Manage Netflix and Blockbuster Queues on the iPhone

[MacRumors]

iFlix screenshot

For online movie rental enthusiasts, two applications are now available to manage either your Netflix or Blockbuster rental queues.

iFlix

Flix [App Store] is a $1.99 application that allows you to manage your Netflix queues. The developer describes the app:

Add, remove, and reorder movies with a few easy flicks of a finger. You can rate movies you’ve seen recently, see ratings and descriptions for all the Netflix “top” lists, and even search for a particular title to learn more about it before popping it up to the top of your queue.

Also provided is an extensive tutorial with screenshots on how to accomplish various tasks on the iPhone.

Dashbuster

Dashbuster [App Store] is a $3.99 app that allows you to manage either Netflix or Blockbuster movie queues. Features detailed by the author include:

• View your shipped, queued, and saved movies at a glance, including cover art
• Drag and Drop Queue Reordering
• Swipe to Delete Movie removal
• View movie details quickly and easily; Stars, Director, Description and Cover Art
• Quickly add movies from popular RSS feeds
• Search for and add movies on the go

The developer does offer a free version called Dashbuster Free [App Store] which does not allow you to add or change movies from your iPhone, and will incorporate ads in the future.

Article Link

[O and A]

I'll wait for the free one from netflix.

[fc4090]

Netflix already got a mobile portal. It works fantastic. https://www.netflix.com/Mobile/Login
This programmers has no good idea. They just always want to ride on others back and earn some quickies. Come on guys, make some good App.

[plumbingandtech]

Originally Posted by O and A

I'll wait for the free one from netflix.

2 bucks?

I mean to each his own but iflix has long past saved me more then 2 bucks of my time.



fc4090, worlds of difference. I used the mobile netflix and ditched it for iflix which is just plain easier and faster to use.

[61132]

I use iFlix, great application and easy to use. Much better than using the online site. Very convenient, I can add movies to my account when I'm in the movie theater during the previews

[whateverandever]

Originally Posted by fc4090

Netflix already got a mobile portal. It works fantastic. https://www.netflix.com/Mobile/Login
This programmers has no good idea. They just always want to ride on others back and earn some quickies. Come on guys, make some good App.

iFlix was a jailbreak App that was free, and it's very nicely done. It is a good app. What have you made that you feel the need to criticize others?

[dr_lha]

Originally Posted by plumbingandtech

2 bucks?

I mean to each his own but iflix has long past saved me more then 2 bucks of my time..

If I've learned anything from the App Store "reviews", anything other than $0 is "too expensive", even 99 cents. Kind of makes you wonder how these cheapskates can afford an iPhone in the first place.

[crees!]

How about being able to have your own standalone queue of movies without any type of subscription service to pull from? There are always previews of movies that grab my attention but by the time they come around I don't get out to see them and would like to recall them when they're available for rent.

[plumbingandtech]

Originally Posted by crees!

How about being able to have your own standalone queue of movies without any type of subscription service to pull from? There are always previews of movies that grab my attention but by the time they come around I don't get out to see them and would like to recall them when they're available for rent.

With Netflix (and I assume blockbuster), often the movie is in the database at the theatrical launch, so if you see a movie that you think you may not see in the theaters, use netflix or iflix, type in the name of the movie and instead of an "add to queue" button you will see a "save" button that will auto put it in your Q when the movie is released to DVD.

Warning though, iFlix COSTS TWO WHOLE BUCKS so if that is a problem, you can use the netflix web client to do the above as well.

[JDOG_]

I picked up Dashbuster for $.99 when it was on sale a few weeks back

Pretty happy with it, and it's definitely a huge step up from trying to navigate the site via Safari. Would be even better if WatchItNow wasn't so gimped to Windows so you could watch stuff on your phone too.

[iGary]

Great application, use it all the time.

People pay $4 for a coffee and bitch about $2 for an app?

Sheesh.

[mainstreetmark]

Originally Posted by crees!

How about being able to have your own standalone queue of movies without any type of subscription service to pull from? There are always previews of movies that grab my attention but by the time they come around I don't get out to see them and would like to recall them when they're available for rent.

...

[roland.g]

Yes, but I wouldn't mind a queue system like this from iflix (or maybe just an update) to use it w/o an account. This is what I would like to see from an app, that is attached to a database:

1. Add movies to my queue that I see preview for which tracks the THEATRE release date. a. Then moves that move to a "SAVE" bin when 4, 5, or 6 weeks after release (available setting).
b. Then tracks the DVD release date - with the option to mark as a BUY or RENT designation.
c. Add the movie to my out on DVD queue once the DVD is released, sortable by BUY and RENT classifications.

2. Add movies to my queue that are already out and tracks DVD release date.
followed by 1b. and 1c.

3. Add movies already out on DVD with 1b. classifications.

Then I could track what movies I want to see in the Theatre, Rent or Buy later and sort the priority of them.

I rent a lot of movies from the library (rather than Netflix or Blockbuster) because the library is free. I have a netflix account but don't use it that much. 2 movies a month for $5. Mostly I use it to track what I want to see and get those from the library and then take them off the list.

That's why I would want an app like this that tracks all the dates, etc. but isn't necessarily tied to a Netflix or BB account. Just a login for the app's website and database. I have an 8 month old and don't get to the theatre much anymore, so most previews I see I put on my list for wanting to see on DVD, except for the few baby-sitter nights must-see on the big screens like Dark Knight and such.

[bdj21ya]

This is the developer of iFlix. Apparently I haven't done a very good job of putting together a feature list, so they weren't able to include it in the article. iFlix allows you to:

• Remove Items in your Queue
• Drag to reorder items
• Move items directly to the top or bottom with the push of a button
• View the movies you've recently rented and have at home
• Rate any movie 1-5 stars
• View your RSS list of Netflix recommendations
• Choose to reject or add recommendations
• Add movies from any of the Netflix RSS lists (Top 100, New Releases, and all the top 25)
• Tap the thumbnail in the details view to browse the Netflix page for that movie (basically becomes like Safari from there)
• Manage multiple Queues (just add an account with the email address associated with the second queue)
• Auto-login for any 1 account of your choice
• Fast Login loads in just seconds on both WiFi and 3G
• Choose whether or not to load thumbnails (save bandwidth or see movie posters)

Coming within the next couple weeks (features now in testing):

• Detailed Queue - includes format (Blu-Ray/DVD), genre, rating and availability
• Instant Queue Features - manage your instant queue, add, delete, and reorder items
• STUNNING new visual interface
• Flip upside down to get to the bottom of the list, flip right side up to go back to the top (GREAT for long queues, works with drag reordering too!)
• Switch movie formats (Blu-Ray, DVD) in your queue
• Respects Netflix account preference for adding Blu-Ray when available
• Shows number of movies in Queue
• Shows saved movies in a separate list, along with their availability date

[plumbingandtech]

bdj21ya, looking forward to those features. 1.1 was a GREAT upgrade, happy to see ANOTHER version coming so soon.

Well worth the price, in my top 3 iphone apps ever as far as use.

[dacreativeguy]

It might be a great app, but I don't feel comfortable paying someone for work that is not their own. bdj21ya may have created the app itself, but he is profiting off of Netflix and Blockbuster's infrastructure, marketing, design, sales, etc., etc.

Perhaps bdj21ya has permission from these companies to resell their products, but I can't find any mention of this in the App Store product page. I would assume that being an 'official' app would be a selling point so I'm guessing that he is not affiliated with these companies.

If George Lucas is sending cease and desists over a freebie, then Netflix and Blockbuster are certainly going to bring the hammer down sooner or later on someone who is 'stealing' their code and reselling it. When this inevitably does happen, will my $2 be refunded?

Perhaps the developer can explain his relationship with these companies and put peoples' mind at ease.

[bdj21ya]

Originally Posted by dacreativeguy

It might be a great app, but I don't feel comfortable paying someone for work that is not their own. bdj21ya may have created the app itself, but he is profiting off of Netflix and Blockbuster's infrastructure, marketing, design, sales, etc., etc.

Perhaps bdj21ya has permission from these companies to resell their products, but I can't find any mention of this in the App Store product page. I would assume that being an 'official' app would be a selling point so I'm guessing that he is not affiliated with these companies.

If George Lucas is sending cease and desists over a freebie, then Netflix and Blockbuster are certainly going to bring the hammer down sooner or later on someone who is 'stealing' their code and reselling it. When this inevitably does happen, will my $2 be refunded?

Perhaps the developer can explain his relationship with these companies and put peoples' mind at ease.

I doubt they'll do this, as they haven't done anything with the multitude of desktop apps that do the same.

It only improves their bottom line by making their service more attractive and easier to use. In fact, I saw a job posting from Netflix where they were seeking someone to facilitate just these sorts of programs, to enhance the community.

Moreover, if they ever did send a cease and desist, the Apps you already own would not be disabled by it. It would only mean a stop to further sales.

[roland.g]

Originally Posted by dacreativeguy

It might be a great app, but I don't feel comfortable paying someone for work that is not their own. bdj21ya may have created the app itself, but he is profiting off of Netflix and Blockbuster's infrastructure, marketing, design, sales, etc., etc.

Perhaps bdj21ya has permission from these companies to resell their products, but I can't find any mention of this in the App Store product page. I would assume that being an 'official' app would be a selling point so I'm guessing that he is not affiliated with these companies.

If George Lucas is sending cease and desists over a freebie, then Netflix and Blockbuster are certainly going to bring the hammer down sooner or later on someone who is 'stealing' their code and reselling it. When this inevitably does happen, will my $2 be refunded?

Perhaps the developer can explain his relationship with these companies and put peoples' mind at ease.

Not being the developer and not knowing the structure of the code, he may simply have created an app that is a portal and interacts with the netflix site, without the cumbersome nature of safari and everything else it loads. If that is the case, he is simply the web browser so to speak and has rearranged the output into a streamlined an efficient system for managing the crucial user data. I don't think there is anything in that that would bring down the hammer from netflix though they may decide to try. Obviously they have their own version in the works which may or may not be better and more than likely would be free. I for one applaud this guy's efforts.

EDIT: as for George Lucas. That lies far more into the realm of intellectual property rights and brand marketing.

[mmccaskill]

Originally Posted by iGary

Great application, use it all the time.

People pay $4 for a coffee and bitch about $2 for an app?

Sheesh.

Exactly. Same people who go to StarBucks every morning to get that great cup o' joe. $4*5 days*4 weeks = too much for coffee.

[Donz0r]

Originally Posted by bdj21ya

This is the developer of iFlix. Apparently I haven't done a very good job of putting together a feature list, so they weren't able to include it in the article. iFlix allows you to:

• Remove Items in your Queue
• Drag to reorder items
• Move items directly to the top or bottom with the push of a button
• View the movies you've recently rented and have at home
• Rate any movie 1-5 stars
• View your RSS list of Netflix recommendations
• Choose to reject or add recommendations
• Add movies from any of the Netflix RSS lists (Top 100, New Releases, and all the top 25)
• Tap the thumbnail in the details view to browse the Netflix page for that movie (basically becomes like Safari from there)
• Manage multiple Queues (just add an account with the email address associated with the second queue)
• Auto-login for any 1 account of your choice
• Fast Login loads in just seconds on both WiFi and 3G
• Choose whether or not to load thumbnails (save bandwidth or see movie posters)

Coming within the next couple weeks (features now in testing):

• Detailed Queue - includes format (Blu-Ray/DVD), genre, rating and availability
• Instant Queue Features - manage your instant queue, add, delete, and reorder items
• STUNNING new visual interface
• Flip upside down to get to the bottom of the list, flip right side up to go back to the top (GREAT for long queues, works with drag reordering too!)
• Switch movie formats (Blu-Ray, DVD) in your queue
• Respects Netflix account preference for adding Blu-Ray when available
• Shows number of movies in Queue
• Shows saved movies in a separate list, along with their availability date

Wow, I JUST paid 4 bucks for the other one because of your lack of blu-ray support. Whatever, I'm down for another 2 bucks your way if your updated version is as good as it sounds

[jessica.]

Originally Posted by iGary

Great application, use it all the time.

People pay $4 for a coffee and bitch about $2 for an app?

Sheesh.

I pay $1.89 for coffee

I like these apps, actually there was a free version out there somewhere that used to be on my phone and mysteriously was deleted. As for me, apps like these who list "planned features", I usually wait to buy until their "planned features" are actually realized. There was another app that I bought that supposedly had some great features and little by little that list dwindled to nothing.

[roland.g]

I don't drink coffee.
$3.50 for a box of 100 tea bags. That's about 4 months.

[bdj21ya]

Originally Posted by Donz0r

Wow, I JUST paid 4 bucks for the other one because of your lack of blu-ray support. Whatever, I'm down for another 2 bucks your way if your updated version is as good as it sounds

I have no doubt that you will. Here's a screenshot as a bit of a teaser:

[O and A]

Originally Posted by plumbingandtech

2 bucks?

I mean to each his own but iflix has long past saved me more then 2 bucks of my time.



fc4090, worlds of difference. I used the mobile netflix and ditched it for iflix which is just plain easier and faster to use.

If i buy 20 apps just cuz they're 2 bucks each and don't do anything more useful than the website. than thats 40 bucks down the trash for no reason. I don't mind spending money on things at all. I wouldn't be drowning in apple hardware if i did. I just don't see the point when a free version will surely be available soon. And a free version was available for jailbroken phones and touches. I especially don't like it when people write apps that piggyback on a service that isn't theirs and turn around and charge for it.

[plumbingandtech]

I just don't see the point when a free version will surely be available soon.

Surely? Is that late Nov? Early Dec? Which year?



Again. 2 Bucks.