Future Snapdragon-Based Android Devices To Stream Netflix

Here's a little lesson in mobile apps: there's a Netflix app for iOS, enabling users to stream 'Watch Instantly' movies to their iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. But that same app isn't in the Android Market. In fact, there's no Netflix streaming on Android at all! Isn't that a shame! There are rumors that this is to blame on Android's DRM system, which may frighten movie studios when comparing to Apple's relatively closed system.

But now, it seems the solution is out there. But only for a few people. Qualcomm today announced that the company's Snapgradon would be working to help "enable instant streaming from Netflix on Android devices." In other words, Snapdragon somehow fulfills needed security measures that are required for streaming to take place on Android devices. The catch is that only future devices will have this capability, so even if you own an existing Snapdragon phone (and definitely if you don't), the streaming will not be supported.

So, the good news recap: Netflix streaming is coming to Android! The bad news recap: only on future Snapdragon devices. Hopefully Netflix, the studios and Google can work this whole thing out so it's more widely supported.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon Platform to Help Enable Instant Streaming from Netflix on Android Devices
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?Fulfills Netflix Security Requirements Necessary to Bring Netflix Application to Snapdragon-enabled Android Devices?

BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), a leading developer and innovator of advanced wireless technologies, products and services, today announced that future Android devices powered by the Snapdragon? platform will have access to instant streaming of TV shows and movies from Netflix.

"We're excited about this collaborative effort to help bring the Netflix application to Android devices running on the Snapdragon platform," said Liat Ben-Zur, senior director of software strategy and ecosystems for Qualcomm. "Qualcomm is in a unique position to help bring the most optimized and advanced Android apps to market through working closely with the strong ecosystem of Snapdragon developers like Netflix."

Snapdragon processors are designed to deliver dynamic performance and media protection features in a turnkey package, allowing the devices they power to more easily pass through the approval process required for Netflix certification.� Additionally, Netflix video decoding is handled by highly efficient dedicated hardware, extending battery life and improving picture quality.

"We're pleased to expand our mobile offering by providing our members an app for TV shows and movies streaming from Netflix to Snapdragon-enabled Android devices," said Bill Holmes, Netflix vice president of Business Development.� "Qualcomm's expertise in mobile hardware/software integration and their collaboration in the consumer electronics space makes them the perfect fit in bringing Netflix to a range of Android handsets and tablets."

Qualcomm will demonstrate the Netflix application at the GSMA's Mobile World Congress in the Company's exhibit, located in Exhibit Hall 8, #8B53.�

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