Netflix, Inc. announced that it has introduced a new interface and features for its streaming video service available on the Xbox 360 game console.
For more information visit: www.netflix.com
Unedited press release follows:
Netflix Unveils New Xbox 360 Experience, Expands Xbox Support to Latin America
Netflix Members Can Now Browse TV Shows and Movies More Easily On Xbox – Even using Kinect for Xbox 360 Voice and Gesture Capabilities
LOS GATOS, Calif., Dec. 7, 2011 — Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) today released a new member experience for Xbox 360 that makes it easier and more compelling than ever to discover and instantly watch TV shows and movies streaming from Netflix on the Microsoft entertainment console. In addition, starting today, Netflix members in Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico can enjoy Netflix on their TVs using Xbox.
The new Netflix experience on Xbox makes it more intuitive and easier to explore the expanding Netflix catalogue, allowing Netflix members of all ages to find great entertainment that match their tastes and moods.
“For the first time, the Netflix interface on Xbox has been created entirely by Netflix, offering a unique member experience,” said Neil Hunt, chief product officer at Netflix. “The new Netflix interface provides the best experience for watching TV shows and movies on Xbox, with significant improvements in browsing titles and a richer playback experience together with voice and gesture interactions.”
“Together with our partners, Xbox 360 brings all your entertainment, friends and family together in one place,” said Pete Thompson, General Manager, Xbox LIVE, Microsoft. “By teaming up with Netflix to combine the power of Kinect for Xbox 360 we will make the Netflix viewing experience more personal and effortless.”
The new Netflix experience on Xbox 360 offers:
• Up to three times as many titles available on a single screen
• Display of three related titles at the end of a movie
• An easy way to play the next episode following a TV show
• Rich interaction during play, including display of related titles, rating capability, control of subtitles and audio settings, all simply by engaging the bottom of the screen
• Control of the Netflix browsing and play experience with voice and gestures through Kinect for Xbox 360
• Adaptive streaming that automatically optimizes the picture quality based on the available bandwidth
• Support for 720p high definition (HD) streaming and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound
Current Netflix members who already use Xbox will receive the new experience included in the Dec. 6 Xbox update from Microsoft. Netflix members who don’t currently use Xbox can download and install the Netflix application from within the Xbox Marketplace. An Xbox LIVE Gold membership, high-speed Internet connection and a Netflix unlimited streaming membership are required.
Expanded Netflix/Microsoft Agreement
As part of an expanded agreement with Microsoft, Netflix now offers Xbox support to members in Latin America in countries where Microsoft Xbox LIVE Gold is available (Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico.) Availability of Netflix on the Xbox increases the devices supported by Netflix in those countries and rounds out the top three game consoles.
The expanded agreement with Microsoft also allows Netflix to offer Xbox support in other countries into which Netflix expands. Netflix has announced plans to expand to the United Kingdom and Ireland in early 2012.
Netflix offers convenience and value with a broad selection of Hollywood, international and local movies and TV series. Netflix has revolutionized entertainment by giving people a choice to enjoy what they want to watch, when they want to watch it, and for a low monthly price over a wide-range of Internet-connected devices.
More details on the devices that support Netflix are available at: http://www.netflix.com/NetflixReadyDevices
About Netflix:
With more than 20 million streaming members in the United States, Canada and Latin America, Netflix, Inc. (Nasdaq: NFLX) is the world’s leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows. For about US$7.99 a month, Netflix members can instantly watch unlimited movies and TV episodes streaming over the Internet to PCs, Macs and TVs. Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are the Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3 consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, Internet-connected TVs, home theater systems, digital video recorders and Internet video players; Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Apple TV and Google TV. In all, more than 700 devices that stream from Netflix are available. For additional information, visit www.netflix.com. Follow Netflix on Facebook and Twitter.