Since Sony has dug deeper into the mainstream with the launch of PS3 Slim and the corresponding $100 price drop, the rumor mill's been a-turnin' with talk of plans to catch up with Microsoft's Xbox Live service and all the bells and whistles it affords users. What better place to start than with the most popular Xbox Live feature – streaming Netflix services?

And two days ago, Sony and Netflix did just that – announced a partnership that would bring Netflix services to the PlayStation Network. There was just one small catch – said Netflix services require a streaming Blu-ray disc that, albeit free, must be inserted any and every time someone wants to use the Netflix service on PSN.

Sure, any Netflix service is better than no Netflix service, but what about one day ditching the disc?

According to Netflix representatives, an "embedded solution" (read: disc-free Netflixing) is in development, but won't be available until "late next year." Many suspect the reason disc-free Netflix on PSN is so far off is because of Microsoft's exclusive arrangement with Netflix, which seems to expire sometime late next year – around the same time Sony would introduce their embedded solution.

In the meanwhile, at least PS3 owners can finally enjoy (nearly) the same service Xbox Live users have since around this time last year.