X

Sorry, BlackBerry 10. No Netflix app for you

A report that Netflix isn't planning to bring its app to BlackBerry 10 portends a huge issue for the recently released operating system.

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.
Don Reisinger
2 min read
BlackBerry 10 might have an app problem.
BlackBerry 10 might have an app problem. Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Netflix's video-streaming application is available on a slew of devices and operating systems. But don't expect it on BlackBerry 10.

All Things Digital reported yesterday, citing people who claim to have knowledge of Netflix's plans, that the company will not be developing a native or ported streaming application for BlackBerry 10 users. All Things Digital's source said that the vast majority of Netflix's subscribers already have subscribed to its service from a mobile device, making the additional work to support BlackBerry 10 unnecessary.

In a follow-up statement to All Things Digital, a Netflix spokesperson confirmed the report, saying that it has "no current plans for a BlackBerry app."

That Netflix isn't bringing its application to BlackBerry 10 is a huge issue for the recently released operating system. Netflix is the most important streaming provider in the world, and its mobile application consistently ranks among the top in other mobile operating systems. If BlackBerry 10 starts gaining traction among consumers, it might not be long before competitors point out that one of the top service providers in the land didn't see it fit to bring its service to the operating system.

Netflix's decision is just the latest bad news for BlackBerry 10. Last month, a report surfaced saying that Instagram has also decided against developing a native BlackBerry 10 app. Instagram might port an Android version, but that offers less user-friendliness than the native option.

CNET has contacted BlackBerry for comment on Netflix's decision. We will update this story when we have more information.