Xbox 360 gets a Netflix update, exclusivity

Netflix-xboxThe Xbox 360 has just gotten a major software update, adding a bunch of tweaks and features to its different non-gaming functions. Most notable is the newest Netflix features, which promise to make browsing and watching streaming videos much more convenient.

Previously, when you wanted to watch a Netflix video on your Xbox 360, you had to add it manually to your "Watch Instantly" queue, through the web site. This meant shlepping to your computer, browsing the Netflix library in your web browser, and adding each video you might want to watch on your Xbox. Now you can do that all on the console itself. The Xbox update lets users browse Netflix' Watch Instantly library directly through the system's interface, so you can add videos to your queue without getting off the couch.

The update page notes that Netflix' partnership with Microsoft is an exclusive deal, which seems to quash any rumors of Netflix support on the Playstation 3 or Nintendo Wii any time soon. Fortunately, this doesn't affect the variety of non-gaming products that support Netflix streaming, like the Roku Player or LG's Blu-ray Disc players.

Will Greenwald

[Source: Gizmodo]

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