Tech blog Gizmodo ran an intriguing rumor about the potential of Netflix streaming movie service coming to the Xbox 360 on Live Marketplace. The speculation stems from an alleged survey sent to Netflix members which asked:
"If as part of your Netflix membership you could instantly watch movies and TV episodes on your TV with your Xbox 360, how likely would you/anyone in your house be to do that?"
With all those "ifs" noted, this rumor sounds awfully believable right about now. Recent events show Microsoft aggressively approaching the expansion of its business this year, and specifically addressing vulnerabilities and opportunities it sees out there.
Netflix looks like the perfect next piece of the puzzle to bring the fight to the blossoming battle for where people turn when they want to watch a video downloaded over the Net. In fact, while Microsoft's disinterest in becoming a video rental store probably precludes their making an outright offer for Netflix, forging a strong partnership takes on not one, but two of their other big rivals.