Netflix iPhone App launch imminent?

[lorenwade]

Aughhhh I wish they would just hurry the f##k up and release an iPhone app!! Why were they given so much time during the keynote if they didnt even have the F##ing product in the first place?

Yup. Same with Meebo... which was finally released this year when it was showcased at the Keynote last year.

 

[QuarterSwede]

Can't image what the quality will be like.

This is from the iPad app running on my iPhone 4. I'm guessing Netflix will have to dumb the quality down for the iPhone version when on 3G. Currently the 3G version is identical in quality to wifi. Also, it doesn't skip for me. Netflix's codec/streaming method has got to be the best in the industry, in my opinion.

Wifi on left, 3G on right | Source: Red Cliff

 

[MICHAELSD]

That's because it appears your wifi connection has to be pretty slow. The iPad app supports much better quality video, up to 720p video based on your connection. It can go all the way down to that depending on your connection, though Netflix uses a variable bit rate, so to make sure there is no stopping to buffer, the app automatically adjusts the video quality. I can only hope the iPhone app supports 720p video on the iPhone 4's Retina Display.

Netflix sure is taking their time releasing the iPhone app. Maybe it's due to license problems since they may not have licenses for all content to be streamed to a mobile phone (the iPad could have easily been classified as a personal computer).

 

[QuarterSwede]

That's because it appears your wifi connection has to be pretty slow. The iPad app supports much better quality video, up to 720p video based on your connection. It can go all the way down to that depending on your connection, though Netflix uses a variable bit rate, so to make sure there is no stopping to buffer, the app automatically adjusts the video quality. I can only hope the iPhone app supports 720p video on the iPhone 4's Retina Display.

Netflix sure is taking their time releasing the iPhone app. Maybe it's due to license problems since they may not have licenses for all content to be streamed to a mobile phone (the iPad could have easily been classified as a personal computer).

My pipe is plenty wide however, it's possible it's due to the fact that I was also streaming Netflix to my TV at the same time. I doubt it though since I've done this test before and you can't tell the difference. It looks incredible on the iPhone 4 either way (you've got to remember that viewing the iPhone 4 screenshots on a computer is effectively blowing it up 4x). I'm really impressed with the quality so far. I'm thinking of buying a video dock cable just to stream to the TV in my bedroom.

I'd like to see 720p as well, but honestly I doubt that's going to happen and I can't wait for the official iPhone app. It's really kludgy right now to:

1) navigate the netflix site
2) tap play
3) have it load the specific movie page
4) launch the iPad app
5) prepare the movie
6) start the movie player
7) finally play the movie.

Now, I'm not complaining as most people don't know how to get Netflix to play on the iPhone. I'm extremely grateful I can and I LOVE it!