Despite the over-publicized HD DVD vs. BluRay war, I think that there is little doubt that the future for media distribution — of all types — is really heading toward downloadable content, if it’s not already there. Folks are puchasing CDs less, and opting for iTunes, Amazon MP3, Rhapsody MP3, and other “subscriber”-based methods (Zune, Rhapsody) for their music. Love it or hate it, that’s what people are doing. The same goes for movies, and will continue to head in that direction as the content is made more readily available.
Well, today Microsoft has announced the very next step in this process: a partnership with Netflix to allow streamable content to the Xbox 360 console.
The recently released $99 Roku player for Netflix was an amazing release in its own right, but the announcement today is MUCH bigger for many reasons. First of all, there have been over 10 million Xbox 360s sold around the world — most of those in the United States. The majority of those 10 million units are now *instantly* capable of acting as Netflix streamable devices. Secondly, there are over 8 million Netflix subscribers. I’m guessing that a great many of these Netflix subscribers also own an Xbox 360. Congrats! Now you’ll be able to get Netflix content on your media console!! Thirdly, this is a big win for two media-centric companies: Microsoft and Netflix. The Xbox 360 will now have more media content available than ever before, while Netflix will certainly broaden it’s customer base. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that Netflix gained thousands of subscribers shortly after today’s announcement!
This move will have its share of detractors, I’m sure. For starters, you do need to have the Xbox Live “Gold” membership — as well as a Netflix subscription, of course — to be able to access the Netflix content. You know what? It only makes sense, as Microsoft needs to make some money in this deal too. For $40, you can purchase a 12-month Xbox Live “Gold” membership from NewEgg.com. Done deal. Also, may will lament about the (currently) limited “streamable” library offered by Netflix. Fair enough. Be on the lookout, though, because that library will certainly continue to grow in the coming months. Netflix has every reason to increase their streamable content base.
Needless to say, I’m very excited about today’s announcement. It not only builds upon the great technology that Netflix has offered for years, it also utilitizes hardware that is in many living rooms already — the Xbox 360. In my opinion, a “win-win” situation for all around — except, perhaps, for Sony, Apple, and a few others 🙂
Looking forward to the fall release of this technology update!
Y.I.P.C.A.N.J.O 