Amazon Video on Demand Service is Mac-friendly

Back in 2006 we covered the launch of the Amazon Unbox video service which was then being pitched as the best alternative to the iTunes Store. There was one big problem: it didn't support Macs. Now, finally, Amazon is starting to rectify the situation with their new Amazon Video on Demand Service. PC Magazine has a First Look at the Service and, sure enough, it now supports Macs.

It appears that the new service will be similar to Netflix's streaming (which does not support the Mac, though they have promised it a long time ago) in that you'll be able to watch 40,000 movies and television shows in your browser. Unlike Netflix, however, the content will be priced individually with no subscription options. The video will be streamed with Flash 9.

Unfortunately, the program is still in beta and Amazon apparently has enough testers at the moment. However, you can sign up for their beta mailing list if you want to get in the next time they issue invitations.

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Source: http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/007299.html

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Back in 2006 we covered the launch of the Amazon Unbox video service which was then being pitched as the best alternative to the iTunes...

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christy

I recently discovered inexpensive movie downloads on ZML when I could only find the movie "Feast of Love" available for download through Netflix and Blockbuster--neither of which work on my Mac.
It was available for Mac or PC, at $2.99
http://www.zml.com/?uid=2290328

September 08 2008 at 12:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

christy

I recently discovered inexpensive movie downloads on ZML music library when I could only find the movie "Feast of Love" available for download through Netflix and Blockbuster--neither of which work on my Mac.

http://www.zml.com/movie/feast-of-love-1 17246.htm?uid=2290328

September 08 2008 at 12:51 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Jeremy

Streaming in the browser with Flash? Ugh. It's as if they tried to make it suck as much as they possibly could.

July 18 2008 at 1:14 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

reallycrazyguy

It's not UK-unfriendly. It's non-US unfriendly. And I don't understand the concept of buying a streamed video, as it's only usable if I'm connected to the internet AND Amazon's servers continue to operate [see WalMart for an example of 'purchased' movies that no longer are viewable].

What makes anyone think that Amazon's service will be any different?

July 17 2008 at 5:26 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

mikull

Eventually, Amazon or Netflix is going to not only work on a Mac, but offer movies with a monthly subscription as opposed to a pay-per-view. When that happens, honestly, there's only 2 things Apple can do with their cost structure: go subscription or fail.

Personally, I like my Apple TV, but I rent nothing. If there was a monthly subscription, I would be signed up already.

July 17 2008 at 5:00 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Tom W Browning

Shame it isn't UK-friendly. Same goes for the new PS3 Video Store.

July 17 2008 at 4:34 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply