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As someone who’s been happily streaming the likes of “Party Down” and “Phineas and Ferb” to his iPhone and iPad for the better part of a year, I can’t help but feel for the poor Android phone and tablet owners who can’t get in on the Netflix goodness.
Sure, a Netflix app is available for Android, but it’s compatible with only a handful of devices. Or, at least, it was: Yesterday, Netflix 1.3 landed in Android Market, bringing with it support for a whopping 15 additional Android phones–and one tablet: the just-announced Lenovo IdeaPad K1.
That’s a bit of a rub to owners of tablets like the Acer Iconia A500, Motorola Xoom, and Samsung Galaxy Tab, which are, you know, available. Although the K1 just went on sale, it’s not expected to ship until next month.
Still, for folks pocketing an HTC Droid Incredible 2 or Thunderbolt, a Motorola Droid 2 or 3, a Samsung Epic 4G or Nexus S 4G, or any of the other newly supported models, the news is all good.
Indeed, I just downloaded and installed Netflix 1.3 on an Nexus S 4G. It works–and it’s awesome. Alas, there’s still no love for any of Virgin Mobile’s prepaid phones, like the LG Optimus V or new Motorola Triumph (two models that strongly appeal to the cheapskate in me). Dangit.
At least this update is a big step in the right direction, and proof positive that Netflix is working to overcome Android’s inherent fragmentation problems and support as many devices as possible. Meanwhile, Hulu is ramping up device compatibility as well, having recently added support for four new Android handsets (for a grand total of 10).
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go spend some quality time with Wallace and Gromit.
