WWDC Keynote: Netflix coming to iPhone this summer…for free!

June 8, 2010 - By Erin Stuelke

Since its launch on the iPad, Netflix has been one of the top 10 most downloaded apps in Apple’s App Store, revealed Netflix CEO Reed Hastings today during the WWDC Keynote. It’s also the #1 downloaded entertainment app. Because of its success on the iPad, Netflix for the iPhone will be released this summer. And for free!

Before Hastings stepped up to center stage, Steve Jobs told the crowd that Netflix was one app consistently requested. In April, Apple and Netflix announced the streaming video service would be coming to the iPad. This news upset many iPhone users who had been anxiously waiting for Netflix on their phones. Now their wish has been fulfilled. Will you be watching Netflix from the comfort of your iPhone this summer?

Photo courtesy of Engadget’s Live Blog

So how will Netflix actually work on the iPhone 4? The app is said to use HTTP adaptive streaming and be able to seamlessly switch between Wi-Fi and 3G networks. This streaming method should improve video quality during playback. As is the case on the iPad, computer or internet-capable televisions, Netflix subscribers can begin watching a movie or show on one device. If they pause it and, later, revisit their account from another device, it will resume at the same point at which they left off. Users will also be able to search their “Instant Queue” from within the app.

No exact date has been announced regarding its release, as of yet. Once it is, we’ll be sure and pass it on to readers. AT&T pricing for the device, which will be available in black and white, is set at $199 (16 GB) and $299 (32 GB). Preordering for the iPhone 4 will begin on June 15, 2010, for the United States, France, Germany, United Kingdom, and Japan. The devices will begin shipping on June 24, 2010. The updated iPhone OS 4.0 will be available beginning on June 21, 2010. Supported devices, in addition to the iPhone 4, include the iPhone 3GS, 3G, and iPod Touch. The iPhone 3G and iPod Touch devices will be limited to certain features, which are unspecified, as of yet. First generation iPhones will not be supported at all by the new OS.

Sources:

Netflix is Indeed Coming To iPhone Says Steve Jobs [The Consumerist]
Live WWDC 2010 Keynote Coverage [gdgt live]
Steve Jobs live from WWDC 2010 [Engadget LiveBlog]