Netflix

Today the free Netflix iPad application was updated to support video output via Apple’s optional dock connector to VGA adapter. This lets you watch your video on a much larger display. It's a feature I have been waiting for since the application was available and a much welcomed addition to this app!

We have to say we're pretty excited about the streaming video possibilities on the iPad. So excited, in fact, that the YouTube app feels pretty much like old hat. Jeremy already took a quick look at Netflix on the iPad and the verdict is that it works and the magic of simply having Netflix streaming on an iPad does much to overcome the fact that what you essentially have here is an app made of up Netflix's webpage.

ABC Video, however, is much more elegant and is a nicer iPod app. You get a set of tabs at the bottom for viewing video, your video history, and even a schedule of ABC shows. The video looks crisp to my eyes, but I'm especially impressed at how well the app saves my place on the various shows I've watched.

A quick video comparison of ABC, Netflix, and the default Videos app, along with a gallery of ABC and Netflix, are after the break!

The streaming video apps for iPad are now in the US iTunes App Store so if you've been waiting to get your mobile TV and Movies on, go grab Netflix [Free - iTunes link] and ABC Player [Free - iTunes link].

Netflix makes use of your existing Netflix unlimited membership (yeah, you need one of those but you can grab a free trial to test it out). Once you're set up, you can pretty much watch the content you want, when and where you want. Browse and manage your queue from the iPad, watch on your TV, PC, or iPad and resume right where you left off.

ABC Player lets you watch full episodes of LOST, Grey's Anatomy, Modern Family, Desperate Housewives, and more. Search and schedule make it easy to find what you need and viewing history means even though it's streaming, if you need to stop watching now, you can resume where you left off later. The app is free but the content is "sponsored" and it only works over Wi-Fi.

And if you want more content on your iPad, like CBS, remember Apple's got a whole Safari/web friendly list up for you!

Screens shots after the break!

Netflix, which mails DVDs and Blu-Ray discs to subscribers and streams movies and TV shows directly to Xbox 360 and other set-top box owners, commented on the likelihood of their working with Apple, and specifically providing an app for the iPhone:

“[A partnership with Apple] is something that’s likely to come over time,” Hastings said. “But nothing in the short term. [With] movie watching, we are not focused on mobile yet, but on the TV, on Blu-ray and on the video game consoles. We will get to mobile eventually, including the iPhone.”

This either goes against, or pushes back previous rumors that "Watch Instantly" was on its way to the App Store.