In the unending attempt of modern entertainment providers to evolve in step with changing trends and technologies, Netflix is believed to have a resounding interest in bringing its “Watch Instantly” feature to a variety of new devices.

The feature, which allows subscribers to check out most movies in the Netflix library without having to touch a DVD or even walk to their computer or mailbox, is already a popular addition to the Xbox 360.

But according to some insider reports, the Nintendo Wii and Apple’s iPhone platform may be the next to get “Watch Instantly.”

The Wii seems a natural fit as Nintendo is all about streaming video and downloadable content, particularly in recent years. The iPhone, however, has largely seen Apple restrict an open arms approach to streaming video. As a result, streaming video on the iPhone may have to come via Wi-Fi in order to keep bandwidth on the already overburdened network to a minimum.

Is Netflix on to something big here?

Only time will tell.

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To quote Heath Ledger as the Joker: “if you’re good at something, never do it for free.”

That seems to be the thinking of late around the corporate towers of the New York Times.

And the “joke” could very well end up on lovers of the original mobile content provided by the venerable but financially struggling newspaper.

At some point soon, it is likely that the New York Times will begin charging users to access its news coverage on mobile devices.

Until now, the popular service has been free.

Citing lost revenue opportunities, the company is eager to move forward with aggressive plans to improve the service for which they will now charge.

“Mobile offers a better opportunity for paid content,” says a NY Times executive to Bloomberg News. “For publishers to offer their content for free in the mobile platform forever without getting paid very much money, I don’t think it’s going to be tenable.”

For now at least, The New York Times mobile content is available free of charge on the Apple iPhone.

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That would be pretty interesting Alvin. They couldn’t pick a better mobile partner if that turns out to be true.

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