number of TVs that have that capability built-in is miniscule compared to those with HDMI ports.

Doesn't Netflix also have a Flash website?

Does it? The only webtsite I've seen uses Silverlight for the built-in player, and it's a piece of junk.

 

[pm]

Doesn't Netflix also have a Flash website?

No. As Headcase wrote, Netflix's website uses MS Silverlight, not Adobe Flash. I personally don't like either Flash or Silverlight, but if I had to choose one, I'd choose Flash. That said, aside from the fact that every time that I want to watch a movie, I need to patch Silverlight first, I've never had any problems with Netflix streaming to my HTPC.

 

[Headcase_Fargone]

The few times I've tried the Silverlight player the stream has looked like absolute ass. Yet on the same connection (and two minutes later no less) the same show will look like DVD quality going through my TV's or Roku's built-in player.

The quality of that Silverlight player has been the issue of much contention on HTPC-centric forums from what I've seen. General consensus seems to be that it's crap.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Picture quality is fine, and very watchable, honestly I was amazed at how good it looks on an iPhone.

 

[sjwaste]

Why? Netflix streams to almost everything already.

Think travel, specifically business travel. No friends/family to hang out with. Plug phone into hotel TV, watch Netflix.

Avoids the often very slow hotel wifi (I have an Evo and 4G coverage has been good for me). I also can't use my work laptop for that - both because it's policy not to and all internet traffic goes through the VPN, so it would be really convenient for people in my situation.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

This is why I kept my unlimited data plan.

 

[rudeguy]

it looks like mobile streaming video is going to be very popular:

http://www.androidcentral.com/samsung-media-hub-coming-soon

Samsung's will have their own gigl

 

[Headcase_Fargone]

it looks like mobile streaming video is going to be very popular:

Until all of the carriers go the way of AT&T and start limiting data plans/doing away with grandfathered accounts. And let's not forget throttling certain types of data, since that seems to be the direction Verizon is wanting to move in.

I don't know that our country's data network can support people streaming a lot of video just yet. In fact, I'll be very interested to see how/if Netflix on the iPhone affects AT&T's network.

 

[sjwaste]

Until all of the carriers go the way of AT&T and start limiting data plans/doing away with grandfathered accounts. And let's not forget throttling certain types of data, since that seems to be the direction Verizon is wanting to move in.

I don't know that our country's data network can support people streaming a lot of video just yet. In fact, I'll be very interested to see how/if Netflix on the iPhone affects AT&T's network.

Yet there's Sprint, which costs less, and actually has no data cap on 4G usage. They are worth a try if you're in/near a metro area at least. I've had their service both in the south jersey suburbs and northern va suburbs, with great coverage. 4G is live in DC/nova, unofficially. I travel to NH and ME on occasion, and have had solid 3G coverage up that way too.

First hand, Netflix on a laptop tethered to a 4G connection is a smooth ride. Can't wait for the Android app.

 

[jtvang125]

Just got the app. I can browse their selections but it won't stream. It's saying it can't connect to netflix.com at the moment. I guess their servers are getting hammered? Anyone else having problems streaming on their iphone?

 

[Headcase_Fargone]

Yet there's Sprint, which costs less, and actually has no data cap on 4G usage. They are worth a try if you're in/near a metro area at least. I've had their service both in the south jersey suburbs and northern va suburbs, with great coverage. 4G is live in DC/nova, unofficially. I travel to NH and ME on occasion, and have had solid 3G coverage up that way too.

First hand, Netflix on a laptop tethered to a 4G connection is a smooth ride. Can't wait for the Android app.

I'm on Sprint with an Evo, in a 4G market no less. I'm just saying the unlimited data plans aren't going to last forever. Even on Sprint. If every other carrier moves to that model Sprint will eventually follow.

 

[Demo24]

The few times I've tried the Silverlight player the stream has looked like absolute ass. Yet on the same connection (and two minutes later no less) the same show will look like DVD quality going through my TV's or Roku's built-in player.

The quality of that Silverlight player has been the issue of much contention on HTPC-centric forums from what I've seen. General consensus seems to be that it's crap.

That's because HD streaming hasn't existed for the PC until just recently. Once it gets all buffered up on HD it looks fine. I'm not complaining though considering all I get for 10 bucks a month, not having 1080p on everything is something I can live with.

Come on Android app!

 

[AMDZen]

Cant wait for Netflix on android. my vibrant needs this.

Although its guaranteed to come out, evidence suggests it will be a longer wait then most expected.

 

[Headcase_Fargone]

What evidence might that be? The fact that it was a few months ago when Netflix was seen advertising for an Android dev?

 

[AMDZen]

What evidence might that be? The fact that it was a few months ago when Netflix was seen advertising for an Android dev?

As mashable points out Netflix's new "Android Video Playback Expert" will be someone who has experience with streaming video on "other mobile platforms," which means that the Android app will probably be adapted from the existing iPad and iPhone apps.

However, the ads imply that there's nobody in charge of the project yet, which suggests that it hasn't even begun. Usually they start with the top and then get the devs. So I wouldn't expect the app to be finished any time soon. Nevertheless, Netflix is clearly demonstrating their commitment to supporting Android, so this app is more than just vaporware - I would personally bet on early next year or maybe possibly late this year for a release.

 

[Headcase_Fargone]

As mashable points out Netflix's new "Android Video Playback Expert" will be someone who has experience with streaming video on "other mobile platforms," which means that the Android app will probably be adapted from the existing iPad and iPhone apps.

Not sure I agree with your logic here. Video streaming experience could come from any number of places.