Netflix
IN PHOTO: The headquarters of Netflix is shown in Los Gatos, California in this file photo taken September 20, 2011. Netflix Inc reported higher profit that beat Wall Street expectations for the quarter that ended in March, boosted by the addition of 2.25 million customers to its movie and TV streaming service in the United States. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith/Files Reuters

Internet video streaming giant company Netflix announced yesterday its plan to expand into four more Asian countries - Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea - in the first quarter next year. The expansion’s purpose is to complete Netflix’s global rollout by the end of 2016.

This announcement is a continuation of its Asian expansion, kicked off in Japan earlier this month. Earlier in March, Netflix also launched in Australia and New Zealand. By year’s end, it is expected to arrive in Portugal, Spain and Italy. The Q2 results unveiled that 3.8 million new subscribers from out of the country were added, topping its 2.5 million projection , CNET reported.

Netflix, home to such original programming as ‘‘House of Cards’’ and ‘’Orange Is the New Black’,’ is available in more than 50 countries and boasts a global subscriber base of 65 million. It also announced that it will open a satellite office in Singapore for its expansion plans in Asia, Telecompaper noted.

"The combination of increasing Internet speeds and ubiquity of connected devices provides consumers with the anytime, anywhere ability to enjoy their favorite TV shows and movies on the Netflix service," Reed Hastings, chief executive of Netflix, said in a statement.

It will be available at launch on tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, computers, Internet-enabled game consoles and set-top boxes. Further details, such as pricing and available programming, will be disclosed at a later date, the company said in its press release.

Special programming for children will also be offered. Customers in the four target countries will soon be able to subscribe to Netflix and watch popular TV shows and movies. The display resolutions will be in HD or Ultra HD 4K for internet-connected screens. Meanwhile, Asian consumers waiting for the giant streaming company’s arrival are encouraged to sign up to the company’s website for alerts.

Netflix to Launch in Korea and SE Asia in 2016 (Credit: YouTube/Wochit Entertainment)

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