Netflix streaming comes to iPhone, iPod Touch

A Netflix app has been available for the iPad for some time now. Nada for other iOS devices such as the iPhone and the iPod Touch. But today Netflix announced that the latter two devices are supported and an updated app is available from the iTunes store:

Get Netflix on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. Just download this free app and you can instantly watch TV shows & movies streaming from Netflix.
- It's part of your Netflix unlimited membership. Not a Netflix member? Start your FREE trial today.
- Watch as often as you want
- Resume watching where you left off on your TV or computer
- Browse movies and manage your instant Queue right from your device

The use of the app does require a Netflix subscription which starts at $8.99/month, but judging from the text above you can start off with a free month or two.

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Sony, Toshiba working on glasses-free 3D HDTV

A couple of the world's biggest HDTV makers, Sony and Toshiba, are reported to be working on bringing autostereoscopic 3D technology to the world in the next year. Autostereoscopic 3D tech utilizes tons of tiny mirrors built into the TV set in order to eliminate the 3D glasses required of plain old stereoscopic 3D. The auto version has been utilized in smaller displays and digital signage for a few years already but it's cost prohibitive for the average home theatre buyer.

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Sunny Ocean announced glasses-free 84-inch 3D TV

Sunny Ocean Studios, based in Singapore and the United States, has unveiled an 84-inch 3D display that, according to the company requires no special glasses. Viewable from various points within a room, the 84-inch display is suitable for larger venues. In fact, it was debuted for the first time at the Youth Games in Singapore. According to the company, founded by Carl Zeiss-trained Armin Grasnick, we'll hear several international distribution agreements launched at IFA in Berlin next month.

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Apple TV, AKA iTV, rumored $99, only 720p

Rumors of a new $99 Apple TV continue to fly as Techcrunch, citing a report by Engadget, says the network box is just around the corner. Not only is it supposed to carry the very mainstream $99 price tag, it's functionality is rumored to be pretty mainstream as well. This won't be the hackable original Apple TV, but a locked down (meaning you'll have to buy your content off of iTunes) device that will only do what Apple wants it to do. Rumors state that the so-called iTV will only support 720p, the max for iTunes content, have a variation of the iOS system that runs on the iPhone/iPad but supports HD content, and be completely missing the ability to stream local or network content. Sounds pretty boring, but a mainstream Apple TV will do something good - open up the market for other, competing network media streamers that have way better features!

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Panasonic, Netgear connect for Viera wireless web access

Netgear has become the first third-party hardware manufacturer to produce a gadget that supports Panasonic Viera HDTVs. Panasonic has chosen Netgear to provide Viera owners access to online content via a wireless connection. The connection will be provided by the Netgear N600 Wireless Dual Band USB Adapter which features a simple setup via Push 'N' Connect technology. Once set up, Viera owners can view Amazon VOD, YouTube, Picasa, Viera Cast weather and stock market information, along with tons of other internet content directly from the TV. You can currently purchase the Netgear N600 for $79.99.

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THX, BluFocus team up to push 3D Blu-ray into more living rooms

THX and BluFocus have teamed up to ensure 3D Blu-ray viewing experiences meet up to a performance standard that will push the 3D home cinema industry forward. With the partnership's new THX-BluFocus 3D certification, Blu-ray discs will now undergo rigorous analysis to ensure that AV quality, player interoperability and even the potential to cause viewer fatigue (those glasses!) are either met or eliminated.

When you buy a Blu-ray disc, you'll be able to see if it is certified by looking for a certification logo and artwork on the packaging.

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Motorola, Verizon, Google in cahoots to develop TV tablet

TV tablets are on the way, if a report by the Financial Times rings true. Motorola is reportedly developing a 10-inch touchscreen tablet that will run on Google's Android operating system and tie in closely with Verizon FiOS paid digital TV service. The Apple iPad rival, which is rumoured to launch as early as fall 2010, is said to also support Adobe Flash (unlike anything Apple), have 2 cameras and be able to share a wireless connection with nearby devices.