We'd
gotten wind of the Netflix iPad app earlier this morning, but when it wasn't included in the
first batch of apps to hit the App Store we just assumed it was coming on Saturday -- or possibly even later. But fear not, movie fans: it's just gone live, complete with screenshot confirmation that it'll do streaming video. That's a huge win for Apple and the iPad, given the restrictions on mobile devices Netflix has traditionally operated under -- remember, Microsoft was only allowed to say the Windows Phone 7 Series Netflix app was a "prototype" when it was
demoed at MIX. We're guessing the blurry line between the iPad and regular laptops / netbooks worked in Netflix's favor here, but that's just a semantic debate -- we're much more amused by the fact that the app
itself is rated 12+ in the App Store for "Simulated Gambling," "Fantasy Violence," and "Suggestive Themes," simply because it plays back movies from your queue that might have such scandalous content. Oh, App Store -- you truly are a paradise of misapplied bureaucratic intent unequaled in the tragic history of our civilization.
Update: Looks like the
ABC Player (opens iTunes) is now also available in the app store for the low, low price of
nada.
posted April 1st 2010 7:07PM
cool
WIN!
@Hama
Now how are the Haters going to piss on this?
@Hama
Nice!
@Peter Church Good question! They usually find a way though.
@Peter Church
Oooooh... you just challenged the most talented people!
Wait and watch! :)
@Peter Church
Don't need to.
We'll just sit back and wait for Apple to pull it from the App Store for showing a nipple in one of the movies you can stream.
But will it stream video over 3G and not just WiFi. That's the real question.
@sonola777
Well, it looks like they've already started. See below. Apparently Nilay threw them a bone when he make a crack about the rating for the app. So that's going to be the Hater's talking point from now on:
"Yeah, the iPad has NetFlix, CBS, ABC and Hulu apps, but they all have a 12+ rating! WHAAAAAA!!!!"
This calls for the iPhone RAP!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72LfKJcKfRg
@Peter Church
I'll tell you how. Right now I'm pretty torqued at Netflix for allowing this when it doesn't allow it on any other mobile device. I'd like to be able to pop up a movie or or watch an old episode of Cosby while I'm waiting in the docs office. I'd more likely be carrying my phone than the slab.
@sweet greggo
I just realized... 12+ could also mean that Netflix is further going to clip the list of instantly watchable movies on iPad! Anyone can confirm on this?
If that's the case, then it'd really suck, considering that they already have a very unsatisfying list of movies for instant watch anyway.
@Peter Church The iPad could cure cancer, play flash, and have a Dslr quality camera and the PC boys would still be whining.
@RichardPause
LOL. Truer words have never been spoken.
@RichardPause
Maybe the better question is why does there have to be fanboys at all? *shrug*
@Hama Well this takes a wind out of WinPho7Series... Netflix app is likely to trickle down to iPhone and iPod Touch as well. Netflix is another feature that iPhone ecosystem has over WP7S. Poor MS.
@Hama
Cool indeed. I think the ipad (and similarly sized devices) are much better for netflix/movie playback than cellphone screens (iphone, anything with winmo 7). Of course I'm not sure how well the ergonomics will work out as compared to a netbook/small laptop. I would prefer something I can set down or on my lap and tilt the screen based on light and comfort.
It's great Apple has brought all these vendors to the store right off the bat. However, can't help wonder how much simpler all this would have been if they'd just enabled flash...
@Peter Church
why do you capitalize haters? that's kinda sad. i suspect this is the newest username of paul chapel, though i may be wrong.
also, i don't really see much "hating" at all below. i saw one person complaining about ipad news, and he was already downvoted. everyone else either seems excited or hopeful that Netflix will come to other mobile platforms.
lighten up.
@RichardPause
Too bad it causes the worst in people to come out. I causes the most idiotic people to think they're tech savvy and it limits freedom.
Those 2 reasons are why people bag Apple. I can go on about flash and how the real reason is it crosses into web games which ultimately take away Apples lower line of money... and don't get me started on multi tasking which has been covered by every expert in this world but Apple fanboys don't care because they're of the 'untech savvy who act like they know something about technology' category.
I think it's harder to cure the mentality Apple has created for society than it is to cure cancer.
@jon Yeah, right, I guess you haven't perused the movie section of iTunes have you?
Oh right, your religion doesn't permit perusing iTunes since it is owned by Apple. :P (Don't like being called a religious nut? Join the crowd.)
I downloaded this app - and about five more last night - so I'll be ready to go as soon as I get my iPad home and synced.
@phobic99 i still find it weird that there ARE fanboys for PCs. Macs I understand. But PCs? That is like being a Newton fanboy.
@Hama Best ipad apps are all here compiled: http://bit.ly/best-apps-for-the-ipad-opinions
Yes, yes, yes.
@DalerusOrn
dang... now I have to determine whether I should get an ipad w/ 3g and a trashy flip phone or a full on smartphone. The irony is that the ipad + dumbphone is actually cheaper. XO
@New Reformation
^This!!!
@DalerusOrn
Laptop + smartphone = smart you
@New Reformation That's exactly my plan is. I never bought an iPhone because I don't like to jail break it and At&t is expensive. That's why iPad is ideal for me and my business. Cheap phone with cheap plan, iPad with unlimited data so I can do business transactions on it. BTW software for my business is already available for iPhone.
@Raytem I'm with ya. I'll be lowering my phone plan after I pick up my ipad.
@New Reformation
You could get a smart phone that allows tethering for free. Any rooted Android phone has free WiFi tethering. Basically turns your phone into a WiFi hotspot that multiple computers, iPhones, iPads, etc. can connect to all at the same time.
I wouldn't mind having one of these, but using my Droid to provide the internet via WiFi instead of having to buy the more expensive iPad and pay an extra monthly fee.
@Bobbo I was thinking Palm Pre on Verizon
@Bobbo
But you already have a smart phone (the droid) and I am in the process of whether to circumvent the process of buying a smart phone and buying an ipad instead.
@New Reformation
I just bought a Droid on Amazon for $19.99 with contract. Not $199.99 - $19.99. So buy an ipad AND a droid, root the droid in about 5 minutes and install android-wifi-tether, and have the best of both worlds.
@FalkensMaze
What is your monthly bill like on the droid? I am looking at the cost over time as well.
Was there really any doubt this would happen?
@PastorTom
Was there anyone doubting?
@PastorTom
The question should be was it ever going to happen. Netflix is on all other devices and "now" Apple. How long has Netflix been with other competitors? The same can be said about Hulu/sling etc etc etc. You should be happy my friend. If it was for the Apple consumers evnying PC capabilities you guys wouldn't be enjoying Netflix today/starting Saturday.
Remember, There is nothing a Mac/iPad/iPod cant do that a PC can. You should think about.
Doubting, anyone was there?
@PastorTom
Does anyone else find that a pastor named Thomas wasn't doubting this?
Doubting Thomas is one thing, but a pastor!? Come on that's funny!
@eminisp I'm pretty sure that there is a lot my PC does that your Mac can't do (like gaming :P).
I'm also pretty sure my fully unlocked Android phone can do much more than your Apple controlled iPhone.
Remember, everything is possible on Android. You can't say that about iPhone OS : it will always be what Apple think you should do or not.
@ROFL There doubting was anyone.
@gpmoo7
You should re-read my post friend. I have plenty of PCs. This was directed at tom.
@eminisp I've been able to watch Netflix on My MacPro for a long time now. My roommate watches Netflix on his Macbook. Sure we can't watch it on our iPhones, but I don't think any phone supports Netflix yet. This is the first mobile device with Netflix capability that I am aware of (note/netbooks aside). Correct me if I am wrong.
@gpmoo7 There is nothing your PC does that a Mac can't. You say I can't play games? Yeah, right.
"Everything is possible on Android" Everything is possible in the universe too, yet some things don't happen. But granted, we will see.
@PastorTom
I can't believe how many loaded responses I received from such an innocent post. All I meant was that this shouldn't be surprising because it benefits every content provider to have their content available on an Apple device, thus, not shocked when I hear Netflix made an iPad app.
I was in no way attacking any other device with my comment.
BTW, if you like Windows, use Windows. If you like Mac, use Mac and get on with your life.
android???? please
@haan
Screw just Android, this should be coming EVERYWHERE. The iPad doesn't do Flash or Silverlight, so this is probably just streaming MP4 files, or something else every device in the world supports. This thing SHOULD be on Android, WebOS, WinMo, etc...
@EGOvoruhk
It could be streaming Quicktime files .mov or something
@EGOvoruhk No kidding. Hopefully Flash on these devices will lure Netflix to make an app. What the hell is the ETA for flash on mobile devices anyways?
ETA: EVO
@haan awww, feeling left out?