Netflix released an app for Apple’s new iPad, allowing subscribers who bought the device on launch day to access the service’s vast library of streaming films and television. The iPad won’t be stealing all of the thunder from the already-popular iPhone and iPod touch, however; a Netflix Watch Instantly app is in the works for those devices, too.

Netflix made that clear in a very brief blog post today:

Steve Swasey, VP of Corporate Communications, here. Terrific response to our news today about Netflix on the iPad. For those of you asking whether Netflix will be on the iPhone and iPod Touch: We wouldn’t invite you to dinner without planning to serve dessert. In other words, we’re working on it so stay tuned.

We already knew that a Netflix app for the iPhone and iPod touch was a possibility because Netflix has been asking users for their opinions on a hypothetical iPhone/iPod touch app in online surveys. Given that an iPad app has already been released and that the iPad and the iPhone are very similar platforms, you can understand why we’re not surprised.

This is just another step in a long march for Netflix. The service started out mailing DVDs to customers, but it has signed numerous film and TV studios to provide content for its Watch Instantly streaming service, which is now the main draw for many tech-savvy folks. More recently, video game consoles like the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 have been updated with Netflix streaming capability.

Plans start at $8.99 per month. Available films and shows include 30 Rock, Weeds, King of the Hill, 24, Julie and Julia, The Proposal, Angels & Demons, The Sixth Sense and numerous others.

Not too long ago we got word that Google is working on a TV search project with Dish Network, and now there’s every indication the search giant wants even more direct involvement with the television ecosystem. According to the New York Times, they’re partnering with Sony and Intel in a new Android-based platform literally dubbed Google TV.

The new set-top box will allow users to surf online video from the comforts of the couch, and will compete with the likes of the Boxee Box and the Popbox we got our hands on at CES this year, the Roku set-top device, and to some extent video game consoles that have the ability to stream content from Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, and others. Beyond straight up video, the idea is to give users an interface to access popular social sites like Twitter and browse photos on sharing sites like Google-owned Picasa on their TVs as well.

As with Android itself, Google TV will likely be an open source platform, with Sony stepping up to manufacture the first hardware that will run it — likely including both set-top boxes and internet-connected TVs. Meanwhile, peripherals manufacturer Logitech is reportedly working on accessories for Google TV devices like a remote control with a small keyboard.

The project is reported to be a few months in already, although without official commentary from Google itself the news technically remains in rumor status. Would you be interested in having a Google-based TV experience?