GadgetReview

Sometime early next month Netflix Streaming will arrive on the PS3.  Now, word on rumor street is that the service is coming to the Nintendo Wii.  Reports say that they’re in the testing phase, while other industry insiders say that Nintendo will wait until next year when they launch an HD version of their console, perhaps to offer the full potential of Netflix streaming.

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Pic source: CyberNetNews

Just in time for the holidays, Roku has announced an all new Roku Player…sort of.  Actually, the HD-XR model just adds a USB port (not enabled) and support for 802.11n to the HD version of the box.  You can grab one now for $129.99 or opt for the now discounted SD version for $79.99.  For some the $30 for the HD-XR version might not be worth it, but for those streaming users that want to move their box further from their router it might make sense, and who knows, maybe that currently disabled USB port will actually facilitate not only local play from an attached hard drive but enable it to be a NAS.

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Remember how Microsoft said they had an exclusive deal with Netflix to stream their movies to their Xbox 360?  Wrongzo my friend!  Sony has just inked a deal with the DVD rental company that will bring the service to over 9 million PS3 owners in the US sometime next month.

I can’t find the source, but Netflix obtained millions (more than 1 less than 3) of users as a result of signing a deal with Microsoft’s gaming unit and should probably expect the same once the service goes live on the Playstation.  At a minimum of $8.99 a month (that’s the plan needed to stream movies) I’d expect Netflix’s stock to surge tomorrow.

Oddly enough, it doesn’t look like the Netflix application for the PS3 will initially be offered in their marketplace – you’ll need to reserve a Netflix Instant Streaming disc here.

On a random note, Sony has a deal with Starz.  I wonder if this will cause any conflicts; as in will we see certain movies streaming on the PS3 but not on the Xbox 360?

…Continue reading: Netflix Streaming Coming To The Playstation 3 Next Month

Holy crap!  Hulu might start charging all you free loaders in 2010.  That isn’t to say there won’t be any free content, just that some of their more premium shows will cost you a penny or 1000.  Personally, I don’t watch my content on Hulu, but after bearing witness to a Boxee install on a Mac Mini I’m not too far off from taking the plunge.  Then again, I’m in no position to kill my cable subscription for fear of losing touch with reality (I never leave my place and require CNN and other skewed news sources to be on at all times).

So, Hulu users, what’s your plan?  Would you drop some greenbacks to watch content online on what was once a free service?  If you ask me it never really panned out for Napster, although they did get bought, but at what profit, if any, I don’t know.

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If you’re looking for media streaming on a very, VERY tight budget, then the Patriot media streamer is EXACTLY what you had in mind.  You’ll need to bring your own hard disk drive, but each Patriot comes with a remote, three USB slots, Ethernet support and support for several different file formats.

Sure, it’s not that great that you have to provide your own hard drive before this thing will actually work, but given the price of the unit and the hard drive itself, chances are you’ll be doing all right.  They provide everything else–all you have to do is bring your picnic basket and enjoy.

And when I said, “very, VERY tight budget”, I meant it.  This sucker retails for a downright reasonable $130.  Of course, you’ll have to tack on a little extra for the hard drive, but new ones aren’t so pricey these days.

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The Netflix account management app is pretty cool on the iPhone.  But it would be a lot cooler if you could stream movies straight out your queue.  According to Netflix CEO Reed Hastings it will happen at some point.  Making it seem like it’s not really one of his priorities he expressed the following:

It’s something that’s likely to come over time. But nothing in the short term. (With) movie watching, we are not focused on mobile yet, but (instead) on the TV, on Blu-ray and on the video game consoles. We will get to mobile eventually, including the iPhone.

We’ve seen Sirius XM make it happen and it only makes sense for Netflix to go that route so hopefully Mr. Hastings can make time to work it out.

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The Rhapsody music app received approval from Apple today.  The news comes on the heels of a new and higher capacity iPod Touch and Nano with a built-in camera.

Any iPhone or iPod Touch user can download the free app now and for 7-days, without punching in a credit card, can stream over 8 million songs direct to their device.  After that you’ll need to drop $14.99 a month for access to Rhapsody on your handset.

Unlike iPod Touch users, iPhone owners will be able to stream music over both WiFi and their cellular connection.  But with that comes a huge caveat: the max streaming bit rate is 64 kilobits per second, something the company claims will prevent interruptions.  Reality check.  Apple and AT&T probably mandated this bit rate as to prevent a bottle neck in AT&T’s 3G pipes.  I’m just surprised they don’t offer a higher bit rate option when connected over WiFi.

Read – iTunes link …Continue reading: Rhapsody iPhone App Approved

According to an industry source familiar with Netflix’s future plans, the DVD rental company will be bringing their streaming service to an iPhone near you (and the Nintendo Wii).  Of course, this news wasn’t a question of if, but when as Netflix opened up their API to any willing participant and even hinted at the development of such an app.

How soon the app will debut in the iTunes app store is anyone’s guess, but given Netflix’s goal of world dominance in not only the DVD rental space, but the media streaming arena I’d guess that it will be free for all to download.  Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that the service will work over AT&T’s 3G connection, since previous applications that offer streaming media have been limited to a WiFi only connection.

On August 11th, Netflix subscribers with an Xbox and Xbox Live account will enjoy a relatively significant upgrade allowing them to manage their instant queue without leaving their couch.  We’ve already played with the update and like what we see.

Although many of Netflix’s streaming movies and TV shows are old or somewhat ‘b movie quality’, they still offer the most comprehensive selection of streaming media at the lowest price; $8.99.

So if there was ever another reason to get an iPhone, here it is.

[via Zatznotfunny]

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I love it. At some point in the next few years the line between TV and Internet machine will be significantly blurred. Adding to the haziness today is Sony. They’ve announced that their Internet Video-capable BRAVIA TVs and those with the Internet Video Link module will be able to stream Netflix’s 12,000+ movies and TV shows. Like the current Xbox system as well as the Roku player, users will need to create their Instant Queue using a computer, but since the Xbox is set to release an update to their Netflix player that allows users to add movies on the fly, what’s to stop Sony from adding the very same feature in the future, aside from the lack of keyboard. Expect the Netflix feature to hit a Sony TV near you this fall and keep your fingers crossed for some PS3 integration.

Release after the ‘leap’ …Continue reading: Netflix Streaming Coming To A Sony BRAVIA TV Near You

J&R, via Amazon has a great price for the Iomega 34200 ScreenPlay HD Multimedia External 500GB Hard Drive.  It’s $119.99 + $9.68 S&h = $129.67 shipped! The device can store up to 500GB of content and stream it directly to your TV. …Continue reading: Iomega 34200 ScreenPlay HD Multimedia External 500GB Hard Drive – $130 Shipped