Tag Archives: Netflix

Nintendo: The next DS will support motion control, better graphics; Netflix is coming to Wii

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In a recent interview Nintendo President Satoru Iwata splilled the beans on what to expect from the successor of the Nintendo DS: “[It will have] highly detailed graphics…And it will be necessary to have a sensor with the ability to read the movements of people playing.”  How interesting, Mr. Iwata.  I can see an advanced accelerometer placed inside a new DS-like portable gaming device that will allow for motion control in Nintendo and third party games.  As for the “highly detailed graphics,” this comment adds sparks to the fire about an NVIDIA Tegra chip being incorporated in the next DS.

In other Nintendo news, it was just announced that the Nintendo Wii will join the Xbox 360 and PS3 and finally support the Netflix service.  Like the PS3, the Wii will require users to place an “instant-streaming” disc into the console in order to stream movies and TV shows.  Obviously the Wii will not support HD content since its lowly graphics card can only handle 480p resolution.  And per usual, there will be no additional fee to watch Netflix on top of Netflix’s monthly fees.  If you’ve got a Wii and a Netflix subscription, head on over to Netflix to order your very own instant-streaming disc today.  What are you waiting for?

[Via Engadget, here & here]

Netflix streaming coming to PS3 (and Wii?)

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Sony announced that it will be offering Netflix streaming movies and TV shows to its Playstation 3 console owners come this November, thereby throwing the Xbox 360-Netflix exclusitivity out the window.  Initially PS3 owners will be forced to feed a Netflix CD into the console in order for streaming capabilities to function.  Don’t fret too much; Sony plans on releasing a software update sometime in 2010 that will remove this annoying barrier to entry.  PS3 owners can order a streaming CD directly from Netflix.  Check out the official press release after the break.

It is worthy to note that streaming Netflix on the PS3 (on Sony’s end) is absolutely free.  What you pay for is the Netflix service itself, which starts at $8.99/month and rises as you increase the number of rentals.  The Xbox 306, on the other hand, requires you to pay to stream Netflix content; you must be an Xbox Live Gold member ($50/year subscription) to access the Netflix menus.

In much related news, Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter foresees the Nintendo Wii also gaining the ability to stream video via the Netflix service sometime next year.  Though will many be excited for Netflix capabilities on a non-HD device?

[Via Engadget, here & here; IGN]

Continue reading Netflix streaming coming to PS3 (and Wii?) →

Netflix will stream content exclusively on Xbox 360

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It’s official–Netflix’s streaming capabilities will only live and breath on Xbox 360’s.  Microsoft struck a very smart deal with Netflix (and squashed previous rumors) when they announced that their Xbox gaming system will be the sole game console provider to allow Netflix streaming with the Netflix Watch Instantly feature.  This is big news on the streaming movies/TV shows front.  If people are looking to stream Netflix contentto their TVs, they only have one option when it comes to buying a game console.  Another point for Xbox, cha-ching!  See the full press release after the break.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Netflix will stream content exclusively on Xbox 360 →

Xbox Dashboard update–new details

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A bundle of details have emerged concerning the new Xbox Dashboard update.

(1) The first ‘Games on Demand’ game titles have been revealed

The initial 24 games to be made available for download over the Internet via Xbox Live have been announced today.  Some include: Assasin’s Creed, Bioshock, Mass Effect, Call of Duty 2, Fight Night Round 3, and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.  Look after the break for the entire list of games and a quick video glipse of the ‘Games on Demand’ dashboard in action.

(2) The Netflix update is…disappointing

It was previously announced that the Netflix update will allow Xbox Live Gold members and Netflix subscribers to edit their personal Netflix queues right on the Xbox, without the need for a PC.  While that is nice and dandy, Microsoft has lowered the notch of functionality.  Users are restricted to browsing only the Top 50 videos for each video category, so there is no searching by title and no browsing alphabetically.  Microsoft’s Ben Smith, Director of Program Management for Xbox Live, on the matter: “I think when people come to Xbox they’re not really looking so much for functional, they really want to have fun, they want to be wowed.”  Uhh..I don’t think so.  People want to be able to browse the ENTIRE Netflix database, with capable search features built-in.  It is worthy to mention that Microsoft says it will listen to their user-base, and if the people call for a true Netflix experience on their Xbox, they will provide it in a future update.  *Cue a sigh of relief.

Look out for the new Xbox Dashboard update coming next Tuesday, August 11th.

[Via Engadget, here & here; Joystiq]

Continue reading Xbox Dashboard update–new details →

Get LOST on Hulu, like right now, dude

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Calling all Losties and non-Lost fans!  The ABC hit Lost is now available to stream in high definition on Hulu.  As of right now, Hulu currently offers Season 1 and the last five episodes of Season 5 to stream (for free, duh).  It’s a drag that Seasons 2-4 (and the remainder of 5) are not available to watch yet.  Hulu has issued this statement: “We’ll post additional seasons as they are made available.”  In related news, Netflix currently offers Seasons 1-4 of Lost, and Season 5 will be added in September.  Don’t fret–Lost: The Final Season does not air until January 2010, giving you plently of time to catch-up or re-watch for clues.  Get to it!

[Via IGN]

Netflix ‘Watch Instantly’ coming to the iPhone?

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Rumor alert: According to “an industry executive familiar with Netflix’s plans,” said company is planning on releasing an app for the iPhone and iPod touch that will allow users to bring their Watch Instantly queues on the go.  The feature will most likely be limited to WiFi-use only.  Attemping to stream full length movies or TV shows to your iPhone over an unstable 3G connection could be risky.  Although this rumor feels shaky at best, it is something to cross your fingers and hope for; imagine a world where you could watch your favorite movies and TV shows on your computer, Xbox, and on the go with iPhone/iPod, granted you have a Netflix account!

[Via Engadget (image, too)]