Seagate media players get Netflix via firmware update

Seagate today announced a new firmware update for its FreeAgent Theater+ HD media player that adds Netflix's video streaming. The device was criticized by reviewers last year for excluding the popular TV and movie streaming service -- something offered by competing products, such as the Roku HD Player.

Additionally, the latest update brings access to other providers such as YouTube, vTuner, and Mediafly. Current FreeAgent Theater+ HD owners can download the latest firmware version here (detailed instructions are also provided if you're unsure how to perform the update), and future shipments should have the new software installed straight out of the box.


This news follows Seagate's plans to preload select Paramount movies on its 500GB FreeAgent Go portable hard drives. To start, the company is offering special packages of the FreeAgent Go that, for no additional fee, is able to "activate" Paramount's Star Trek (2009). Other titles mentioned in the agreement include GI Joe, Sky Captain, and The World of Tomorrow.