Netflix has just debuted its Android app, available now in the Android Market. Many have waited with drooling mouths for this app, and now that it’s here, the movie streaming giant has given us a bit of a short-term caveat. It only supports certain Android phones that have the requisite playback support– the HTC Incredible, Nexus One, EVO 4G with Android 2.2 installed, the Nexus S and the Nexus One with Android 2.3 installed.
But that’s not to say that Netflix doesn’t have your device on their radar. While the app is already available for Windows Phone and iOS, your Android phone should make the list shortly. The reason that it doesn’t support all Android versions is because the platform has evolved so rapidly, there are some significant challenges associated with developing a universal streaming video application for all Android versions. One of the challenges is the lack of standard streaming playback features that the Netflix application can use to gain penetration across all available Android phones.
In the absence of standardization, Netflix has to test each individual handset and launch only on those that can support playback Netflix for Android currently runs on.
Functionality appears to be the same as the iPhone, allowing you to stream instantly via 3G or WiFi, resume watching where you left off on your computer or TV, and browse/search for instant content right on your handset. It’s a pretty sleek app for Android. It’s literally like having an enormous library with DVD-quality playback at your fingertips.
Play and navigation features beat any streaming video product out on the market, and with the Netflix arsenal behind it, this App could be the crown jewel and most used piece of mobile software on your phone. Probably the slickest feature is the ability to resume watching where you left off on any device that supports your Netflix account. So say you’re caught up in a movie at home, and have to leave. Your phone can pick up where you left off, and you’re now able to stream that same movie over 3G right in the confort of your bucket car seat.
Streaming and movie quality are also very good, with little or no hiccups or lags. On the Nexus S, you’ll be looking at near-HD quality color and contrast. On the HTC Incredible, Nexus One and EVO 4G, they all ranked very similarly in quality…..again great color and contrast, but white balance and saturation shined on the Nexus S.
Additionally, the app initializes fast, and queues up your move in about 45-seconds. This was surprising that it could do this nearly as fast as on your set-top box on your TV or even on your PC. With the 1Ghz + processors inside the latest Android phones, these Netflix-type apps are able to run quickly, both on the phone, and connecting to the apps service server.
Find the Netflix app in the Android Market now, for free.
Check it out on the LG Revolution as seen at CES, but sadly won’t be installed on this device initially…..
