Netflix streaming business strong enough to offset mail service cuts; iPad app soon?

Netflix has seen strong growth in its streaming video business, enough so that even should the U.S. Postal Service decide to end Saturday mail delivery, it likely would be able to more than make up for any drop off in its DVD-by-mail business. Adding to that, there are  rumors today that Netflix also will release an app for Apple's iPad in time for the tablet's debuts Saturday.

But, a caution on the rumored iPad app, Steve Swasey, VP of corporate communications for Netflix said in an email response to a question from FierceOnlineVideo: "No comment from Netflix, except to say today is April Fool's day, tomorrow is Good Friday. Let's see what Saturday brings."

Netflix in January said that nearly half of its 12 million customers streamed at least 15 minutes of video in 2009, doubling the number of customers streaming in 2008. The company also has expanded its delivery options, adding Nintendo's Wii platform and Sony's PS3 game console to its repertoire in recent months.

CEO Reed Hastings in January said streaming online video would play an increasing role in the company's fortunes.

"Adding more than one million net new subscribers in the fourth quarter and nearly three million over the full year highlights the growing appeal of the Netflix service as we further expand access to and adoption of streaming movies and TV episodes over the Internet," said Hastings. "In 2010, we expect to extend our operating momentum as we grow the business both rapidly and profitably."

For more:
- see this cnet article

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