Netflix iPad App Gets Updated Look For iOS 5 Devices (PICTURE)

Amid rumors of a sale to Verizon and a plummeting stock price, DVD rental and media streaming service Netflix has released a new look for its iPad app, available now for users with iOS 5.

"Starting today," wrote Zal Bilimoria, product manager at Netflix, in a blog post announcing the update, "Netflix members can enjoy a newly redesigned experience for the iPad that makes it much easier to discover and instantly watch TV shows and movies streaming from Netflix."

The new look of the Netflix iPad app is the same that the company rolled out to Android tablets in mid-November, emphasizing larger, more touch-friendly options for more visual discovery and browsing. Netflix explained the purpose of its new interface in a November blog post:

The new design is much more immersive and provides greater focus on the growing number of titles in the Netflix catalog. In fact, the new interface displays twice as many movies and TV shows as before, enabling you to discover even more titles you'll love. Also, we've taken greater advantage of the tablet's unique features, inviting you to swipe through rows of titles featuring larger artwork.

Here's a look at the new view, provided by Netflix:

In addition to its new interface on the iPad, Netflix also had two more announcements: First, Latin American Netflix subscribers can now watch Netflix on iOS devices; and second, that the site's "Just for Kids" section is now available on the Apple TV. Netflix launched in Latin America in early November 2011, part of its ongoing spread outside of the U.S.; "Just For Kids" was added in mid-August, just as subscriber backlash over the company's price hike was at its height.

If you don't have the Netflix app on your iPad, you can download it in the iTunes store for free, so long as your device is running iOS 5.

Comments

[Sarijj]

10:00 PM on 12/16/2011

I have admit I am impressed with the changes. Before the release it was not easy looking for or finding content on the app. I just added about 10 shows to my que. Now to find the time to watch them LOL.

[lensman3]

02:53 PM on 12/16/2011

How about a release for Linux! You use Linux servers! (Android (is Linux) but doesn't count).

[Wyldstaar]

11:08 AM on 12/16/2011

I use Netflix all the time. I only use the streaming service, though. I used to have both streaming and dvd/bluray shipping, but the price bump was too much. It's certainly true that they don't offer every show I'd like on streaming, but they offer loads of shows I do want to watch. As it is, my instant watch queue has enough content in it to last me all through next year easily.

[ILoveGreatDanes]

07:55 AM on 12/16/2011

This new iPad app doesn't address Netflix's main problem: the 60% price hike for 0% additional services. Until Reed Hastings offers either a better movie selection or a price cut, the stock price will most likely not improve much, and sales growth will still lag. Besides, an iPad app doesn't do a thing for people who don't have iPads. I'm still getting the emails begging me to return, but offering me no incentive, no discounts, nothing special.

[Pectin]

09:44 AM on 12/16/2011

"an iPad app doesn't do a thing for people who don't have iPads."

It does give people an excuse to complain about Netflix, though.

[raphaelbonee]

09:04 PM on 12/15/2011

"Netflix has released a new look for its iPad app"

Netflix needs to get new movies. Ayear ago I was paying 16.99. Now I'm paying 25.99. My que is sitting empty for DVD and it's getting harder and harder to get/find good movies. They've started loading that scroll start up screen(who needed that) with kid stuff and documentaries.

They don't seem to get content like "True Blood" or "Brimstone". Yet here we are again listening to a new app developed for what is it this time ... Ipad?? I'm not paying for new apps I'm paying for content. I guarantee I'm going to drop to 7.99 streaming the end of this month.

[AsheMan]

11:45 PM on 12/15/2011

You should do just that.

[Euges]

12:12 AM on 12/16/2011

People like you so make me laugh, you seem to think that Netflix has any say in what they can stream., lol

[frank day]

09:02 AM on 12/16/2011

They have a say in what they charge.

Doubling the price for what?