Before work yesterday I noticed an excellent update to the Netflix application on the 360 that allows you to browse and queue movies from your 360 as well as watch select content “with” friends!!

New Netflix on the 360!

According to Xbox.com the new features include:

  • Netflix Instant Queue – For the first time on any device you can update your Netflix instant Queue right from your television – no computer necessary.
  • Party Watch – Catch a show with your friends! Bring your party into Netflix and watch a movie or TV show together. (Feature available with supported titles.)
  • Find Content Faster – Browse through New Releases and other genre lists based on the types of shows you’ve previously watched, all from the comfort of your couch.
  • Improved Playback Experience – Improvements have been made to ensure a better experience when adapting to changing network conditions.
  • Improved Presence – Richer information is now displayed in the Friends channel and in the Guide showing what you and your friends are watching.

I have yet to try the “Party Watch” feature so I can’t say how great that will be. I did however start it up (all by my lonesome) and it is set up like a mystery science theater showing. There are a few chairs in front and a “movie screen” in front. You can use emotes to show a range of emotions (happy, sad, laughter, boredom, playful…. well you get the idea). I’m curious if my friends have to have Netfix on their machines to be able to join me or not. I’ll try to get my friend Jesse to try it out with me soon.