Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Netflix for iOS updated with a new player UI, support for alternate language audio and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/netflix-iphone-ipad-update/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/netflix-iphone-ipad-update/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/netflix-iphone-ipad-update/#comments Netflix for iOS updated with a new player UI, support for alternate language audio

There's still no word available on HD video streaming, but Netflix has just released version 2.2 of its app for iPhones and iPads. While the front end got tablet friendly in December and received a Retina Display makeover in March, this version brings a new player UI to all iOS devices. The new scrub bar seems much easier to reach and control now, while the button for subtitles has a received a tweak reminiscent of the new look recently pushed to Netflix's web based player. Also under that button is a new option allowing for alternate language soundtracks (where available), while the changelog goes on to mention "general performance improvements". Not documented but present is the addition of thumbnails in that scrub bar, easier access to "do not share" for Facebook-connected members and the ability to restrict streaming to WiFi-only in the settings. The new version is shown above, check after the break for a grab of the old player to see the difference. As always, the latest update can be found in the app store, we'll let you know if we hear of any extra details or changes on other platforms.

Continue reading Netflix for iOS updated with a new player UI, support for alternate language audio and more

Netflix for iOS updated with a new player UI, support for alternate language audio and more originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.2appapplehdpostcrossinternet videoInternetVideoiosipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmobilepostcrossnetflixplayerscrub barScrubBarstreaminguiupdatewatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 30 May 2012 21:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix web streaming interface gets a new look with bigger icons, embedded previews]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/netflix-web-player-updated/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/netflix-web-player-updated/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/netflix-web-player-updated/#comments Netflix web streaming interface gets a new look with bigger icons, embedded previews

With the exception of tweaks for new features like HD video and closed captioning Netflix's Silverlight-based web player has been largely unchanged for years, but today everything is being reworked. As detailed in a post on the company's blog, PC and Mac users (no word on ChromeOS) the size of the player controls now scale to the window they're in and replace words with icons. Other new features users will notice is the ability to preview additional episodes of TV series without stopping the stream, title information that pops up when the stream is paused and that full screen viewing now has the same options as the windows player. The finale tweak is that the back to browsing button that brings viewers back to their queue has shifted from the bottom right to the top left. Hit the blog for the full breakdown, or just expect a surprise tomorrow when you're watching Downton Abbey at work Drive in the comfort of your own home during leisure time.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Netflix web streaming interface gets a new look with bigger icons, embedded previews originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closed captioningClosedCaptioningcontrolshdhdpostcrossmacnetflixpcscalingsilverlightstreaminguiwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix Q1 results: 3 million new streaming subscribers worldwide, record viewing hours]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/netflix-q1-results/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/netflix-q1-results/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/23/netflix-q1-results/#comments Netflix Q1 2012 earnings

Netflix has posted its earnings report for Q1 of 2012, and reveals its streaming subscriber count in the US is currently 23.4 million, after reaching 21.67 million back in January. While the company noted a net loss of about $5 million, the letter from CEO Reed Hastings and CFO David Wells claimed it is still on a "rapid return" to profitability after last year's missteps and international expansions. Worldwide it now counts a total of 26 million subscribers to the streaming service, although it lost another million or so subscribers to discs, which currently number 10.09 million. That old disc business is still highly profitable however, adding $146 million to the bottom line. Internationally, Netflix added more customers in its first three months of UK / Ireland availability than it did in the same period for Latin America or Canada, and expects its Canadian service to be profitable a quarter earlier than expected.

Reed Hastings also took the opportunity to toss another barb at Comcast for its bandwidth cap-exempt Xfinity TV Xbox 360 app, claiming it should either raise its caps, make them apply to all services including its own or eliminate them entirely. Another development in Q1 was the loss of streaming titles from Starz but it claims that caused no discernible change in viewing or subscriber hours, while customers continue to lean towards streaming TV episodes over movies. Hit the source links below to paw through the PDF and spreadsheet for yourself, we'll let you know if any interesting tidbits are revealed on the earnings call later today.

Netflix Q1 results: 3 million new streaming subscribers worldwide, record viewing hours originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfinancialshdpostcrossinternet videoInternetVideonetflixq1q1 2012Q12012reed hastingsReedHastingsstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyMon, 23 Apr 2012 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix iPad app upgraded with Retina quality icons and images now, HD video soon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/netflix-ipad-app-retina-hd-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/netflix-ipad-app-retina-hd-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/21/netflix-ipad-app-retina-hd-video/#comments ImageNow that the third generation iPad has hit the streets even more apps are pushing out upgrades for its high-res display, and among the latest is Netflix. Version 2.1.1 adds not only high-res artwork but also fixes for VoiceOver, improved playback on external displays and other more minor tweaks. Better yet, for when you're actually watching your movies and old TV shows, the official Twitter account promises HD video streaming is on the way. Not rocking one of the fruit logo-branded tablets yet? You still may notice some changes, as HackingNetflix points out the homepage has been revamped once again recently, with a design that feels smoother and faster, featuring a floating red bar that follows as you scroll down. However, as Netflix giveth, Netflix taketh away, and streaming-only customers have lost the ability to even view or rate DVD-only titles in this new version. Take a peek at the latest changes for yourself and let us know in the comments below how they strike you.

Netflix iPad app upgraded with Retina quality icons and images now, HD video soon originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplehd videohdpostcrossHdVideoios appIosAppipadiPad 3Ipad3netflixnetflix.comretina displayRetinaDisplayslatestreamingtabletwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 21 Mar 2012 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix reveals Android app tests that keep it running on 'around 1000' devices daily]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/netflix-android-app-testing-process/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/netflix-android-app-testing-process/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/15/netflix-android-app-testing-process/#comments
In a quick peek behind the curtain at what life can be like as an Android developer, Netflix's Tech Blog has posted details of the testing process for each iteration of its app. According to Netflix's own stats, after being initially released for just a handful of phones nearly a year ago it now streams to "almost around 1,000" different devices daily. The situation of building one app for different hardware, software (including CM7 and CM9), screen sizes and and other variations like hardware or software decoding presents many challenges, but the team has filtered down to 14 devices (10 phones, 4 tablets) that give maximum coverage for their daily tests. Add in an HTML5 frontend for the native video video player, and suddenly the staggered rollout across devices starts to make more sense. Hit the source link for more info on how it all gets put together and shaken down through both automated and human testing, while Apple fans can wait for a similar breakdown of the iOS process that's on the way.

Netflix reveals Android app tests that keep it running on 'around 1000' devices daily originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappfragmentationhdpostcrosshtml 5Html5mobilepostcrossnetflixstreamingstreaming videoStreamingVideotestingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyThu, 15 Mar 2012 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix is in talks to partner with cable providers for bundles, could mean higher quality streaming]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/netflix-cable-bundled-services/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/netflix-cable-bundled-services/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/06/netflix-cable-bundled-services/#comments After CEO Reed Hastings recently hinted at the possibility of Netflix's Watch Instantly service coming bundled with cable services, Reuters is reporting the company has met with "some of the largest US cable companies" to discuss partnerships. The report goes on to mention it could stream through cable set-top boxes and appear as another line item on customer's bills, however for that, Netflix would have to rework content licensing agreements that bar its service from cable boxes, which has kept it off of TiVo Premieres offered by companies like Suddenlink and RCN. We've also spoken to the infamous people with knowledge of the discussions and are hearing that while deals are being discussed, what's initiated the talks is the increasing bandwidth load that Watch Instantly is placing on networks -- see the Comcast vs. Level 3 dustup from 2010.

What the deals being discussed could bring is a setup where your cable company offers bundled services (TV, internet, etc.) that include premium access to Netflix -- higher quality audio and video streams that don't count against bandwidth caps, and maybe even a discount from the standard rate. Cable companies could obtain revenue from Netflix under the deal, and also keep customers around thanks to the advantages of the bundled offerings, while Netflix could have more reliable distribution for its video, and a leg up on competition from Amazon and Redbox / Verizon FiOS. We'll wait and see what happens, but in an interesting twist, Netflix could quickly join sports as a tool for providers to keep customers from cutting the cord, instead of a reason for it.

Netflix is in talks to partner with cable providers for bundles, could mean higher quality streaming originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backbonebandwidthbandwidth capBandwidthCapbundlecablecomcastcoxhdpostcrossnetflixredboxstreamingtime warnerTimeWarnertivoverizonverizon fiosVerizonFioswatch instantlyWatchInstantlyTue, 06 Mar 2012 22:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix Watch Instantly's life after Starz includes Academy Award winners, more captions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/netflix-watch-instantly-captions-academy-awards/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/netflix-watch-instantly-captions-academy-awards/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/01/netflix-watch-instantly-captions-academy-awards/#comments In a change of conversation that would make Don Draper proud, Netflix has picked up its blogging pen and accentuated the positive, even as hundreds of titles provided by Starz Play blinked away this week. The first bit of good news? Content that's coming instead of going includes several movies that scored trophies at last weekend's Academy Awards,including Best Picture winner The Artist, and Best Documentary winner Undefeated that will arrive "later this year, plus Best Animated Feature Rango that goes live on the service March 31st. That extends to movies in theaters too, as last weekend's top two, Act of Valor and Good Deeds, are pay-TV window exclusives for Netflix. The other positive note is that it achieved a goal of offering closed captioning on 80 percent of the hours streamed by the end of last year, and notes 90 percent of streaming is now done on devices that have been updated to support optional captions. The bad news there is that some embedded TV and Blu-ray player software might not be able to be updated for captions, and progress on adding captions for that last twenty percent of content may be slower since it's content that isn't viewed as often. So, is the red envelope company doing enough to keep you hanging around, or are you going to blow through the last few eps of Lillyhammer and pull the eject button?

Netflix Watch Instantly's life after Starz includes Academy Award winners, more captions originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 23:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Academy AwardsAcademyAwardscaptionsclosed captioningclosed captionsClosedCaptioningClosedCaptionsdeafhard of hearingHardOfHearinghdpostminihugonetflixrangoRelativity MediaRelativityMediastarzstarz playStarzPlaystreamingthe artistTheArtistwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyThu, 01 Mar 2012 23:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Starz Play movies disappear from Netflix streaming this week]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/netflix-starz-play-movies-pulled-march-1/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/netflix-starz-play-movies-pulled-march-1/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/27/netflix-starz-play-movies-pulled-march-1/#comments A little more than three years after arriving on Netflix's Watch Instantly streaming service, Starz is packing up its online package of movies and original TV shows and heading home at the end of this month. While the deal brought in high profile movies from Disney and Sony (not to mention shows like Spartacus and Boss), it's also caused problems with the availability of certain movies / features on the Xbox 360, a renegotiation of terms between Starz and Disney followed by the removal of Sony's flicks from the service last year. Finally Starz reportedly asked Netflix to change its pricing strategy to a tiered one, but the companies couldn't agree and renewal negotiations ended September 1st of last year. Netflix is trying to fill the gap with more deals directly with studios and offering its own original shows, while the selection of kid-friendly movies will be supplemented by a Dreamworks arrangement that kicks off in 2013.

That means subscribers have until midweek to enjoy Toy Story 3, Tangled or about 800 (mostly somewhat lesser-known) other movies that may be kicking around in their queues. While Netflix breaks out the Starz Play titles on its site, TVandMoviesNOW has put together a list of all of them, sortable by release date, rating, genre and other items including the 50 or so that are viewable on Amazon's Prime streaming service. We probably won't dive in too deeply since the movies lack HD res and surround sound, but if you haven't seen Party Down yet then this is the time.

Starz Play movies disappear from Netflix streaming this week originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyhdpostmininetflixsony picturesSonyPicturesstarzstarz playStarzPlaystreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyMon, 27 Feb 2012 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix locks up Academy Award nominated exclusives from The Weinstein Company]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/netflix-locks-up-academy-award-nominated-exclusives-from-the-wei/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/netflix-locks-up-academy-award-nominated-exclusives-from-the-wei/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/netflix-locks-up-academy-award-nominated-exclusives-from-the-wei/#commentsIf you're looking for more content to watch on Netflix's Watch Instantly streaming service -- especially since all those Starz movies are exiting stage left at month's end -- we have good news, as it just announced a multi-year exclusive deal with The Weinstein Company. The agreement covers foreign language, documentary and "certain other movies" that will be watchable in their pay-TV window only on Netflix, and not HBO or Showtime. That includes such high profile selections as The Artist, which is nominated for 17 Academy Awards this weekend and Best Documentary nominated Undefeated, as well as other flicks like Coriolanus and The Intouchables. Of course, this is still Netflix so while fans of subtitles and exposés may be sated, The Weinstein Company's more mainstream flicks and Dimension Films releases like Scream 4 aren't included, as they're still Showtime exclusives due to the deal it signed with the channel back in '08. Either way, more movies is more movies and you can check out all the details in the press release after the break, hopefully this deal works out better than HD DVD's exclusive Weinstein pact did back in the day.

Continue reading Netflix locks up Academy Award nominated exclusives from The Weinstein Company

Netflix locks up Academy Award nominated exclusives from The Weinstein Company originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coriolanusdocumentaryexclusivehdpostcrossinternet videoInternetVideomoviesnetflixshowtimestreamingsubtitledthe artistthe weinstein companyTheArtistTheWeinsteinCompanyundefeatedwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyweinsteinWeinstein CompanyWeinsteinCompanyWed, 22 Feb 2012 22:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix Android app adds onscreen volume slider, Facebook integration (where available)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/netflix-android-app-adds-onscreen-volume-slider-facebook-integr/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/netflix-android-app-adds-onscreen-volume-slider-facebook-integr/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/10/netflix-android-app-adds-onscreen-volume-slider-facebook-integr/#comments Now that Netflix is available on most Android devices and even sporting a fresh tablet interface, what's there left to tweak? Plenty actually, and the company just pushed a new 1.7 version of the app that adds Facebook sharing and discovery in the countries where those features are enabled (read: not the US). Also new is a software volume slider for tablet users as shown above by Android Community, as well as tweaks for AV sync and resolution of some other tablet incompatibilities. HD streaming support for tablets will have to wait for another day, but for now users can grab the latest version from the Android Market at the link below.

Netflix Android app adds onscreen volume slider, Facebook integration (where available) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappfacebookhdpostcrossminipostmobilepostcrossnetflixsharingsocialstreaming videoStreamingVideovolume sliderVolumeSliderwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyFri, 10 Feb 2012 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix Q4 results: 220k new streaming-only customers, beats earnings estimates (Update: no game rentals coming)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/netflix-q4-2011-earnings/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/netflix-q4-2011-earnings/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/netflix-q4-2011-earnings/#comments Netflix's Q4 2011 earnings report is in, and the company indicates its streaming subscriber count is now 21.67 million. DVD subscribers were still down however, although not as much as expected with cancellations peaking in September when the services split, leaving it with a total number of 24.4 million customers. This closes out a tough 2011 that saw its subscriber count drop by 800k in Q3, and most recently resulted in the search for a new Chief Marketing Officer. The company exceeded its own targets for growth in streaming customers and domestically, the segment reported a higher-than-expected profit of $52 million.When it comes to its competition however, Netflix cosigned a rumor indicated today by the New York Post that Amazon may spin off its Prime Instant video service into a cheaper-than-Netflix standalone offering. For now however, it believes Amazon and Hulu offer only a fraction of its content, and net subscriber viewing hours that are less than 10 percent of the 2 billion --around 30 per member -- it reported during Q4.

Regarding the new 56-day delay for DVDs and Blu-ray discs from Warner Bros., it "didn't like" the new terms, but decided it was more efficient to keep a direct relationship for discs than to try buying discs from retail again, and expects more "differentiated dates" from studios going forward. With its Starz deal coming to an end soon, Netflix plans to plug the content hole by licensing some of the movies from Encore directly from the studios, and the kid-friendly Disney fare with flicks like The Adventures of Tin Tin and Rango from Paramount (via Epix) until its new Dreamworks deal takes effect in 2013. Interestingly, it also comments that "content is a differentiator", and that it's "increasingly" licensing content exclusively to fight its true competition, TV Everywhere services like HBO Go. We'll be back with any interesting remarks from the earnings call (scheduled for 6PM ET), until then check out the press release itself linked below.

Update: The earnings call (just finished) was predictably boring, but CEO Reed Hastings confirmed the company has "no plans" to offer videogames for rental, which had been announced as part of the later-retracted Qwikster spinoff. As far as offering current season episodes of TV shows for cord-cutters, it won't be bidding on those either. When it comes to 3D, Blu-ray 3D discs are already in the mix, while the company is "looking into" streaming 3D.

Netflix Q4 results: 220k new streaming-only customers, beats earnings estimates (Update: no game rentals coming) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon prime instant videoAmazonPrimeInstantVideobreaking newsearningsfinancialsgameshdpostcrossnetflixq4q4 2011Q42011qwiksterstreamingsubscribersvideogameswatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 25 Jan 2012 16:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix officially announces UK, Ireland launch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/netflix-officially-announces-uk-ireland-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/netflix-officially-announces-uk-ireland-launch/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/netflix-officially-announces-uk-ireland-launch/#comments While it was already live for many, Netflix has made its launch in the United Kingdom and Ireland officially official, streaming its catalog of entertainment for 5.99 pounds / 6.99 euros a month. Residents can queue for a one month free trial at the website right now, and at launch it works not only on PCs, but also the usual suite of game consoles, Blu-ray players from LG, Samsung Smart TV, iOS and Android phones plus smart TV adaptors from Philips, Western Digital and Roku. As for content, it's sourcing from All3Media, the BBC, CBS, Channel 4's 4oD, Disney UK & Ireland, ITV, Lionsgate UK, MGM, Miramax, Momentum Pictures, NBCUniversal, Paramount, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox and Viacom International Media Networks. Like the Latin American service, it also includes Open Graph Facebook tie-ins that are apparently held back in the US due to regulatory concerns. Check the official press release for more details on what's currently available after the break, or just hit Netflix to sign up and give the streaming a shot no matter which side of the pond you're on.

Continue reading Netflix officially announces UK, Ireland launch

Netflix officially announces UK, Ireland launch originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 02:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdpostcrossirelandminipostnetflixstreamingukwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyMon, 09 Jan 2012 02:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix queues S1 of its original production 'Lilyhammer' for streaming February 6th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/netflix-queues-s1-of-its-original-production-lilyhammer-for-st/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/netflix-queues-s1-of-its-original-production-lilyhammer-for-st/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/netflix-queues-s1-of-its-original-production-lilyhammer-for-st/#comments While Netflix has already announced original productions like House of Cards and a new season of Arrested Development it has commissioned for its streaming video service, the first to debut will be Lilyhammer next month. Starring Steve Van Zandt of the E Street Band and The Sopranos, it follows a mobster in witness protection who moves to Lillehammer, Norway, chasing dreams of clean air and gorgeous women. Naturally, it doesn't quite work out like that, but in an interesting twist Netflix will let you find out how it does work out all in one shot. Unlike most linear channels, and even Hulu's original programming efforts like The Confession, Netflix will post the entire season all at once (and in all of its territories -- US, Canada and Latin America) just like it does with older material. Of course, Netflix has a lot of ground to make up after its missteps last year, so perhaps extending its usual policy customers watch video when, where and how they want to content release timing is just the kind of bonus needed. Until it's available however, we'll have to live with the press release and trailer, both of which are included after the break.

Continue reading Netflix queues S1 of its original production 'Lilyhammer' for streaming February 6th

Netflix queues S1 of its original production 'Lilyhammer' for streaming February 6th originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 02:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdpostminilillyhammernetflixoriginal programmingOriginalProgrammingsteve van zandtSteveVanZandtstreamingted sarandosTedSarandosvideowatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 04 Jan 2012 02:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Adobe Flash Player, Netflix streaming apps updated for Ice Cream Sandwich]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/adobe-flash-player-netflix-streaming-apps-updated-for-ice-cream/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/adobe-flash-player-netflix-streaming-apps-updated-for-ice-cream/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/15/adobe-flash-player-netflix-streaming-apps-updated-for-ice-cream/#comments Now that Ice Cream Sandwich is rolling out officially in the US on Verizon, it appears at least a few developers have seen the need to roll out Android 4.0-friendly versions of their software. Just as promised a (final?) version of Flash Player of Android has hit the market specifically to make sure ICS devices can get the "full" web. Meanwhile, in a less melancholy update, Netflix also updated its Watch Instantly app to work on Android 4.0, something we're sure on-the-go movie watchers will appreciate. If you've been lucky enough to get your hands on a Galaxy Nexus LTE, let us know if you're seeing any other apps that either have received or need to get an update to keep things working smoothly.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Adobe Flash Player, Netflix streaming apps updated for Ice Cream Sandwich originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeadobe flashadobe flash playerAdobeFlashAdobeFlashPlayerandroidandroid 4.0android marketAndroid4.0AndroidMarketappflashflash playerFlashPlayerhdpostcrossIce Cream SandwichIceCreamSandwichicsmobilepostcrossnetflixstreamingupdatewatch instantlyWatchInstantlyThu, 15 Dec 2011 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix, Fox ready to resurrect Arrested Development as a streaming exclusive in 2013]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/netflix-fox-ready-to-resurrect-arrested-development-as-a-stream/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/netflix-fox-ready-to-resurrect-arrested-development-as-a-stream/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/netflix-fox-ready-to-resurrect-arrested-development-as-a-stream/#comments The Bluth family has been off of TV since Arrested Development was cancelled by Fox back in 2006, but after many rumors and reports of a bidding war the show is ready to return as a Netflix-exclusive series. New episodes should be available in the first half of 2013 and represent another serious push into original content for Netflix after it signed up House of Cards, which will debut next year. The details are in the press release after the break, including interesting quotes from Fox execs celebrating this "new business model" allowing them to bring back this show, following Family Guy and Futurama making similar trips back from the dead. After a summer of price hikes, cancellations, and Qwikster PR gaffes, this should bring in goodwill at least from fans of this show, and likely intensify campaigns to save other gone-too-soon TV shows. So what's next to get the Flatliners treatment? Firefly? Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles? Dollhouse? Terriers? Community (six seasons and a movie!)?

Continue reading Netflix, Fox ready to resurrect Arrested Development as a streaming exclusive in 2013

Netflix, Fox ready to resurrect Arrested Development as a streaming exclusive in 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>201320th century fox20thCenturyFoxarrested developmentArrestedDevelopmentbluth familyBluthFamilybreaking newsfoxhdpostmininetflixstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyFri, 18 Nov 2011 19:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix signs up Lionsgate UK films for its British debut]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/netflix-signs-up-lionsgate-uk-films-for-its-british-debut/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/netflix-signs-up-lionsgate-uk-films-for-its-british-debut/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/netflix-signs-up-lionsgate-uk-films-for-its-british-debut/#comments Now that Netflix has made its plans to launch in the British Isles official, it's gotten busy signing content deals and the latest affiliation is with Lionsgate's UK arm. The deal makes Netflix the "exclusive subscription streaming service" in the UK and Ireland for the studios first-run movies, with upcoming titles like The Expendables 2, and the Dirty Dancing remake already on deck. The agreement also extends to catalog hits like Reservoir Dogs, 3:10 to Yuma and The Blair Witch Project, which should be available when the service launches early next year. Check the press release after the break for all the details, although there's still plenty of time to decide whether or not its worth your pounds, pence, or bank notes.

Continue reading Netflix signs up Lionsgate UK films for its British debut

Netflix signs up Lionsgate UK films for its British debut originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3:10 to Yuma3:10ToYumadirty dancingdirty dancing remakeDirtyDancingDirtyDancingRemakeexclusivefirst-runhdpostminiinternet videoInternetVideolionsgatelionsgate ukLionsgateUkmoviesnetflixreservoir dogsReservoirDogsstreamingsubscriptionthe blair witch projectTheBlairWitchProjectukwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyMon, 14 Nov 2011 03:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix US subscriber count drops by 800k in Q3, 21.45 million still streaming]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/netflix-us-subscriber-count-drops-by-800k-in-q3-21-45-million-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/netflix-us-subscriber-count-drops-by-800k-in-q3-21-45-million-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/netflix-us-subscriber-count-drops-by-800k-in-q3-21-45-million-s/#comments After a tumultuous third quarter the numbers are finally in for Netflix, and as expected its price hike and Qwikster madness have cost it a few customers in the US. Currently the company is reporting a total of 23.79 million customers in the US, down from 24.59 million last quarter -- fewer than even it projected a few weeks ago. According to the report, it lost more "long term" customers than expected, which it attributes, again, to its poor explanation of the reasoning behind the change. To address those decisions and its inability to reach a new deal with Starz it has a few more numbers to show, as apparently only 7 percent of new customers are opting for the $15.98 hybrid package, while Starz Play content currently accounts for about six percent of streaming hours. Other competitors are also mentioned -- Amazon Prime Instant Video's content library is referred to as "duplicative" and just a "small fraction" of what Netflix offers, as it counts on newly-signed exclusive deals to widen the gap.

Those deals mean new movies like Drive, Paranormal Activity 3, The Rum Diaries and The Immortals will show up on Netflix in the usual pay-TV window, on top of a library of catalog TV shows that pulls from all five broadcast networks and 95 percent of cable TV stations. Internationally, Netflix is up to one million customers in Canada where it plans to double quarterly content spending, while Latin American customers can look forward to iOS and Xbox support soon. While its UK launch is on for Q1, it expressed concern for competition from Sky Movies, BBC and Lovefilm, and it plans to hold off on further expansion after that. We'll dig through the report more and tune in to their earnings call in a bit, hit the source link to check out the PDF for yourself.

Netflix US subscriber count drops by 800k in Q3, 21.45 million still streaming originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsearningsfinancialshdpostcrossnetflixq3rentalsubscriberssubscriptionwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyMon, 24 Oct 2011 16:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix backtracks on Qwikster, will keep DVDs and streaming under the same URL]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/netflix-backtracks-on-qwikster-will-keep-dvds-and-streaming-und/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/netflix-backtracks-on-qwikster-will-keep-dvds-and-streaming-und/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/netflix-backtracks-on-qwikster-will-keep-dvds-and-streaming-und/#comments The Netflix Contrition Tour 2011 continues today, as the company announced today that it won't be spinning off DVD-by-mail rentals into a new company called Qwikster. While the plan for DVD operations to be separated internally appears to still be under way (no word yet on the promised videogame rental option), for customers things will stay the same, with one login and one website. While the retreat will probably prompt even more speculation about the company's true plans, CEO Reed Hastings has issued yet another apology to customers, admitting Netflix may have moved too fast this time.

Another sticky issue that's not so easily dealt with is the recent pricing change that took effect last month. While many speculated at the time about what percentage of customers would see higher prices as a result, spokesperson Steve Swasey reveals it affected about half of the company's subscribers. For the rest who had signed up for the $7.99-streaming only package (an option selected by the overwhelming majority in the quarter before the change) prices didn't go up at all. We have our own ideas about what the pricing should be, but it seems Netflix has finally realized not all customers got the message that it's a streaming company now, and tacking DVDs onto its new primary offering for only $2 extra just didn't work. Since all that uproar Netflix has announced a few new / expanded content deals for its streaming service, with Discovery and exclusive rights to previous seasons of The Walking Dead from AMC. But with renewed competition from the likes of Blockbuster and Amazon only time will tell if it can do enough to stop the subscriber bleeding. The Netflix Q3 earnings report is due October 24th -- think that will be an interesting call to listen in on?

Continue reading Netflix backtracks on Qwikster, will keep DVDs and streaming under the same URL

Netflix backtracks on Qwikster, will keep DVDs and streaming under the same URL originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amcdiscdvddvd rentalDvdRentalhdpostcrossnetflixqwiksterspinoffstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyMon, 10 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix abruptly yanks unavailable streaming movies from 'saved' view]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/netflix-abruptly-yanks-unavailable-streaming-movies-from-saved/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/netflix-abruptly-yanks-unavailable-streaming-movies-from-saved/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/18/netflix-abruptly-yanks-unavailable-streaming-movies-from-saved/#comments Netflix's website has suddenly changed (again), removing any queued Watch Instantly titles that aren't currently available from view. Previously they entered the saved section of the queue, keeping a slot full and occasionally indicating when the movie would be licensed for viewing again. A blog post published after the fact suggests inactive titles on the list made things complicated (but not too complicated for the DVD queue, where the saved list remains), and that while they're invisible, they're not deleted and will still reappear when (if) a title is available to stream again. Users hugging the 500-item limit in their queue still have those ghost titles taking up a slot, although we're told that will be fixed in the next few days.

If you want to see the list again just to go over it or queue them on disc, Hacking Netflix indicates FeedFliks (one of our favorite alternative queue management sites along with InstantWatcher) is still able to show your expired titles -- for now. Just a bit of advice for Netflix: If you're trying to show some appreciation to the millions of customers you expect to stick around through Q3 despite higher prices and an uncertain content licensing future, making arbitrary and unannounced changes to the way we access our data is the wrong way to do it. As it is, we're forced to wonder if this move is less about streamlining and more about hiding the amount of titles that are going offline lately or in the near future.

Netflix abruptly yanks unavailable streaming movies from 'saved' view originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Sep 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>feedflikshdpostminiinactiveinstantwatchernetflixnetflix.comsaved queueSavedQueuestreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlySun, 18 Sep 2011 19:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix admits it will end up with fewer subscribers than predicted, shrinks DVD-only count]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/netflix-admits-it-will-lose-more-customers-than-predicted-mostl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/netflix-admits-it-will-lose-more-customers-than-predicted-mostl/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/netflix-admits-it-will-lose-more-customers-than-predicted-mostl/#comments Back in July, after announcing it would decouple unlimited movie streaming from unlimited DVD rentals and charge more to keep both, Netflix predicted it would end up with 25 million subscribers at the end of Q3. This morning it advised investors that prediction has been slashed by 1 million, however most of that shortfall is predicted to come from fewer DVD-only customers than expected, which is expected to come up 800,000 short. While we'll still have to wait for the actual Q3 results to see how things pan out, the company still claims its projection of 12 million subscribers to both services is right on. While it backtracked on the total numbers, it also outlined its reasoning for raising prices by improving the DVD business, raising more cash to spend on streaming licensing and ultimately "remain price aggressive" and keep its individual offerings at $7.99 each. Much of the kicking and screaming online indicted Netflix's streaming library for failing to live up to the new price, anyone surprised many cutters seem to be coming from the DVD-only side?

Netflix admits it will end up with fewer subscribers than predicted, shrinks DVD-only count originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvddvd onlyDvdOnlyguidancehdpostcrosshdpostminiinvestorsnetflixpriceprice hikePriceHikeq3streamingsubscriberswatch instantlyWatchInstantlyThu, 15 Sep 2011 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Did Netflix just start limiting users to one movie stream at a time? No]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/07/did-netflix-just-start-limiting-users-to-one-movie-stream-at-a-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/07/did-netflix-just-start-limiting-users-to-one-movie-stream-at-a-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/07/did-netflix-just-start-limiting-users-to-one-movie-stream-at-a-t/#comments Over the last couple of days, some Netflix users have reported getting error messages whenever they tried to view Watch Instantly video streams on two different devices at the same time. While some reports have suggested that along with instituting a price hike September 1st it also decided to start cracking down on multiple streams, it turns out there's a simpler explanation. According to spokesman Steve Swasey, the policy is still the same and no Netflix member is limited to less than two streams at once. The messages people are seeing indicating otherwise? An "error" the company is correcting. Glitches suck, and are becoming a bit too routine on the service for our liking -- Hacking Netflix reports another blip caused S1 of Star Trek: TNG to disappear temporarily over the weekend -- but the rumors of a change in policy just aren't true, so keep that subscription canceling finger holstered for now.

Did Netflix just start limiting users to one movie stream at a time? No originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drmhdpostcrossinternet videoInternetVideomultiple streamsMultipleStreamsnetflixonline videoOnlineVideopolicyrumorsteve swaseySteveSwaseystreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 07 Sep 2011 11:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix lands in Brazil, 43 other Latin American countries within the week]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/05/netflix-lands-in-brazil-43-other-latin-american-countries-withi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/05/netflix-lands-in-brazil-43-other-latin-american-countries-withi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/05/netflix-lands-in-brazil-43-other-latin-american-countries-withi/#comments Netflix in Latin America Netflix promised our friends in Central and South America would soon be able to enjoy the pleasures of Watch Instantly. Starting today with Brazil, and with 43 other Latin American countries to follow before September 12th, the pioneering streaming video service is making good on that promise. Customers in the land of Carnival can enjoy a free one-month trial, after which a subscription will run BR$14.99 a month. The roll out will be staggered over the coming days, with most areas getting a price point equivalent to $7.99 in American currency and some having both English and Spanish language options. For more details check out the PR after the break and the chart above.

[Thanks, Nicolas]

Continue reading Netflix lands in Brazil, 43 other Latin American countries within the week

Netflix lands in Brazil, 43 other Latin American countries within the week originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilcaribbeancentral americaCentralAmericahdpostcrosslatin americaLatinAmericanetflixnetflix watch instantlyNetflixWatchInstantlysouth americaSouthAmericastreaming mediastreaming videoStreamingMediaStreamingVideowatch instantlyWatchInstantlyMon, 05 Sep 2011 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Starz ends renewal negotiations with Netflix, will pull movies from streaming in February]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/starz-ends-renewal-negotiations-with-netflix-will-pull-movies-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/starz-ends-renewal-negotiations-with-netflix-will-pull-movies-f/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/starz-ends-renewal-negotiations-with-netflix-will-pull-movies-f/#comments Starz has apparently decided it can live without the hundreds of millions of dollars a renewal of its content licensing deal with Netflix was expected to bring and announced an end to negotiations today. According to the Company Town blog, talks broke down over Starz's insistence that Netflix implement tiered pricing, and charge customers even more for access to its content. That means when the current deal expires on February 28, 2012, they will all go away, including a number of its newer release flicks from Sony (already pulled) and Disney that Starz has exclusive licenses to and Starz content like Camelot and Spartacus. To make matters worse, all of this is going down the same day as a price hike makes it more expensive to keep both disc and streaming services.

While Starz claims the move is a part of its strategy to "protect the premium nature of our brand by preserving the appropriate pricing and packaging of our exclusive and highly valuable content" as well as "evaluate new opportunities", Netflix spokesman Steve Swasey is quoted as saying it can redirect the Starz money to deals with other content providers to "maintain or even improve the Netflix experience." Beyond Starz, in the US Netflix also has access to newer movies from its deals with Epix and a few smaller distributors like Relativity Media. Check Starz's statement in full after the break, and let us know if this is changing your answer to yesterday's poll question.

Continue reading Starz ends renewal negotiations with Netflix, will pull movies from streaming in February

Starz ends renewal negotiations with Netflix, will pull movies from streaming in February originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 21:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyhdpostcrosslicenselicensingnegotiationsnetflixnew releaseNewReleaserenewalsonystarzstarz playStarzPlaystreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyThu, 01 Sep 2011 21:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix price hike kicks in tomorrow, but you may not have to change right away]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/netflix-price-hike-kicks-in-tomorrow-but-you-may-not-have-to-ch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/netflix-price-hike-kicks-in-tomorrow-but-you-may-not-have-to-ch/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/netflix-price-hike-kicks-in-tomorrow-but-you-may-not-have-to-ch/#comments The time is running out on August, and with it goes the existence of Netflix's streaming and disc services as a single package for $7.99. Keeping both (on the 1-disc plan) will require a $15.98 payout every month starting tomorrow, but if you're one of the many crying loud and often that they'll downgrade or cancel rather than pay more then hang on -- you may be able to squeeze a few extra days out of your current package. Hacking Netflix points out that the price won't actually switch until your "Next Billing Date" after September 1st, but you should change two days ahead to avoid being billed. For us that's not until the 17th, so we have a couple more weeks to continue not watching the rented discs that have been languishing on our coffee tables without paying extra for the privilege. Your date may vary, so check out your account page to find out the specifics. Of course, we are wondering that after the shock has worn off, is everyone still escaping to friendlier locales, scaling back their Netflix subs or just eating the extra charge? Let us know in the poll below.

View Poll

Netflix price hike kicks in tomorrow, but you may not have to change right away originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 21:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dischdpostcrossminipostnetflixpriceprice hikePriceHikerentalstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 31 Aug 2011 21:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix dons its square pants with 'Just for Kids' section trial]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/netflix-dons-its-square-pants-with-just-for-kids-section-trial/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/netflix-dons-its-square-pants-with-just-for-kids-section-trial/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/12/netflix-dons-its-square-pants-with-just-for-kids-section-trial/#comments Worried that Netflix isn't doing enough to appeal to the under-10 set? Good news, the movie rental giant has begun testing a "Just for Kids" section, rolling out the feature to a limited number of subscribers. Eligible users will find a tab just to the right of the Watch Instantly button. At the top of the new page is a series of familiar children's characters, including the likes of Spongebob, Popeye, and, yep, the Jonas Brothers. Each character has its own landing page with easily accessible content. We reached out to Netflix for more information on the matter, and the company would only confirm that the feature is still in testing mode. Given the amount of nostalgia currently available, we suspect that kids of all ages will be pitching in with the trial.

Netflix dons its square pants with 'Just for Kids' section trial originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>childrendemohdpostcrossjust for kidsJustForKidskidsnetflixstreamingtesttrialwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyFri, 12 Aug 2011 19:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix Watch Instantly streaming now works on ChromeOS, when it's working]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/netflix-watch-instantly-streaming-now-works-on-chromeos-when-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/netflix-watch-instantly-streaming-now-works-on-chromeos-when-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/netflix-watch-instantly-streaming-now-works-on-chromeos-when-it/#comments It didn't make launch as was originally promised, but today the Netflix Twitter account officially announced streaming access is operational on Chromebooks (when it's not suffering an outage, like it was last night during Amazon's cloud server troubles). The Netflix ChromeOS plugin jumping to 1.0.2 a few days ago was a good indication it was on the way, but now you can take your CR-48s, Series 5s and the like straight to the Chrome Web Store and get outfitted for some Watch Instantly streaming. Unfortunately, despite rumors that it's on the way in the next year or so, there's no change for other environments outside of Silverlight-compatible OS X and Windows, but Linux users can always dream, right?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Netflix Watch Instantly streaming now works on ChromeOS, when it's working originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chromechrome oschromebookChromeOsgooglenetflixpluginsilverlightstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyTue, 09 Aug 2011 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix plugin for ChromeOS hits v1.0.2, is an official release around the corner?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/31/netflix-plugin-for-chromeos-hits-v1-0-2-is-an-official-release/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/31/netflix-plugin-for-chromeos-hits-v1-0-2-is-an-official-release/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/31/netflix-plugin-for-chromeos-hits-v1-0-2-is-an-official-release/#comments When Google Chromebooks started arriving without the Netflix streaming we'd been promised we were predictably bummed, but that may be rectified soon. While Chromebook owners attuned to beta channel updates first noticed an entry for a Netflix plugin last month, it still couldn't actually play movies and didn't appear on older, single-core Atom powered Cr-48 laptops. Fast forward to the present, where one of our friendly comment moderators, masterofrandom has spotted this updated v1.0.2 plugin lurking in the depths of his murdered out 12-incher. There's still no playback to be had, but we're figuring Netflix didn't update the version number past 1.0 because it's finally figured out the perfect queue management system. Chromebook owners or prospective owners (and by extension, Linux users) still awaiting Watch Instantly streaming -- your alert level is at Vermilion.

[Thanks, masterofrandom]

Netflix plugin for ChromeOS hits v1.0.2, is an official release around the corner? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 31 Jul 2011 00:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta channelBetaChannelchromechrome oschromebookChromeOsgooglenetflixpluginstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlySun, 31 Jul 2011 00:48:00 EST<![CDATA[25 percent of Netflix users stream on the Wii, think composite cables are just fine]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/25-percent-of-netflix-users-stream-on-the-wii-think-composite-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/25-percent-of-netflix-users-stream-on-the-wii-think-composite-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/28/25-percent-of-netflix-users-stream-on-the-wii-think-composite-c/#comments We all know that streaming Hoarders and other guilty pleasures via the interwebs has taken off over the past few years. No news there. However, what may be surprising is that, despite the ability to stream in HD to a number of other devices (including your computer), a quarter of all Netflix subscribers view Swamp People by way of the Wii. That's right, 1080p doesn't matter for these folks, who prefer to live the simple life... and by that we mean life in standard def. Most viewers prefer to watch instantly via PC for both Netflix and Hulu, with a whopping 89 percent of Plus customers taking this route to catch up on The Daily Show. With those looking to ditch the red envelope and, you know, with Mad Men now available, Wii viewers are sure to increase as a new console is just around the corner. Because nothing says 1960s drama like 480p, right?

25 percent of Netflix users stream on the Wii, think composite cables are just fine originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 06:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hulumicrosoftmicrosoft xboxMicrosoft Xbox 360MicrosoftXboxMicrosoftXbox360mircosoft xboxmoviesNeilsen ratingsNeilsenRatingsnetflixNielsennintendo wiiNintendoWiiPlaystation 3Playstation3pollPS3sonysony ps3SonyPs3streamingsurveytvwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWiixboxxbox 360xbox liveXbox360XboxLiveThu, 28 Jul 2011 06:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix adds Mad Men in the US today, CBS content in Canada and Latin America later]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/netflix-adds-mad-men-in-the-us-today-cbs-content-in-canada-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/netflix-adds-mad-men-in-the-us-today-cbs-content-in-canada-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/27/netflix-adds-mad-men-in-the-us-today-cbs-content-in-canada-and/#comments We're not sure how Don Draper would have sold a 60 percent price increase on your most popular service package but maybe Netflix executives can make a guess after they start watching the first four seasons of Mad Men today on Watch Instantly. Netflix's Lionsgate deal will keep reruns flowing for years to come, while a new agreement with CBS International is bringing its programming -- including Showtime shows like Dexter that were recently yanked from the US Netflix service -- to viewers in Canada (who already had Mad Men) and Latin America (where it locked up a cache of telenovelas yesterday). This CBS agreement is separate from their (also non-exclusive) US deal that brought Star Trek back, but international viewers will still get to both TOS and TNG, as well as shows like Twin Peaks and 90210. Check the press release after the break for more details on the international deal, the source link for a time warp back to 1960s NYC or hit the comments below to explain how canceling your $7.99 per month service is a stand against greedy corporations.

Continue reading Netflix adds Mad Men in the US today, CBS content in Canada and Latin America later

Netflix adds Mad Men in the US today, CBS content in Canada and Latin America later originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californicationcanadacbscbs internationalCbsInternationaldexterdon draperDonDraperlatin americaLatinAmericalionsgatemad menMadMennetflixshowtimestar trekStarTrekstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 27 Jul 2011 14:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix rises to 25 million subscribers in Q2, thinks DVD business has already peaked]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/netflix-rises-to-25-million-subscribers-in-q2-thinks-dvd-busine/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/netflix-rises-to-25-million-subscribers-in-q2-thinks-dvd-busine/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/25/netflix-rises-to-25-million-subscribers-in-q2-thinks-dvd-busine/#comments If you were still wondering why Netflix chose right now to split apart its unlimited DVD and streaming movie plans you need look no further than the just released Q2 financial report. According to the numbers, 75 percent of new subscribers were picking streaming only plans, while the total number of people on the hybrid DVD / streaming plan had actually decreased slightly, even as it breached 25 million subscribers worldwide. Of course, it did notice the intense backlash to the new rates, but predicts that after the hit of cancellations by the end of the third quarter it will still have 22 million people subscribed to streaming, 15 million total subscribed to DVDs, and about 12 million customers with both. Waiting on that Facebook integration? Don't hold your breath, while the new features are due to launch soon in Canada and Latin America, it claims ambiguous wording in the Video Privacy Protection Act is holding things back domestically.

Other details include confirmation it will not look into purchasing Hulu, and that it's still negotiating a renewal of its deal with Starz. While the DVD business may have peaked, it's not quite dead yet and Netflix indicated it will start marketing that feature again in the fourth quarter. Click the source link to paw through the PDF yourself, we'll be keeping an ear tuned to the investor call later to find out exactly what the company's executives are thinking.

Netflix rises to 25 million subscribers in Q2, thinks DVD business has already peaked originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvd onlyDvdOnlyearningsfacebooknetflixq2streamingstreaming onlyStreamingOnlysubscriberswatch instantlyWatchInstantlyMon, 25 Jul 2011 16:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix negotiating for Dreamworks Animation movies?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/24/netflix-negotiating-for-dreamworks-animation-movies/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/24/netflix-negotiating-for-dreamworks-animation-movies/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/24/netflix-negotiating-for-dreamworks-animation-movies/#commentsNetflix will reveal its financial results for the second quarter tomorrow (better known as the one before they raised prices) and already we've got a juicy rumor about the company signing up Dreamworks Animation flicks for streaming. Bloomberg reports that Netflix would replace HBO's agreement for these movies, while The Hollywood Reporter's sources indicate HBO actually offered to end its deal early after signing up movies from Summit Entertainment and because it anticipates more animated flicks from other studios. If the rumors are on target, with Dreamworks also reporting earnings this week we're likely to hear confirmation soon. Besides that, Hacking Netflix also has the low down on a couple of other Netflix tidbits, including that it's recently spun off DVD operations are moving to their own offices, and a rumor that Weeds creator Jenji Kohan is working on an original show for the service. The over/under on Engadget Netflix posts this week is set at 3.5.

Netflix negotiating for Dreamworks Animation movies? originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 24 Jul 2011 21:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamworksDreamworks AnimationDreamworksAnimationhbohdlicensingmoviesnetflixpay-tv windowPay-tvWindowstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlySun, 24 Jul 2011 21:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix app on Android updated to work on 24 models including Galaxy S, Droid 3 (update: tablets too!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/netflix-app-on-android-updated-to-work-on-24-models-including-ga/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/netflix-app-on-android-updated-to-work-on-24-models-including-ga/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/netflix-app-on-android-updated-to-work-on-24-models-including-ga/#comments The number of Android devices officially compatible with the Netflix streaming app has more than doubled in v2.3, growing from 9 to 24. Last night the description was updated with a new list of devices but the actual updated APK only started pushing this afternoon, bringing Netflix not only to the Lenovo tablet announced last night but also to the Droid 3, HTC Thunderbolt, Motorola Atrix, several Galaxy S phones including the Epic 4G and Fascinate and more. Fragmentation is clearly still an issue for DRM'd apps like this and Hulu Plus, but at least now there's a growing number of recent superphones supported instead of sitting on the sidelines. We've got the updated list of devices after the break, hit the source link to download the app from the Android Market.

Update: As multiple commenters have noted, sideloading the Netflix APK will still work for devices that haven't yet made the list. We were able to confirm the app works fine on the Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Motorola Xoom, however we're hearing it's not up and running on the Tegra 2-based Transformer just yet. Itching for some Watch Instantly on your Honeycomb tablet? Check XDA-Developers for a download link.

Update 2: Alex wrote in to let us know that things are now operational on the Transformer, too. Check out xda-developers for the details.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Netflix app on Android updated to work on 24 models including Galaxy S, Droid 3 (update: tablets too!)

Netflix app on Android updated to work on 24 models including Galaxy S, Droid 3 (update: tablets too!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.3androidatrixattepic 4gEpic4gfascinatefroyogalaxy sgalaxy s 4gGalaxySGalaxyS4ggooglehtc thunderboltHtcThunderboltlenovomotorola atrixMotorolaAtrixnetflixsamsungsprinttabletthunderboltwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 20 Jul 2011 18:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix to stream natively from HDMI-equipped tablets (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/netflix-to-stream-from-hdmi-equipped-tablets-enable-lo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/netflix-to-stream-from-hdmi-equipped-tablets-enable-lo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/20/netflix-to-stream-from-hdmi-equipped-tablets-enable-lo/#comments You read that correctly -- Netflix streaming is about to get really real on impending Honeycomb tablets. One of the nuggets that makes Lenovo's newly unveiled IdeaPad K1 so special is the internal DRM module that allows it to play nice with a fresh build of the Netflix app. As we saw back at MWC with the LG Revolution, future Android 3.x tablets (with an unspecified hardware inclusion) will not only support native Watch Instantly streaming over mini-HDMI / HDMI, but it'll also enable something totally new: local storage. The fresh build of the app -- which will remain exclusive to Lenovo for "a short while" -- will have a heretofore unseen option that'll let subscribers store flicks locally for offline viewing. We're told by Lenovo that files can be stored on the internal flash as well as on microSD cards, and while we've yet to get a hands-on look at the app, we'll be doing everything we can to change that.

Just to answer the obvious question: no, your existing Honeycomb tablet won't be able to support this goodness through a firmware update. You'll actually need a slate with the requisite hardware within to take advantage, and it's hard to say at this point who will follow Lenovo down the path. We're hoping that the added functionality won't lead to a boost in Netflix's monthly rate, but given the history of the app, we can't say we're too terrified about that possibility. So, how fast will the APK be ripped from the fabric of a K1 and thrown out onto the web? Somewhere between "quickly" and "you've got to be kidding me," we're surmising.

Update: So, it seems something has changed since our D9 meeting. There's no offline viewing support, but the streaming is still here. Too bad, but we're hoping it'll be added (back?) in a future update.

Netflix to stream natively from HDMI-equipped tablets (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android 3.1android tabletAndroid3.1AndroidTabletdrmgoogle androidGoogleAndroidhdmihoneycombideapadideapad k1IdeapadK1lenovolocal storageLocalStoragenetflixsoftwarestreamtabletwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 20 Jul 2011 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New Netflix, NBCUniversal deal announced; extra $6 a month buys some old eps of The Event]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/new-netflix-nbcuniversal-deal-announced-extra-6-a-month-buys/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/new-netflix-nbcuniversal-deal-announced-extra-6-a-month-buys/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/new-netflix-nbcuniversal-deal-announced-extra-6-a-month-buys/#comments In case you were wondering what the updated rates are buying, Netflix's first step in making its case for your $7.99 a month in streaming fees appears to be a renewal of its content deal with NBCUniversal. The new deal secures availability of previous seasons of popular shows including 30 Rock, The Office, Psych and other selections we've gotten used to seeing on the service for the next couple of years. There is one notable loss however, as the LA Times points out an arrangement that brought new episodes of Saturday Night Live to the service the day after they aired has come to an end. Rumors had swirled that Netflix could revive The Event after its cancellation by NBC, but while existing episodes will be available there's nothing mentioned about putting it next to the streamer's own House of Cards. Given Comcast (and now NBCU) leader Brian Robert's reference to Netflix as the rerun TV and Netflix CEO Reed Hastings' embracing of the term this deal isn't surprising, but our only question is whether it is enough to keep current subscribers around.

Continue reading New Netflix, NBCUniversal deal announced; extra $6 a month buys some old eps of The Event

New Netflix, NBCUniversal deal announced; extra $6 a month buys some old eps of The Event originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comcastcontentnbcnbc universalnbcuNbcUniversalnetflixwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 13 Jul 2011 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix officially separates DVD, streaming pricing; $15.98 and up for both]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/netflix-dvd-only-unlimited-plan-appears-price-for-streaming-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/netflix-dvd-only-unlimited-plan-appears-price-for-streaming-and/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/netflix-dvd-only-unlimited-plan-appears-price-for-streaming-and/#comments Netflix hadn't hinted at any upcoming plans to change the services it offers, but NewTeeVee spotted an unadvertised DVD-only plan on its site a few days ago, and an anonymous tipster from within the company indicates that's just the start. The DVD.Netflix.com page offers unlimited DVDs by mail, per month (one at a time) for $7.99, which slots it between the standard DVD & streaming combo plans and a $4.99 offering that gives just two DVDs per month. According to the tipster we spoke to, Netflix is planning to change its pricing entirely, by also implementing a streaming only plan with no discs for $7.99, and jacking up the minimum pricetag for combined services to $15.98 from the current $9.99 it has charged since November. They indicated the change would take place tomorrow night around 9 p.m., with customers notified by email and no plans to grandfather any of the old pricing setups along. With aggressive expansion plans pressing forward and its costs to acquire content rising sharply, hiking the price by 50 percent on many of its 20 million+ subscribers could be the easiest way to make the numbers add up, it could be just those subscribers who are left to determine exactly what Watch Instantly streaming (or DVD access) is worth to them.

Update: Just that fast, Netflix has officially announced these changes to its pricing plans. Just like our information indicated, DVD only or streaming only unlimited plans are available for $7.99 each per month, or $15.98 together. Existing members can float on their current plans until September 1st but new members will see these rates effective immediately. According to a post on the official blog, the change replaces the DVD plan's existence as a $2 surcharge over streaming and from now on it will no longer unlimited discs and streaming as a single package. Two discs at a time will cost $11.99 by themselves now, but there's no mention of higher plans just yet. Fans of the plastic platter should be at least a bit encouraged however, as there's a new team devoted solely to that service -- here's hoping they can get the stagnant Blu-ray catalog refreshed.

[Thanks, Anonymous]

Continue reading Netflix officially separates DVD, streaming pricing; $15.98 and up for both

Netflix officially separates DVD, streaming pricing; $15.98 and up for both originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvd onlyDvdOnlyexclusivenetflixpriceprice hikePriceHikeratesstreamingstreaming onlyStreamingOnlywatch instantlyWatchInstantlyTue, 12 Jul 2011 13:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek TV series, X-Men cartoon are among Netflix Watch Instantly additions today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/star-trek-tv-series-x-men-cartoon-are-among-netflix-watch-insta/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/star-trek-tv-series-x-men-cartoon-are-among-netflix-watch-insta/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/01/star-trek-tv-series-x-men-cartoon-are-among-netflix-watch-insta/#comments As promised, Netflix added several of the Star Trek TV series to Watch Instantly this morning. While Deep Space 9 is due to arrive in October, TOS (only seasons 2 and 3 at the time of this posting), The Next Generation, Voyager and Enterprise are all present and accounted for. If you're looking for HD streaming, only the remastered original series and Enterprise will fit the bill, but judging by the sorry state of our TNG Betamax dubs we'll take what we can get. Also new today is Marvel's X-Men cartoon (in SD), although it appears many of the amazing season finale episodes (especially those dealing with the Phoenix saga) are still trapped on discs.

Star Trek TV series, X-Men cartoon are among Netflix Watch Instantly additions today originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdmarvelnetflixstar trekstar trek: enterpriseStar Trek: Original SeriesStar Trek: The Next GenerationStar Trek: VoyagerStarTrekStarTrek:EnterpriseStarTrek:OriginalSeriesStarTrek:TheNextGenerationStarTrek:Voyagerstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyx-menFri, 01 Jul 2011 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix Watch Instantly works in a new region: Puerto Rico]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/netflix-watch-instantly-works-in-a-new-region-puerto-rico/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/netflix-watch-instantly-works-in-a-new-region-puerto-rico/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/netflix-watch-instantly-works-in-a-new-region-puerto-rico/#comments Ever since Netflix launched its Watch Instantly movie streaming service residents of and visitors to Puerto Rico have been left out of the fun, but today that changed. This evening Puerto Rican disc-only subscribers began receiving this email indicating their accounts are now streaming enabled, ending their infuriating wait watching the service expand internationally to Canada and heard rumors it would reach the UK or other countries soon. Netflix confirmed the expansion to us in an email while a post by the Puerto Rico Statehood Students Association -- which began agitating for the policy change about a month ago -- indicates they were successfully able to stream movies by PC and phone, although Twitter reports NBC content isn't working. Does this mean Fat Joe will drop a Roku reference on his next album, or that JJ Barea's NBA Championship celebration is finally getting under way in style? We can only hope so.

Update: Per Netflix PR, this should also apply to other US Territories as well -- here's looking at you, Guam.

[Image Credit: Rafy Mediavilla, thanks Ibrahim!]

Netflix Watch Instantly works in a new region: Puerto Rico originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionhdnetflixpolicypuerto ricoPuertoRicostreamingus territoriesUsTerritorieswatch instantlyWatchInstantlyThu, 30 Jun 2011 21:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix takes on the networks again, snags streaming rights for Open Road Films, Well Go]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/netflix-takes-on-the-networks-again-snags-streaming-rights-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/netflix-takes-on-the-networks-again-snags-streaming-rights-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/netflix-takes-on-the-networks-again-snags-streaming-rights-for/#comments Netflix is adding a few more options to its Watch Instantly catalog with new deals recently announced. An agreement with Well Go USA includes new and catalog Asian action flicks like Ip Man 1 & 2, and The Man from Nowhere, while a separate deal with nascent studio Open Road Films locks up its movies for streaming in the "pay TV window." After movies like Killer Elite and The Host finish their theatrical and DVD run, the only place to find them will be on Netflix streaming instead of on TV, similar to its deal with Relativity Media. If you hadn't seen Ip Man yet and like kung fu flicks at all, we'd suggest adding that to your queue immediately, while the impact of the deal with the movie theater (AMC & Regal) owned Open Road will be easier to impact once it actually has a few film releases under its belt.

Netflix takes on the networks again, snags streaming rights for Open Road Films, Well Go originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdlicensingmoviesnetflixopen roadopen road filmsOpenRoadOpenRoadFilmspay tv windowPayTvWindowstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlywell goWellGoWed, 29 Jun 2011 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix's day: Sony movies pulled, new bandwidth options, no more DVD API access and a lawsuit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/17/netflixs-day-sony-pulls-movies-new-bandwidth-options-no-more/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/17/netflixs-day-sony-pulls-movies-new-bandwidth-options-no-more/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/17/netflixs-day-sony-pulls-movies-new-bandwidth-options-no-more/#comments In an apparent ode to Rebecca Black, Ice Cube and any number of body switch movies, Netflix has had an incredibly active Friday, so sit back while we get you up to speed. Sony Pictures movies from Starz Play are no longer available (on any device, not just the Xbox 360 this time) due to a "temporary contract issue" according to the official blog. According to NewTeeVee, the problem is an "IP distribution cap" that was reached due to Netflix's explosive growth, but with no word on when the movies will be back, you'll be missing The Other Guys. Up next was the National Association of the Deaf, which has filed a lawsuit in Springfield, MA against Netflix, claiming that its failure to provide closed captions on all streaming content puts it in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Netflix last claimed 30 percent of titles were subbed with plans to reach 80 percent by the end of the year, but the press release (and captioned YouTube video) make the case that as a leader in streaming video, it should do better.

Netflix also quietly gave US subscribers access to the same bandwidth management options provided to Canadians a few months ago. The new Manage Video Quality settings (shown above) can be found in the Your Account section, and if you're trying to stay under bandwidth caps or just keep seeing buffering, they should help you out at the cost of a few pixels. As if that wasn't enough, the Netflix Tech Blog squeezed in news that it was ending access to "DVD-related features" for apps using its Open API later this year. The move is apparently preparation for expanded international streaming, so if you're trying to manage discs through a third party things may change soon.

Netflix's day: Sony movies pulled, new bandwidth options, no more DVD API access and a lawsuit originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adaamericans with disabilities actAmericansWithDisabilitiesActbandwidthbandwidth capsbandwidth managementBandwidthCapsBandwidthManagementclosed captioningclosed captionsClosedCaptioningClosedCaptionsdeafhard of hearingHardOfHearinglawsuitnational association of the deafNationalAssociationOfTheDeafnetflixsonysony picturesSonyPicturesstarzstarz playStarzPlaystreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyFri, 17 Jun 2011 23:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix.com's new look is focused on streaming, cribs UI elements from connected TV apps]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/netflix-coms-new-look-is-focused-on-streaming-cribs-ui-element/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/netflix-coms-new-look-is-focused-on-streaming-cribs-ui-element/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/netflix-coms-new-look-is-focused-on-streaming-cribs-ui-element/#comments Do not be alarmed, your Netflix.com experience has been updated today "with a new look and feel to make it easier for you to find something to watch instantly." While the header introduced late last year remains and sticks on screen as you scroll vertically, box art of queued movies fills the screen horizontally. The redesign takes significant cues from the HTML5 UIs recently rolled out to most streaming devices, but it's not clear if this related to some of the queue shuffling we've been seeing recently. Responses on the Netflix blog have been mostly negative, although just like Facebook and Twitter revamps some complaints about any change are normal.

That said, we're not fans either because it still requires an additional click to find out if a movie is in HD or has subtitles, a misdirected click starts playing the wrong movie too easily and selecting "your queue" still takes us to our discs first instead of Watch Instantly. If the new front page isn't working there's always alternatives in Netflix queue managers like InstantWatcher.com and FeedFliks, or any number of mobile apps. Let us know if you'll be riding with the redesign or hitting the back button in the comments here.

Netflix.com's new look is focused on streaming, cribs UI elements from connected TV apps originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>html5netflixnetflix.comredesignstreaminguiwatch instantlyWatchInstantlywebsiteWed, 08 Jun 2011 23:28:00 EST