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Netflix Finally Brings 'Watch Instantly' Feature to Macs

by Joshua Topolsky on October 27, 2008 at 09:52 AM



In a move that seemed like it would never, ever, ever happen, Netflix has finally managed to bring its streaming video technology (and decent library) to Macs everywhere, which means Apple owners will finally be able to instantly watch movies in their Netflix queues on their computers (something Windows-based PC owners have been able to do for almost two years now).

The new functionality is made possible by Microsoft's Flash-esque also-ran, Silverlight. It seems that the software will allow the rental house to safely DRM its content where ever it goes via Redmond's Play Ready, thus leaping the hurdle that has kept some 12,000 movies and TV shows off of non-PC systems. Netflix claims that the new implementaiton in Silverlight provides "breakthrough navigation for fast-forward and rewind," though fails to indicate exactly when this is all being rolled out (we assume immediately).

Unfortunately for super-duper late adopters, the software will only work with Intel-based Macs, so if you've been holding onto a G3 for dear life, here's one more reason to finally can it, along with your Xbox 360 HD DVD player, Von Dutch trucker cap, and gas-guzzling Escalade. Full PR after the break.

Tags: breaking news, BreakingNews, move rentals, MoveRentals, netflix, online movies, OnlineMovies, watch instantly, WatchInstantly

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