Over the last week or so, I’ve received a few tips and inquiries regarding the Popbox folks removing all Netflix references and imagery from a redesigned website ahead of launch.
While the Popbox brings along many of the powerful local playback capabilities found in Syabas’ precursor Popcorn Hour devices, the Popbox introduces a refreshed UI and apps. Indeed, Netflix is now a conspicuous absence… given the competition, but also since Syabas pushed it hard as part of their launch announcement (CES flyer below, my CES briefing, press release here). Yesterday, I reached out to their PR team for clarification:
So I get the story right… Will Netflix be available on Popbox at launch?
PopBox wants to have as many apps on the platform as possible at launch but we don’t have the final lineup quite yet. The great thing about the platform is that it updates easily, so while I can’t confirm either way that Netflix will be available at launch just yet, we do hope to have Netflix on the box as soon as possible.
I have little insight into how Netflix licenses streaming partners – requirements, compensation, etc. But it does appear that something has changed or wasn’t worked out in a timely fashion by Syabas given the current Netflix situation. And something to (re)consider should you have pre-ordered a Popbox from Amazon.
(Thanks David, Tom!)
