Filed under: Video, Internet Tools
Amazon Video on Demand service goes live for Macs
A while back we noted that Amazon was planning to bring its video on demand service to the Mac. Well, it looks like they've finally flipped the switch because the service is now live. Much like iTunes, they're selling TV shows as well as offering movies for purchase and rent. Unlike iTunes, it's a streaming rather than a download service. Fortunately, they've got a number of free videos which will give you a sense of the quality of the service (which requires Flash).
Frankly, I'm a big fan of Amazon MP3, so it's good to see Amazon getting into the video business as well to put a little more competitive pressure on iTunes. I'm doubtful, however, that it will really affect the iTunes juggernaut.
[via electronista]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Johnny Thrash said 12:09PM on 9-04-2008
I'm glad there are options... but I prefer to watch stuff on my plasma. My Apple TV and iTunes allow me to do that and kick back on the sofa.
I've personally never been a fan of sitting at a computer desk and watching tv.
To each his own.
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robogobo said 4:49PM on 9-04-2008
And then there was the option called the laptop. Oh, and the Mini hooked up to a DLP, etc, etc.
Brian said 12:14PM on 9-04-2008
Again not if you don't live in the USA. Maybe point this out next time please.
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Rob Williams said 3:00PM on 9-04-2008
Yes, I agree. There are a lot of TUAW readers NOT based in the US.
I wish Amazon would get this all running in the UK. I'd happily use it!
lmo said 4:30PM on 9-04-2008
Yes, or Canada. It would be nice to have an option other than iTunes Canada, where the selection of TV shows, frankly, sucks.
moo083 said 12:34PM on 9-04-2008
I just wish the video industry would catch on like the music industry finally has. I want to purchase DRM free video. I would basically stop torrenting things if I could purchase it and use it anywhere I want. I want to be able to watch video I buy in iTunes and my iPhone, and also leave it on my media server to be watched on my TV via my PS3. I currently can't buy a movie and do that. It's pretty sad.
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caleb said 1:25PM on 9-04-2008
Weird. I can. *shrug*
Smartphone OSX = iPerfection said 3:07PM on 9-04-2008
you can watch vids from itunes on your iphone?
i think your argument is pretty lame. so what if you cant watch movies on your ps ? cry me a river
jettyboy@mac.com said 12:48PM on 9-04-2008
Anyone tried it yet with Apple TV? Sounds like it would be an good addition if it works smoothly with AppleTV.
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joecab said 12:52PM on 9-04-2008
Apple's the king in music, but video? Nah, still way too early to call.
We see lots of market percentages when it comes to songs, but is there any cumulative data on online movies out there? I think if Apple were that far ahead of the others we'd all know it by now, no?
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Christian K said 12:54PM on 9-04-2008
Um How is this different than Hulu? And isn't Hulu free? Yeah there are adds but they are short and in offensive? If I am going to "buy" something I want that something! "Buy" streaming? Really?
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Gregg Fuller said 1:07PM on 9-04-2008
Blah... mediocre streaming video. I'll watch it OTA in HD thanks.
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Mr Lizard said 1:47PM on 9-04-2008
Hang on, did you say I have to buy it and I don't get to download it, streaming only?
Please tell me I'm wrong...
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donotfold said 2:14PM on 9-04-2008
Another video on demand service for the US. When is there coming one to Belgium?!? Apple?!
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kdt said 2:50PM on 9-04-2008
Why would I pay the same price for a streaming video that I can only watch on an Internet connected computer instead of buying the same video on iTunes that I can download and watch on my Mac Mini connected to an HDTV, a Windows laptop, and my iPods?
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Smartphone OSX = iPerfection said 3:08PM on 9-04-2008
exactly!
Jared Mauch said 3:25PM on 9-04-2008
Does not work with Flash player version 10, keeps wanting me to downgrade to 9.
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robogobo said 4:52PM on 9-04-2008
iTunes juggernaut? Please. In music maybe, but have you actually tried to work iTunes Movie Rentals into your normal routine? I have and it sucks. The selection sucks, the rental period sucks, browsing sucks. Bring on the alternatives.
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