Netflix Pushes Updated iOS App

Netflix today rolled out an updated iOS application with a look and feel more consistent with the recent browser changes.

This update brings the Netflix "browse" feature to iOS, along with larger, less intrusive playback controls, thumbnail images on the scrub bar and easy access for subtitle settings, Netflix said in a blog post.

Apple users will also see an expanded settings menu that can limit streaming video to a Wi-Fi connection only, reducing 3G data usage.

"We're continuously working on ways to further improve our members' experience so they'll enjoy more TV shows and movies streaing from Netflix," company spokesman Joris Evers wrote in an email. "This update is part of that work."

The changes are in line with a recent update to Netflix's Web video player, which provided a refreshed look and some added features for functionality.

According to Netflix, the Web changes include more user control over the size of the player, video that now stretches to full window size, full screen mode with options to view TV show information, as well as an icon-centric toolbar.

"Perhaps the biggest change is to the 'Back to Browse' option," which used to sit at the bottom right of the control bar, Netflix said. The update moved it to the top left of the screen; text will explain its functionality when you hover over the arrow icon with the mouse.

iPad owners got a , which included VoiceOver repairs, improved playback on external displays, and other minor tweaks.

"Viewing on mobile devices today is a small percentage of the overall viewing hours," Evers wrote. "But it is growing quickly."

When asked about the timing of Netflix's rumored HD streaming on iOS, the spokesman said that is "something we're working on" but couldn't specify a schedule.

After last year's Netflix price hike/Qwikster blunder, the company , Netflix CFO David Wells said during the J.P. Morgan Technology, Media and Telecom Conference earlier this month.

Subscribers are now charged a monthly fee of $7.99 for either streaming or by-mail DVDs, or $15.98 for both. Netflix previously charged $9.99 per month for the combined package.

The latest version of the Netflix application is available for download from the Apple iTunes App Store.

"Stay tuned" for similar updates to the Android app, Netflix said.

Editor's Note: This story was updated at 11:30 a.m. Eastern with comment from Netflix.