Since 2010, it has been rumored that Amazon will offer free unlimited video streaming to its Amazon Prime
Netflix is, by far, the most popular video streaming service in America. Amazon could challenge Netflix in the streaming space with this rumored deal. It would be cheaper than a yearly Netflix subscription and users would get additional value from the shipping services. While Amazon would arguably lose money on the streaming service, the idea is that it would more than make up for it when customers purchase physical goods.
I’ve been an Amazon Prime customer since the program’s inception and I absolutely love it. That said, it also makes me spend more money than I probably should since I know that my items will arrive quickly and I want to maximize the value of my subscription. Since money is a bit tight, I’ve considered dropping Prime in 2011, but the prospect of free video streaming will probably make me hang onto the service.
For gamers, the choice is especially interesting. Amazon has several great deals on games and often ships new titles to Prime customers so that they arrive on launch day. However, Netflix is available on all three current-gen consoles. Amazon Video on Demand is available on TiVo, PC, certain Sony Bravia televisions, and select Panasonic Viera models. Though I suppose using an Xbox 360 as a Windows Media Extender would allow for console playback. The point being that Netflix has direct ways to watch content on consoles, while Amazon does not (yet).
I’d love to hear what you think of this rumor. Would you subscribe to Amazon Prime if it included unlimited video streaming? Also, thanks to RPadholic tokz_21 for reminding to write about this rumor.
Just to provide an example, I love ordering heavy things like a few cases of soup and getting free two-day shipping on the order.
@rpad
I love prime too but it's a little pricey for me. I see where u can add people to ur prime account and share it for the $79 price. Do u know if It has to have th same shipping or billing address to share it with people?
I'm not sure what the current rules are, but I'm the past you could have different addresses. You just needed to know your relative's birthday to share an account. And no, you didn't actually have to be related.
@rpad
we should find out. we could split it you and i (or if anyone else wants in), i know you can add up to four people.
My account is full with various…cousins.
so that's a no?? lol. anyone else?
I currently get it for free because I am a student, and all I have to do is use an email ending with .edu. Once that changes I might want to keep Prime, and if I do I will definitely let you know first and we can look into that. It is a really nice service, especially if they add system integration for VoD services through Amazon.
Another thing I'm going to check, I thought the Roku player did allow instant streaming of all Amazon VoD. If that is the case then a $79 yearly charge is much better compared to Netflix! I would gladly pay that amount if I had the right equipment to play it on.
According to this the Roku player does allow Amazon on demand services to stream through it, making this an instant purchase for me if Prime members get free unlimited video streaming.
http://www.amazon.com/Roku-XDS-Streaming-Player-1…