Report: Netflix streaming video headed to iPhone and Wii

[Greg Alsobrook]

Citing an unnamed source described as "an industry executive familiar with Netflix’s plans," an industry trade journal is claiming that Netflix will soon offer its Watch Instantly streaming video service on the iPhone, iPod touch and the Nintendo Wii.

More: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/08/03/report_netflix_streaming_video_headed_to_iphone_wi i.html

[Drew2k]

I've heard this rumor before of Netflix streaming coming to the Wii, but I've not yet heard even rumors if Netflix will stream HD to the current Wii platform. I don't care if it's only component connection - I'd still want it! Also, could this new streaming to Wii only be a feature on the Wii HD coming out in 2011? I guess that's a long way away still ...

[Stewart Vernon]

I just read something about this on macrumors... I'm not a Netflix member, but it is an intriguing thought.

[Ken S]

PlayON now has streaming working to the Wii. I think the best resolution you're going to get out of a Wii is 480P.

[krock918316]

The Wii can only do SD.

[LarryFlowers]

Not going to happen.....

[hdtvfan0001]

Not going to happen.....
Kinda what I was thinking....for more than one reason too...

[koji68]

What's not going to happen? The Wii or the Apple part? Or both?

[LarryFlowers]

Not sure about the Wii, but as for the iPhone... forget it! Does AppleTV have Netflix? Do you think Apple is going to give up that kind of control? You know there is no way this is going to work over 3G and AT&T would have a heart attack if it were allowed. That leaves WiFi... maybe in your home, but elsewhere? Nope.

What's not going to happen? The Wii or the Apple part? Or both?

[Greg Alsobrook]

Netflix's instant delivery is an entirely different product than Apple TV... So it could still happen...

I agree with the WiFi only assessment... (thanks AT&T :rolleyes:)

[hdtvfan0001]

I agree with the WiFi only assessment... (thanks AT&T :rolleyes:)
Then one has to question performance and reliability using that delivery channel....

If they "advance stream", which could mitigate most of that issue, then the devices would have to contain significant sotage for the huge video files cached in some form (even if temporary)...

Last, mass adoption and content would bring the current delivery infrastructure to its knees...

I'm with Larry on this...too many hurdles at this time...

[Greg Alsobrook]

According to the article, it would be stream only... no storage needed. Which be especially good in the case of the Wii.

Yeah... It's definitely no secret that AT&T's network is struggling to keep up with all the iPhone's...

[Ken S]

Streaming video over a 3G network is nothing new....been going on for quite some time SprintTV for instance. As for buffering...there is generally plenty of memory on an iPhone for what should be necessary if the AT&T network is solid.

Will it happen? Who knows...that depends on whether Apple believes its iPhone customers should be allowed that application. Is Flash available on an iPhone yet? Silverlight? :)

I will say the game where you throw crumpled balls of paper in a trash can is great though.

[dave29]

This is good news for Wii owners, not sure why you would want to watch a movie on your cell phone though.:)

[bthessel]

It was announced the other day that the Xbox 360 has locked up exclusive rights to Netflix streaming. No Wii, No PS3.

[tcusta00]

This is good news for Wii owners, not sure why you would want to watch a movie on your cell phone though.:)

With airlines adding in-flight wifi I can see it becoming a popular product.

[tcusta00]

It was announced the other day that the Xbox 360 has locked up exclusive rights to Netflix streaming. No Wii, No PS3.

What about my BluRay that streams Netflix? Or the Roku player?

[Stuart Sweet]

I presume in this context, "exclusive" means "exclusive to current-generation gaming consoles."

[LarryFlowers]

XBox 360's exclusive agreement with Netflix applies only to game consoles. i.e., Playstation and the Wii will NOT see Netflix service. It has no effect on the Roku boxes or any of the Blu-Ray players or TV's that receive Netflix streaming.

Larry

I presume in this context, "exclusive" means "exclusive to current-generation gaming consoles."

[bobukcat]

XBox 360's exclusive agreement with Netflix applies only to game consoles. i.e., Playstation and the Wii will NOT see Netflix service. It has no effect on the Roku boxes or any of the Blu-Ray players or TV's that receive Netflix streaming.

Larry

Looks like that exclusive agreement is OVER! Netflix customers with BD access on their accounts and a PS3 can reserve their special streaming BD now. The special BD will use BD-Live to connect to Netflix servers and also alllow users to view and modify their queue, functionality that is not currently available on the 360 but will be added by year's end. PS3 users will not be charged an additional amount for the service unlike 360 users who have to subscribe to "Live! Gold".

http://www.netflix.com/InstantStreamingDisc

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6237966.html?tag=latestheadlines;title;1

[koji68]

Great news! I just requested the disc to be sent.

[dpd146]

Nice find bobukcat. Mine is reserved as well. Glad I held off on roku player.

[Game Fan]

I have a Sony BD S550 with BD live. Any chance Netflix will stream to it? If so, I will subscribe.

[Hutchinshouse]

Sweet! My iPod Touch 3rd G is ready to roll. I'll use this feature!

[bobukcat]

I have a Sony BD S550 with BD live. Any chance Netflix will stream to it? If so, I will subscribe.

That is the $100K question right now, there are a lot of rumors that Sony will build it into an upcoming s/w upgrade and the disk will no longer be needed. Since they are using BD live just about any 2.0 profile player MIGHT be able to have the functionality later but each manufacturer might have to do the work themselves. I think one thing is clear - Netlfix is no longer happy with just the 360 having this functionality and I really believe they want to be ubiqutous on all hardware, if they can achieve it is another story.

[bobukcat]

Sweet! My iPod Touch 3rd G is ready to roll. I'll use this feature!

Nothing has been announced about it being brought to iPhone or iPod touch yet, just the PS3.

[clyde sauls]

great feature for Iphone . I would use it on my commute to work. Could watch some of the tv episodes. Have a bluetooth stereo headphones and has great sound with iphone.

[wakajawaka]

Just pre-ordered my streaming disc for the Wii today. Curious to see how it works. Will it install another channel or will it play through the disc channel kind of like the PS3 does?

[Stuart Sweet]

I think it will only play from the disc.

[markrubi]

I just got an email stating my Wii Netflix streaming disc will be delivered tomorrow 3/26/2010. Insert the disc and movies in your play instant queue will play.

[MadManNBama]

Yes, but what about the iPhone app? That would be a really big release indeed!

[Stuart Sweet]

One thing at a time. I got the same e-mail and I'll report on it after I try it this weekend.

[markrubi]

using my streaming disc now. So far no problems and works great and fairly easy setup. Put the disc into the Wii then goto Netflix and sign onto your account the goto netflix.com/Wii to enter the code you'll get off the tv screen upon entering your Wii/Netflix disc for the first time.

[davring]

Yes, but what about the iPhone app? That would be a really big release indeed!

Play-On works well.

[sacalait]

Received my Wii disc today. Like mentioned above, it's a very easy setup. My Wii is connected wireless and I just finished watching my 1st movie. 2.5 hour length and no drops or problems.

Shows your instant queue and also lets you browse by category for movies. Each category has up to 100 movies listed. From the category lists, you can either watch the selected movie instantly or and it to your queue.

Of course the resolution isn't the greatest since it's only 480p, but it wasn't bad.

[P Smith]

Guys, cant find any occurrence of "Wii" on Netflix pages :( - could you provide the secret URL for order the Netflix Wii disc ?

EDIT. I can share :) - just call them 1-866-716-0414.

[sacalait]

Guys, cant find any occurrence of "Wii" on Netflix pages :( - could you provide the secret URL for order the Netflix Wii disc ?

Try going to:

www.netflix.com/wii

Or go to the settings and help page and there is a wii link there. Both ways takes me to a page that says I have already received the disc, but since you haven't, it may let you request one.

[MikeW]

Got an e-mail a couple of days ago reminding me to use the Wii disc. It said that I'd get a 10% discount next month if I do it in the next 10 days. $.89 is quite the incentive :) Just too many options these days.