Netflix Streaming Headed to Android

Netflix streaming is headed to Android, although probably not for a while. The company has added two job listings to its website searching for Android developers, the last of which was for the position of "Android Video Playback Expert."

From the Netflix website: "Netflix is looking for a great engineer to help us build Instant Streaming client implementations on Android devices." They are apparently searching for "a senior engineer with a strong background in embedded and mobile development, specifically on media-enabled devices." specifically someone who has "implemented video playback on Android-based devices." in the past.

Netflix streaming is currently only available on the iPad, with support for the iPhone expected to come later this year. Having the service extend to Android devices would be huge for Netflix, and for Android.

Netflix is also apparently looking for candidates to have ten years of experience in software development, going on to say that experience with the iPhone and iPad would be a huge plus. The fact that they're looking for someone who has some experience with iPad development may indicate that they are trying to find someone who can build off of what they already have with the iPad and turn it into something that can be used with Android.

Netflix going mobile is something I personally can't wait for. I often watch downloaded movies and television shows on my phone while I'm at the gym or waiting in airports, to be able to stream those things on demand rather than downloading them would save me tons of time, and tons of money.

Since Netflix is still (obviously) in the hiring stages for engineers, the app is more than likely a long way off. A Netflix employee mentioned online: "I just know we're actively hiring Android devs. I wish I knew more about a timeframe for you. Good things come to those who wait. Netflix is essentially a tech company and with the way Android is blowing up it would be stupid of us to ignore that."

Android is blowing up, outselling iPhones and well on its way to overtaking BlackBerry this year. Android is most definitely a huge market, a market that no company can really get away with ignoring any longer.

Are any of you looking forward to Netflix streaming hitting Android? Where would you watch movies if you could watch them on demand from your phone?