14 DAY TRIAL // Not just that much time has passed since we reported about a statement made by Netflix's CEO Reed Hastings that said the service is bound to get a streaming-only option really soon, but I don't think that anybody actually expected this to come as soon as it did, Netflix just making this announcement official.
As we reported earlier this service will be available to all Netflix members across the US, this new plan being available for $7.99, the exact same price as that of Netflix's biggest rival right now, Hulu Plus.
However this news is not going to strike joy in all Netflix users out there, the company also announcing they have increased the prices for their unlimited DVD plan by a dollar a month to reach $9.99.
Furthermore, renting more DVDs at the same time will also wind up costing you more, as renting three DVDs has gone up with an extra three dollars, to $19.99, while renting 8 DVDs at the same time will require you to pay $55.99 (from $47.99 before).
Although Netflix doesn't say what caused this price increase in DVD rental fees, most probably the company wants to drive more of its users towards the streaming-only service, as this seems to be the way that Netflix want to go in the future.
"We are now primarily a streaming video company delivering a wide selection of TV shows and films over the Internet," said Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder and CEO.
"Today's action reflects the tremendous customer value we've injected into streaming from Netflix, our initial success with a pure streaming service in Canada for $7.99 a month and what our U.S. members tell us they want."
As far as availability goes, this plan is available right now to both new and existing members, through the Netflix website.