Netflix may add its online "Watch Instantly" streaming technology to the Apple iPhone smartphone and Nintendo Wii game console, though nothing has been confirmed by any of the companies.
There was original concern that not many iPhone owners would watch video content on the device, but viewing videos has been extremely popular, Apple noted a couple of months ago. However, Apple and AT&T have an unofficial agreement to keep streaming video away from AT&T's wireless mobile phone network -- it's likely Netflix support would only work when a phone owner is using Wi-Fi.
Unconfirmed rumors indicate the Apple TV -- one of Apple's rare failures of the past few years -- will also receive streaming Netflix support in the coming months.
The popular "Watch Instantly" feature offers support for 12,000 movies and TV episodes, and has added streaming support to the Microsoft Xbox 360, Roku Netflix player, LG Blu-ray, TiVo, Sony Bravia HDTVs, and other popular devices. Netflix is working with additional partners to bring streaming content to other devices, and additional announcements will be made in the coming months.
Netflix may not have publicly released plans to transition away from DVDs, but has clearly shown signs of embracing streaming technology. I recently canceled my Netflix membership simply because the streaming catalog, which does have a decent selection, still doesn't offer the movies I want to watch. If the streaming catalog continues to expand the way it has been going, I'd be elated to renew my subscription.
