Netflix Application Appears On UK PS3 XMB

Could the Netflix UK and IRL launch be just around the corner?

Though the UK already has several options when it comes to streaming services (including LoveFilm and 4oD), we could barely contain our excitement when Netflix announced it was planning a UK launch for its on-demand video service. Having added Canada in 2010, and 43 countries across Latin America in September of last year, Netflix announced its intentions to expand into the UK and Irish market in October 2011. However, though the company seemed excited at the prospect of serving the UK and Irish markets, it didn't give anything away when it came to a launch date (or pricing and plans, for that matter).

Well, today, some PS3 users in the United Kingdom spotted a Netflix app along with a 'Coming Soon' tagline and an invitation to sign up for an email notification when the service goes live. It's not clear how long the 13MB application has been available for download, but it certainly looks like that 'early 2012' launch that Netflix promised us is drawing closer.