Is Amazon Making a Loss on Its 99-Cent Downloads to Counteract Apple’s Rentals? [Amazon]
An interesting theory from PaidContent proposes that Amazon's actually making a loss on those 99-cent TV episode streaming purchases, as an attempt to head off any stragglers considering Apple's 99-cent rentals. [PaidContent] More
$11,000 All-Aluminum Bleachers Spotted on Amazon
File this under: funny Amazon products. At $11182.68, this 21' Preferred (All Aluminum) Bleachers (10 Rows) isn't just some gag, it's an actual product that can be delivered in 3-5 weeks, or so says the merchant. One caveat, when user M. Mcnully received it "there was some girl's phone number underneath and half of the fifth bleacher was made of wood." Product page. Here's what user Yu has to say:
I was hesitant buying this because of its size. However, after having used it for 6 months, I must admit that it is far better than any other bleacher I have tried before.
[via Amazon]
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$11,000 All-Aluminum Bleachers Spotted on Amazon
Amazon Unveils $.99 Fox And ABC TV Show Purchases. Apple Fanboys say wha?
Whoa, this came out of left-field. Amazon just announced that its Video on demand service will be serving up $.99 ABC and Fox rentals just like Apple wait, no, these are $.99 per episode — like you actually own the content rather than just having a short window to watch. Plus, it’s not just limited to one platform as Amazon Video on demand is widely available a bunch of products. This could be huge and might take some sales away from the new Apple TV.
Steve touted the new $.99 rentals as one of the main features of the Apple TV and I couldn’t agree more. It’s a relatively cheap and easy way to watch a few TV shows. It almost makes sense if you’re not a big TV watch to opt for the pay-per-view scheme rather than a pricey cable subscription — 22 episodes in a season = $22. However, it could get expensive, too.
Amazon’s solution, however, is just about the same thing but users are actually buying the videos for $.99 rather than renting them. The best part is that you may already have the capability as Amazon Video on demand is found in dozens of HDTVs from Samsung, Sony, and Panasonic, set top boxes like TiVo, and yes, even the Roku. I’m still seeing a $2.99 price via my TiVo HD, but that will likely drop to the new price before too long.
Of course the Apple TV brings other features to the table that avid Apple users will no doubt enjoy, but this move from Amazon should make some consumer look closely at their current equipment before dropping $99 on the new streamer. I count three devices in my house with Amazon Video on demand.
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Amazon Unveils $.99 Fox And ABC TV Show Purchases. Apple Fanboys say wha?
Amazon streaming 99-cent ABC and Fox shows… right now (update: purchases, not rentals!)
Eager to get on the new Apple TV's cheap 99-cent TV show rentals but not so pumped to wait four weeks for it to ship? No worries: Amazon's also now offering 99-cent rentals purchases of various ABC and FOX shows, which means a whole host of Amazon VOD-compatible devices just got some cheaper streaming options as well -- and hey, Roku just cut prices on its entire lineup of Amazon- and Netflix- compatible players, so you can get in the game for as little as $60. Of course, the Apple TV also features day-and-date movie rentals, local streaming, AirPlay, and that slick iPhone / iPod touch Remote app, but only your heart truly knows if those are worth an extra few bucks and a month of fevered desire.
Update: As our astute commenters are pointing out, these are actually listed as 99-cent purchases, making this a far better deal entirely. We don't know if that's for real or just an error right now, though -- we're double checking and we'll let you know.
Update 2: Yep, we've confirmed that these are 99-cent purchases, making this a much better deal than Apple's rental model -- although only you can decide whether you actually need permanent streaming access to Dollhouse Season 2.
[Thanks, Stephen]
Amazon streaming 99-cent ABC and Fox shows... right now (update: purchases, not rentals!) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
The Apple TV Isn’t For Pirates, It’s For Parents
I’m going to just assume that if you’re reading this, you’re familiar with torrenting and the like. It’s pretty much commonplace now and while I’m not here to argue its legal ground, it’s a fact that many people get their TV and movie content this way. Yes, it’s illegal, but the fact is there are products specifically geared for that market. The Apple TV isn’t one of them.
Oh no, the Apple TV is for those on the up and up. It’s clearly for those that for one reason or another, want an easier or legal way to get on-demand content on their HDTV. I can’t think of a single device that makes renting TV shows and movies easier. The Roku? Well, it has Netflix and Amazon Video On Demand, but even those require one or two more steps than the new Apple TV — and you can’t get the latest TV episodes, either. Its dead simple interface and feature set are the Apple TV’s main draw and, I suspect, why it will be successful.
It’s actually a smart move on Apple’s part. They are clearly going after the mainstream here. The Apple TV will probably sell like mad come Christmas. It’s $99 and brings a person’s entire iTunes collection to a the big screen. I wouldn’t be shocked to see stores like Best Buy sell it alongside iPhone.
But unless some devs open up the device, it’s not for downloaders or advanced users. The supported media formats are far too limited and everything has to be streamed through iTunes Home Sharing. There doesn’t seem to be any way for it to access local network shares directly, which pretty much kills the appeal for that demographic.
That’s fine; there are several devices that already serve that market, from the Western Digital TV to the Seagate FreeAgent Theater+, to the dozens of other devices available. Want something Apple TV-ish? Wait for the Boxee Box this coming November. That seems to be the device that will fill the gap between versatile and mainstream.
Personally I find the new Apple TV boring, but I’ll admit it’s not for me. I left my Mac behind when Windows 7 came out. Moved my photo collection from iPhoto to Picasa and get my music from RDIO. All my videos and TV content are served up from a TiVo. I’m set, but the Apple TV should satisfy most mainstream consumers’ need for on-demand content. Everyone else should continue lurking in the shadows.
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The Apple TV Isn’t For Pirates, It’s For Parents
Want An Apple TV Right Now? Buy A Roku
The new Apple TV, is, well, boring. Sorry, it is. But more on that later. Right now, I thought I should point out that there’s already a well-developed product on the market that not only competes directly with the new Apple TV, but in many ways, is vastly superior: The Roku.
I’m serious. I’m sure you’ve heard of this device before. It’s been out for nearly forever and what started as the Netflix streaming box, is now a versatile streamer. It has many of the same limitations as the Apple TV — limited local network streaming and a lot of the content costs something — but that’s fine. It has more apps, or rather as they call them, channels along with featuring reviews from Rotten Tomatoes and more.
Roku just hit 50 channels the other day with the addition of Vimeo. These things range from Netflix, to Pandora, to UFC, to Amazon Video on demand. There’s a lot of content available through the device and you’ll be presently surprised by the UI. It’s Apple-good. There’s even a fancy new Netflix interface.
Roku must have saw this coming because just two days ago, they dropped the prices across the board with the base model now costing $59. $99 will get you the 802.11n-equipped Roku HD-XR while it’s only $69 for the same model sans the wireless mode.
Of course if your house is filled with all Apple product, you should probably opt for the Apple TV as it will likely work nicely with all of your equipment. But for the rest of us, the Roku might be a better bet.
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Want An Apple TV Right Now? Buy A Roku
Sony’s scheming a streaming music and video subscription service, too?
Perhaps you've heard that Apple's investing in digital video distribution at the moment? Perhaps you've read that Amazon's working on a subscription video network, too? Sony makes number three, as the Financial Times is reporting the electronics giant is looking to launch a multimedia platform of its own. Starting with the PlayStation 3 and PSP, and then later extending to internet-connected Sony TVs, Blu-ray players, Vaio computers and phones, the service will reportedly offer both music and video sometime next year in what's no doubt an attempt to work out deep-seated guilt at the death of Connect. You won't have to wait nearly that long, however, to find out what's what -- the publication says Sir Stringer intends to preempt Apple's six-string reveal by announcing the PlayStation Network-based service from IFA 2010 in Germany. Call us crazy, but this sounds like a perfect fit for the Sony's out-of-the-blue $130 Netbox.
[Thanks, dedparrot]
Sony's scheming a streaming music and video subscription service, too? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Amazon planning subscription video service to challenge Netflix and Hulu?
Looks like one company's not ready to let Apple claim the spotlight with tomorrow's rumored $99 iOS-based Apple TV launch -- the Wall Street Journal reports that Amazon has a subscription-based streaming video service in the works. Reportedly focused on older content more easily pried from the iron fist of traditional media (similar to Netflix Watch Instantly and Hulu Plus), the service is aimed at the usual array of internet-connected devices -- the Xbox 360 was called out specifically -- and one anonymous source told the publication that Amazon intends to get the connected entertainment party started by Yuletide. Mind you, Amazon's not exactly new to the streaming video game. Remember Unbox? The day the company turned that service into Video on Demand it came with 40,000 programs -- a good 11,582 more than today's Hulu Plus. So, if the rumors are true, we imagine that over two years and many integrated systems later, Amazon might still have a decent leg up.
Amazon planning subscription video service to challenge Netflix and Hulu? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Amazon wants their own video streaming service
Amazon has licked their lips in anticipation of a new video streaming service that will be in the vein of the Netflix subscription model, and it intends to achieve that by targeting big content companies and securing rights to TV shows and movies - at least, that's what the Wall Street Journal reports. Not only that, Amazon intends to roll out this service in time for the frenzied holiday season, but considering that it will be September in just a few hours' time, that looks like Mission Impossible as no takers are available at the moment. Currently, Amazon is limited to offering movies and TV shows via the Internet on a pay-per-show basis, and a subscription service is the next level that Amazon hopes to take it to. Well, do you think it is a matter of time before cheap video content might take the industry down the same road as super cheap MP3 distribution?
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Amazon wants their own video streaming service
Amazon Planning Unlimited TV Shows, Movies Streaming Service
Although talks are said to be in the early stages, Amazon may be looking to offer unlimited, unmetered streaming of television shows and movies through its streaming services online. The move would provide competition to Netflix, Hulu Plus, and the rumored $0.99 Apple iTunes TV show rental service.
Sources are saying that Amazon is approaching talks cautiously. The large Internet retailer is said to be pitching the idea of unlimited streaming rentals to NBC, Time Warner, Viacom and other studios. The Amazon service, if and when launched, should work over the web and through existing devices, like a TiVo, DVR, and game consoles, much like how Netflix has leveraged Internet-connected Xbox and Playstation consoles for streaming.
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Amazon Planning Unlimited TV Shows, Movies Streaming Service