TeddyK
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In the latest update to Netflix’s apps for iOS and Android, they’ve included the ability to use the mobile devices as remote controls when streaming a movie or show on the PlayStation 3. This is the first time Netflix has unveiled such a feature, and it provides a glimpse of how different devices can interact when connected to the same service.
To do this, you need to have a video running on your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or Android device and have your PlayStation 3 on with Netflix running as well. They have to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. When doing that, you’ll see an option pop up asking you if you want to play the content on the PS3, whereby the mobile device in your hand then changes to show playback controls. Play, pause, fast-forward and rewind are all there.
Not only that, but you can also scrub to any part of the video you want, change subtitles, and even browse to play other videos. Super convenient.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like any other devices, notably the Xbox 360, Boxee Box or Roku got the same functionality. But that might just be a matter of time, since the PS3 may be the guinea pig for a wider rollout. That also might explain why Netflix was so quiet about the feature because it wasn’t even mentioned in the latest app update.
Give it a shot if you have the gear to make it happen. You’ll know when it works once the prompt pops up to ask you where you’d want to watch it.
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