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Boxee Box firmware updated sans Netflix

Boxee has tweaked the firmware on its set-top box. The major addition is the inclusion of streaming service Vudu. However, Netflix is still missing.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
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Boxee has added another streaming service to its set-top box, but it isn't Netflix.

After updating their Boxee Box with new firmware, customers will find movie-streaming service Vudu. To entice folks to try it out, Wal-Mart-owned Vudu is offering a $5.99 credit toward the first rental or purchase of any title to new users.

Boxee Box

In addition to tucking in Vudu, Boxee said in a blog post yesterday, the updated firmware delivers better browser performance, improved subtitles, and a slew of other bug fixes to increase the set-top box's stability.

On the Netflix front, Boxee said it's "still on track" to launch the streaming service by the end of January. Boxee CEO Avner Ronen responded to user complaints about the lack of Netflix by noting that his company is "working hard to get Netflix out the door."

The lack of Netflix on the Boxee Box has been glaring. Netflix's streaming option is available on several competing products, including the Apple TV, Google TV-based devices, and Roku's set-top box. Moreover, Netflix availability on Boxee has been promised for months. When the set-top box launched in November, Boxee said it would add Netflix streaming "by the end of the year."