Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) and it's new iPad may be the big news of the day, but Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX) had a little share as well. The streaming service cut a deal with Apple that makes it just a little easier for users to sign up for its service, by registering through Apple TV and paying their monthly bill via iTunes. Giving users the ability to pay for their Netflix account using iTunes will make it that much easier for subscribers to justify the additional $7.99 a month.
It's the first time that Netflix has allowed a third-party to bill for its service and is even more noteworthy given recent rumors that the company has been in talks with cable operators to allow them to offer content through their set-top boxes.
Reuters Tuesday said Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has been meeting with executives from cable companies in an effort to have the streaming service added to their channel offerings, adding weight to the comments he made at a conference in San Francisco last week that the company could eventually be "just another network."
Quoting a trio of sources familiar with the talks, Reuters said at least one cable operator could trial a Netflix offering by the end of the year. The sources said Netflix would potentially be delivered through the set-top boxes and have its monthly charge assessed on a cable bill.
The service also announced on its blog that users who watch Netflix on Apple TV--even its second generation device with a software update--will be able to watch Netflix movies in 1080p high definition and with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio.
For more:
- see the Netflix blog
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