Any Word On Netflix for HTC Thunderbolt?

Has there been any word on whether the HTC Thunderbolt will be getting Netflix Streaming?

Apparently the device has one of the newer Qualcomm chipsets that should have the correct DRM baked into the chip, but I don't know if it needs to have a certain version of the Android OS for it to work properly. Can anyone confirm if it is shipping with Netflix support, or if there is any planned support in the future?

The chip it runs is Qualcomm MSM8655, and you can catch some details about Netflix and the chipset at this Engadget article: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/14/qualcomm-promises-netflix-streaming-support-on-future-android-d/

Thanks!

Accepted answers

DaveP1

Some people were told by HTC that the chips do not support the DRM necessary for native Netflix. OTOH, HTC support doesn't seem entirely up to speed on the Thunderbolt so that may not be correct.

http://community.htc.com/na/htc-forums/android/f/107/t/9359.aspx

All comments

TBhouston

I can watch .avi, i can stream video from a tv app.. I would assume that the phone can handle netflix.. i guess just wait it out :smileytongue:

kendb3

How do you like the phone so far? It looks like its a pretty solid device, both hardware and software wise.

PJNC284

My only complaint is that Angry Birds isn't as crisp on the Thunderbolt as it is on my Fascinate granted that's to be expected since the Galaxy S line of devices have one of, maybe even the best, screen/gpu combos currently on the market.

kendb3

Sounds like a fair complaint, the Samsung screens are notoriously very nice.

unknown

Get a Roku and Slingbox and watch Netflix all day for $7.99 per month.

DaveP1

Some people were told by HTC that the chips do not support the DRM necessary for native Netflix. OTOH, HTC support doesn't seem entirely up to speed on the Thunderbolt so that may not be correct.

http://community.htc.com/na/htc-forums/android/f/107/t/9359.aspx

kendb3

@DaveP1,

Thanks for the link. It looks like HTC is still getting their story straight. I have a feeling that because Netflix does not seem to be shipping with the phone that they are not really willing to talk about it. I still think the phone is superb and is a definite possibility for my upgrade come Sept/Oct.

@jimfitzgerald,

I've thought of different streaming options, but honestly I would prefer a native dedicated app and I already pay the $$$ to Netflix, so why pay twice.

I was a Windows Mobile fan, and now I think Android will be the best fit for me going forward. Though, I would love some mobile Netflix, but I don't think that will be the single factor in deciding on a new phone.

Tidbits

DaveP1 wrote:
Some people were told by HTC that the chips do not support the DRM necessary for native Netflix. OTOH, HTC support doesn't seem entirely up to speed on the Thunderbolt so that may not be correct.

http://community.htc.com/na/htc-forums/android/f/107/t/9359.aspx

The chipset itself has it baked in and the two chips mentioned are 1 processor and 1 LTE radio. The processor itself already has the DRM built in. There's no way to disable or enable it as its baked in on by default. Tech support claimed they weren't trained on the hardware for the TB so it seems they are not prepared for the questions they are recieving... You'd think they'd be up to speed prior to a device being released right?

gina7289

I don't think right now unless there's an app in the market because it has blockbuster on it. Blockbuster just got bought out by dish network.