Qualcomm delivers instant streaming of Netflix movies on Android

Qualcomm‘s latest Snapdragon mobile processors will enable future Android devices to be able to instantly stream TV shows and movies from Netflix.

Instant streaming is the hottest new way to get movies into the hands of users. It has been possible on connected home machines such as video game consoles, Blu-ray players, and connected TVs. But mobile devices haven’t really been capable of streaming movies and TV shows in a reliable way.

With the new Qualcomm technology, users will be able to watch their movies with instant gratification — no more waiting for long downloads. Currently, the experience of watching streamed movies on mobile phones is anything but instantaneous.

The technology is aimed at upcoming Android smartphones and tablets using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips. The newest Snapdragon processors, debuting as early as the second quarter, can run at 2.5 gigahertz and process data 150 percent faster than some of today’s fastest mobile chips.

Qualcomm said it has received certification from Netflix and that the video processing is handled by highly efficient dedicated hardware inside the chip. That means it can play movies at high quality without draining battery life. Qualcomm is showing off the technology at the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona.

[image credit: ObamaPacman]