There has never been a shortage or rumors that Netflix streaming is coming to the iPhone. It just makes sense that eventually, the hot device and the hot service will meet. And that may be happening sooner rather than later if a survey being sent out by Netflix is any indication.
As the site Hacking Netflix reports tonight, Netflix is asking certain users about their interest in streaming movies and television shows to the iPhone. Notably, this would apparently only work over WiFi, which is hardly surprising given AT&T’s reluctance to let stream-heavy fare on its network.
Here’s the full text of what’s being asked in the survey:
“Imagine that Netflix offers its subscribers the ability to instantly watch movies & TV episodes on their iPhone. The selection availability to instantly watch includes some new releases, lots of classics and TV episodes. There are no advertisements or trailers, and movies start in as little as 30 seconds. You can fast-forward, rewind, and pause or watch again. The movies & TV episodes you instantly watch are included in your Netflix membership for no additional fee.
Whenever you want to instantly watch content on your iPhone, your iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network (such as one you might have at home or at work, or in public places like coffee shops, book stores, hotels, airports, etc.)
If this functionality were available, how likely would you or someone in your household be to instantly watch movies & TV episodes on your iPhone via a Wi-Fi network?”
So that’s obviously very straightforward. Clearly, Netflix is thinking about providing an app that would do this on the iPhone, iPod touch, and the upcoming iPad as well, but recent remarks by Netflix CEO Reed Hastings suggests that none of this is a priority for the company.
Hastings has also noted in the past that eventually the service will likely be on the iPhone. But if they’re already gauging interest among users, hopefully it will be sooner than he’s let on in the past. As Hacking Netflix notes, earlier surveys from Netflix gauging interest in the Wii and PS3 consoles with Netflix were early indicators of the service on both of those devices.
Of course, you have to wonder if Apple would approve such an app that would compete directly with iTunes.
I’d use this. I’d use it every. single. day. Hell, I’d be willing to drop a few bucks extra each month for this.
If they can nudge Apple into giving it the thumbs up and their license agreements with the movie houses allow for mobile streaming distribution, I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t do this.
agreed. wild card is apple approving it.
Apple cares about driving sales of devices. What better way than to have Neflix on them? To me, it should be a no brainer for Apple. They aren’t going to make as much off films as off devices.
What would be genius is if they had something like Whispersync where it would automatically mark where you left off so you could continue it on your iPhone or TV.
Yeah, this is why I like using iTunes movies on the iPhone. It remembers where I left off.
Is this the leaked demo you are talking about?
Netflix Phone Demo
I wouldn’t use it on an iPhone or iPod. But I would on an iPad. Just WiFi is fine, I wouldn’t expect to watch a movie on the bus anyway.
However, despite being a daily Netflix user, I have yet to see any hint of such survey.
Do you really need a survey for this? Isn’t this a ‘duh’ moment.
Forget frakkin streaming!
I just want an app from Netflix that allows me to easily modify my queue!
Check out Phone Flicks
No Android love. Big surprise. Ah well, I’ve tethered my phone and streamed a Netflix movie while on a military training exercise. That’s the fun of being with T-Mobile.
why would apple have to approve the app? hmtl5…
My impressions of HTML5 thus far has been pretty poor. Have you tried the Youtube beta? Video does not look that great.
and therefore, an iPad App as well ?
“Notably, this would apparently only work over WiFi, which is hardly surprising given AT&T’s reluctance to let stream-heavy fare on its network.”
I guess you haven’t heard that AT&T has backpedaled on that policy and has given the green light on certain apps like Slingplayer over its network.
For this to work, I think there would have to be some sort of Silverlight code for iPhone and I’m not sure that there is such a thing.
I really really do not want to watch a movie or TV show on my little iPhone screen. Where would this be useful? How would it stream? H.264?
If we are talking about the iPad, that is another matter altogether. I would even buy a Netflix app for my iPad.
Having Netflix on an iPad would increase its value quite a bit.
SIEGLER: has anyone investigated to see if Netflix is lobbying for USPS to continue Saturday delivery? I could see why Netflix would encourage USPS to mail on fewer days…it would save Netflix $$$, but still the postal system is an important part of their model and in some ways, heavily subsidizes their business. Is there any petition we could sign?
Count me in. And Rhapsody works over the cell network (T Mo) on my Jailbroke/Unlocked iPhone so maybe Netflix could too.
I’d pay good money for an Android Netflix app for my Nexus One. Definitely.
the problem with the idea is making it for the dead format. iPhone is over. Android is where the world market is turning. Especially with Apple limiting it’s users ability to buy whatever they want for their phones.
Netflix should make sure such a service was made for the open market. Instead of yesterday’s news.
i couldn’t watch a movie on such a small screen :(
this could be another apple vs. google voice.
hm…
Hey Netflix, how about adding some new movies that aren’t crap and adding them frequently please.
If it weren’t for few series I can stream, I would have canceled my subscription a long time ago.
And, after commenting here, your site opened a virus scanning utility that has infected my computer. Thanks a bunch.
are all of you like 6? techcrunch would not just let viruses in forums as if its possible. and internet protecton would protect you so consider getting it.
If Apple wouldn’t approve the app (and they won’t because they hate competition), Netflix could just bypass the app store altogether, much like Google did with Google voice, when dealing with Apple’s stupidity in not accepting the app.
lol you need to do research before you say things, don't act so smart. sorry but apple would love the app, what competition? the app would improve sales of the iphone, considering people with long trips..ect.. who wanted a new phone would consider getting it. and people who already use netflix. Apple did not deny the app, netflix is having trouble with the app considering you can only watch instant on iphone with wifi. so i consider using "3g unrestricter" fixes it, (only for jailbroken users)
iphone+netflix=ftw :P
Only thing that would make that idea better is if you select to get a lower quality stream to use with the 3G network. For things like being in the back seat of a road trip or waiting at an airport. Just places without wifi
Looks like Apple is cool with it.
I would definately use this if Netflix would add some newer releases to their library of videos.
I agree with Jea, netflix movie selection isn’t very good.
sorry but i don't think you understand netflix, if you know what blockbuster is, its like that only you can also watch instant old and some new movies and tv shows, while you can have your new releases mailed to you, they actually have a large selection of instant shows. its only $9 a month so unless you want to drive to blockbuster or your local movie store, and pay $4 for a new release. don't whine about how netflix has a bad selection of instant shows.. be glad you get it. along with your new releases. if not, don't pay. and stop using netflix.
:) people will always find things to complain about… I for one love Netflix. Hope the app for the iPhone will get here soon, even if I could only watch using wifi and only see the instant plays… I’d get the update when they come out with it or pay to get some better.
That would be the icing on the cake for the iphone.
i think it would be amazing to be able to watch tv episodes…ect.. in class.. you know when you get done with your work and have 40+ minutes left. would be awesome to have some entertainment.
we get free wifi there so no troubles :P
hope its out soon.
Is there an iphone app that takes pictures according to information from the accelerometer (eg whenever you move)? Im looking for one that would let me walk around with the iphone around my neck, taking pictures as I walk.
Is there an iphone app that takes pictures according to information from the accelerometer (eg whenever you move)? Im looking for one that would let me walk around with the iphone around my neck, taking pictures as I walk.
Watching movies and TV serial episodes in iphone! Really loved the idea. Netfix is gonna rock n roll. Thanks for sharing.
ohh i'd love to watch Tv on my Iphone 3G.. Thanks for sharing.
Netfix really know what the new generation wants. I really wanna watch movies and serials on my iphone. Thanks for sharing anyway.