Nexflix app finally compatible with Android 2.2 and 2.3 devices

September 10, 2011 By Mike Flacy

Mobile users on the dominant versions of the Android software finally got access to the streaming version of Mad Men and a collection of aging movies. Netflix updated the mobile application this week to version 1.4.

Updated to support all Froyo and Gingerbread version of the Android operating system, Netflix has made its mobile Android app compatible with over 80 percent of purchased Android devices. Since the original release of the app, users have been frustrated with Netflix’s slow progress in updating the application. When the Netflix app launched in May 2011, it only supported five Android devices. That number increased to 24 devices in July 2011, but was far from compatibility across the entire Android lineup. To access the streaming content, new users must install the nearly 20MB application and create a Netflix account to subscribe to the streaming service for a monthly fee of $7.99.

This update to Netflix 1.4 is primarily concerned about allowing access to streaming content over smartphones. Android tablets that are running the latest version of the operating system were left out with this update. According to Dave at PCWorld, there are still only two compatible tablets that can access Netflix through the application, Lenovo’s IdeaPad and the ThinkPad. Both tablets run the 3.1 version of the Android operating system. Android users have attempted a series of work-arounds to access Netflix’s streaming service over the last few months. However, more than 15 percent of the Android user base won’t be able to take advantage of the new Netflix update as they are currently still using the 2.1 version of the Android software.

Fragmentation of versions within the Android user base has been a persistent issue for Google and companies developing new applications for the various Android-powered devices. With Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich version coming up for for release in October or November, Google is hoping to take a step toward creating the same interface between smartphones and tablets. Ideally, this will allow app developers to create new content for both devices in a more efficient manner. After the release of Ice Cream Sandwich, the next rumored version name for the Android OS will be Jelly Bean.

Showing 5 comments

Adam Krant at 6:08am 12th September 2011 Still a little to little to late
Mzz Tbaby at 3:36am 12th September 2011 That's cool
Tanieka Teshay Britton at 10:41pm 11th September 2011 No G2x Still!
Charter Bus Dc at 1:34am 11th September 2011 When it comes to entertainment, I rely on apps like the Kindle app from Amazon, the Netflix app, the YouTube app, and other tools like Fandango and IMDB. All five have Windows Phone 7 apps, and all five are free. So far, I am doing pretty good and haven't spent a penny.For productivity on the iPhone I have the Apple iWorks apps--Pages, Numbers, and Keynote--as well as Documents To Go. With Windows Phone 7, I have Office Mobile apps installed with the OS, and integrated with cloud-based file storage on my SkyDrive, so I don't need to replace those apps.I struggled with navigation. I deleted the pre-installed AT&T turn-by-turn navigation app because I'll be damned if I am paying AT&T $10 a month for that service. The Maps app in Windows Phone 7 is pretty slick, and it does directions, but it requires me to tap after each step rather than monitoring my location and automatically telling me where to go, or recalculating if I miss a turn, or diverting me around traffic backups.
1. Phil Winkel at 7:32pm 11th September 2011 I'm running the developer pre-release of WP7 'Mango', and the maps app has been vastly improved. The turn my turn navigation works way better, and is much easier to follow now that the map rotates to face the direction you're driving. If you go a different route, you simply tap to recalculate the route.