Netflix became available on the PS3  in November 2009.  This app allows users to stream over 17,000 movies and TV shows instantly on the PS3. Up until a few weeks ago I was using “the other company service” and I am so glad I made the switch to Netflix. A big issue I came across right away was the lack of a ‘search’ feature.  Netflix had numerous categories of movies such as “Comedy”,  “Drama”, “Independent” and a TV section and I would have to scroll through each title to find one that I wanted to view. This took time and it was hard to find a particular movie I wanted. Well on Tuesday, Netflix got an update on its streaming app. I thought it was great that this was a server side update and no download was required. Once you opened up the app, voila! updated features available. Netflix added a search feature which is integrated as a tab like the movie categories and your instant queue is. While in the search tab, a keyboard and numerical pad pop up on the left for you to look for any film or show you want.  The search function acts in real time with results narrowing down as more letters are punched in.

Trying out the feature, I typed in “Bond” in the search bar. The results gave me a list of James Bond movies, including Casino Royale. Although most of the Bond films weren’t available to watch instantly (the movie title appears in gray if it’s not) the new update allows me to add anything on the list to mail-in queue. Another fantastic new feature is that the Netflix app will have a list of movies you can instantly watch that are similar to your search results. Amazing right?

I’m very happy with this update and right now it is only available on the PS3 console; not Wii’s or Xbox 360’s Netflix app. Sony’s Playstation 3 can easily be called the best device for Netflix streaming, although there is one small flaw, PS3 requires a disc for you to access the app. Announced last week, there will be a discless feature update coming for PS3 this October. I don’t find the disc to be a big deal but having the app always on the Playstation menu will be nice. This new update from Netflix really shows they are working with manufacturers to improve this service. Below is another example showing search results with both instant movies and ones you can add to your DVD queue.