The Netflix application launched on the PS3 in November 2009.   This allowed subscribers of Netflix to instantly view TV shows and movies on their console.   The only downfall was, you had to have the Netflix disc (which was given out for free) inside the PS3 for viewings.  A few months back, the  Netflix application on the PS3 was updated adding a search bar feature which was so useful for browsing content.   Today marks another huge update and improvement, disc-free streaming!  I got this snazzy e-mail from Netflix today with instructions on going disc-free:

 Dear Jenni,
You no longer need the instant streaming disc to instantly watch with your PS3™ system.

To watch instantly via your PS3 without the disc:
1) Go to the PlayStation® Network section of the main menu.
2) Simply install Netflix from the “What’s New” area.

That’s it. There’s no need to send the disc back to Netflix.
Enjoy!
–Your friends at Netflix 

Simple enough for me.  Also, the Netflix menu has changed a bit with this new upgrade.  Your instant que used to look like the Apple cover art where you scroll right to left; now the menu is set up in rows where you can see many movies at one on the screen and scroll down.  Some shows and movies stream in full 1080p and in Dolby 5.1.  If you have been curious to check out Netflix, now seems like a great time to start with the new disc-less upgrade and search interfaces they have added.