Boxee update adds Netflix, interface tweaks

Boxee has released an updated alpha version of its media player software adding support for the Watch Instantly video streaming feature from Netflix as well as MTV music videos, the WB network and photos from the Boston Globe. The move comes two weeks after the startup secured its first round of venture capital funding, hoping to license the XBMC-based software for use in set-top boxes and other devices.

The new version also includes interface improvements for Hulu, CNN, Flickr and Picasa. An updated YouTube module features improved browsing and playback and adds support for higher-quality H.264 video streams from the Google-run website.

Although the software has been adapted for use on Apple TVusing a USB flash drive, the new Netflix module does not yet work because of "hardware limitations" with the Apple device. Boxee says it is working hard to fix the problem.

Boxee is designed to display virtually any format of digital video, photos and music and includes social networking features that allow users to share recommendations. Users can sign up as testing candidates to potentially download the alpha Mac software for free. A Linux version is also available, and the company says it will soon begin testing a Windows version.