Next stop on the Netflix express: Cell phones

It’s no secret Netflix is betting big on its streaming service. The company began by limiting streaming to the PC, then expanded into consoles and dedicated set-top boxes and, in January, added Internet-enabled TVs to the mix. Today, it’s adding cell phones.
 

Microsoft, at MIX10, announced that users with Windows Phone 7 Series phones will be able to stream Netflix films directly to their phones. The service is able to use both 3G and Wifi. (Like other streaming apps, you’ll need to be a Netflix subscriber to see the movies.)

The companies gave a demo of the technology today and it’s a very slick interface that’s showing a lot of potential. In addition to your queue and new releases, the app uses Netflix’s recommendation engine to suggest films you’ll enjoy.

The question, right now, is whether the app will release this winter when Windows Phone 7 devices hit the market. For that, we’re going to have to wait and see.