Last month we learned that Samsung will update its blu-ray player to support Netflix’s “Watch Instantly”; apparently that’s not all, the company has announced an HD addition of that service to be added by the first week of December through a firmware update.
Sony Pictures’ denials still ringing in our ears – and the conspiracists’ theories ringing perhaps even louder – the bulk of subsidiary Columbia Pictures’ movies have lost their “not currently available on Xbox” tag and can now be streamed through the New Xbox Experience update. No official announcement or explanation has been given, suggesting that (if Sony’s argument is believed) the ongoing licencing discussions have reached at least a partial agreement.
Most anticipated news this week was the launch of the BlackBerry Storm on Verizon Wireless, RIM’s first touchscreen handset. If you’re at all considering the Storm then make sure to check out our two part super-review: part one is here, part two is here.
Meanwhile, Apple released firmware 2.2 for the iPhone, bringing with it Street View and over-the-air podcast downloads among other things. Check out the full details of the upgrade here. That release was followed in short order by QuickPwn for v2.2. What the new firmware didn’t include was MMS messaging, but that might be arriving sooner rather than later if Mobispine have their way.
Amid suggestions that they attempted to undermine the launch of the New Xbox Experience update, Sony Pictures have denied that the disappearance of its content from the Xbox 360 Netflix portal was a strike against Microsoft. Instead, Sony claim that the issue is one regarding licencing in general, rather than specifically as it concerns the 360.
Microsoft’s New Xbox Experience update is currently installing on consoles all over, but those hoping to gorge themselves on Netflix streaming movies may find their appetite left unsated. Licencing issues with Columbia Pictures, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, has left the Netflix options suddenly truncated; films available to view through other Netflix routes are not permitted on the Xbox 360.
Netflix has always had a great service on the side of their standard service. They are known for shipping DVDs to subscribers by mail and recently, for streaming movies over the Internet. But they also offered previously-viewed DVDs for sale.
Netflix streaming multimedia players are heating up with HD content. Folk at Roku has revealed plan, at its public discussion forum, to deliver Netflix movies in HD by the end of year. Joining the recently announced Xbox 360, the soon-to-update Roku player will be the next Netflix Networked streaming player to support HD content.
The news that Netflix would be offering high-definition streaming movies on the Xbox 360 prompted expressions of joy: from November 19th, users of the updated Xbox Experience will be able to access both standard and high-definition streams in the same way as owners of Roku’s Netflix box can. However depending on your Xbox 360 setup, you may find yourself frustrated; Netflix are insisting on HDCP protection for the digital connection.
Tivo DVRs will join Samsung Blu-Ray Players, LG BD300,Xbox 360 and Roku Player to stream Netflix’s online flicks. Both companies have reached an agreement to deliver an online library of 12,000 Netflix movies and TV shows though Tivo DVR set-tops, which includes Tivo S3, Tivo HD and Tivo XL.
No officially words yet on the manufacturer or service provider, but early review has let the cat out of the bag; the long-awaited New Xbox Experience coming this November will not only feature Netflix movie streaming in SD format, but also in HD. Few detail are available for now, but the service will debut at November 19th and the Xbox 360 will be the first hardware to offer HD streaming from Netflix.
JP
