Lovefilm finally gets an iPhone app

[UK] Lovefilm, the Netflix of the UK, has released an iPhone app that enables members to view and manage their rental lists on Apple’s smartphone.

It’s a move that seems more than a little overdue, especially considering US-based Netflix has a whole bunch of iPhone apps that tie into the service thanks to the company’s widely available API.

Aside from cue management, including the ability to search and browse through Lovefilm’s catalogue of over 65,000 titles across DVD, Blu-ray and games, the free app gives users access to a range of film-related information, including film synopses and cast lists, user generated ratings, and related recommendations.

As the company notes, this could be useful for non-subscribers too, although there are plenty of other iPhone apps that offer something similar.

The app was developed by Techlightenment, the London-based social media agency.

Launched in 2004, Lovefilm has over 1.3 million subscribers and, aside from Britain, the film and games rental company operates in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Germany.

And in another move not dissimilar to Netflix, Lovefilm launched a video streaming service in early 2009, with many titles available to stream at no extra cost for those on the highest tier. Additionally, ‘premium’ titles are offered on a pay-per-view basis, and some titles are available to all visitors supported by ads.

In January 2010 Sony and Samsung Electronics announced that Lovefilm will be available through a range of Internet-enabled devices – finally enabling movies to be streamed directly to the TV – again, very Netflix-esque.