Rich Fiscus
5 Feb 2009 15:46
Today Microsoft announced that 1 million Xbox LIVE customers have downloaded and activated the Netflix streaming video application. The Netflix client makes it possible to stream that company's Watch Instantly content through the Microsoft console.
The announcement serves as a sort of exclamation point to Netflix's performance last year. Despite the economic problems their customer base experienced, Netflix announced surprisingly strong growth during the fourth quarter. The client is available to anyone with an Xbox LIVE Gold membership. Access to Watch Instantly content also requires a Netflix subscription.
Netflix CEO Reed Hastings credits much of that growth on their success in establishing partnerships with consumer electronics companies. This has allowed them to get their client added to set-top boxes, Blu-ray players, and even HDTVs.
Their deal with Microsoft is potentially an even bigger deal in the game console competition. While Netflix support is available in a range of Blu-ray players, TVs, and other devices, they've made an exclusive deal with Microsoft. For now the Xbox 360 will be the only console whose users will get it.