Amazon’s shady Prime Video practices are paying off huge time

By now, just about each streaming service (with the notable exception of Apple TV+) has some kind of ad-supported choice. Nonetheless, customers need to opt-in to those subscriptions, and streamers like Netflix, Max, Disney+ and extra have been capable of efficiently lure subscribers to those money-making tiers with decrease subscription costs. Nonetheless, again in 2023, Amazon Prime Video tried one thing fully completely different when it got here to transferring customers to an ad-supported tier. As an alternative of introducing a less expensive tier with advertisements, they robotically moved each single subscriber to their ad-based tier, and introduced that those that did not wish to see advertisements must begin paying $3 extra for the privilege within the new 12 months.

As you would possibly anticipate, response to this was overwhelmingly unfavorable, with indignant subscribers threatening on-line to cancel the service over the change. And whereas some customers could certainly have unsubscribed to Amazon Prime Video attributable to this modification, it seems to be just like the overwhelming majority of those that stayed are simply superb with watching advertisements, as new information from Digital I means that the service now has almost 90% of customers on its ad-supported tier, greater than Netflix, Disney+ and Max mixed. And whereas there are some questions on how a lot customers of the bigger Prime service use the included Prime Video add-on, it appears that evidently, no less than based on this information, Amazon’s controversial transfer in 2023 has paid off.

It is in all probability too late for Netflix or any of the opposite streamers to do one thing comparable (and I am unable to think about Apple including advertisements to their service on this method), however it simply goes to point out that whereas there was loads of backlash to this transfer initially, it finally labored out very properly as extra customers are watching advertisements on Prime Video than wherever else, which definitely is making Amazon a ton of money.

Peacock provides video games and quick video clips to cellular app

Nice choices for while you’re bored at work, I assume

Peacock

Seemingly taking a web page from Netflix, Peacock has launched a number of new options for its cellular app which might be geared toward getting customers to do extra than simply stream content material. First up is a every day video games hub that features puzzles, trivia, and themed “prediction” video games tied to particular exhibits. The inclusion looks as if an effort to deliberately mirror the success of the New York Instances’ video games app, which has turn out to be one thing of a popular culture phenomenon.

And when you do not feel like booting up a streaming app to play video games, Peacock has additionally launched a brand new feed known as “Can’t-miss Clips” that features quick video segments from well-liked exhibits in a TikTok-style scrollable feed.

These new options can be found now within the Peacock cellular app for individuals who wish to examine them out and do one thing apart from watch a present or film on a streaming app.

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The Google TV Streamer lastly will get an honest low cost

The Chromecast substitute would possibly simply be value choosing up at this worth

Google TV Streamer

$80 $100 Save $20

The Google TV Streamer is a streaming gadget designed to help the most recent video and audio applied sciences with AI integration and sensible residence management.

Dimensions

6.4 x 3 x 1-inch

Connective Know-how

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Model

Google

What’s Included

Distant

Bluetooth codecs

Bluetooth® 5.1

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)

Develop

In his review of the Google TV Streamer, TV reporter Anthony Marcusa described it as “a formidable gadget designed to help those that are attempting to make sense of lots of titles from lots of completely different companies.” and praised the gadget’s clear aesthetic and ease of use. Nonetheless, his foremost problem with the gadget was its $100 worth level, which he did not assume was justified, particularly contemplating how cheap the TV Streamer’s predecessor, the Google Chromecast was.

Nonetheless, it seems to be like good issues come to those that wait, because the Google TV Streamer is now on sale for $80, its lowest worth seen because the gadget went on sale final 12 months. If you happen to’ve been excited about snagging one among these, it seems to be like the most effective time to take action is correct now so you may snag that candy, candy 20% financial savings.

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Pacific Rim sequence is formally coming to Prime Video

Nice information for mecha and kaiju followers (so mainly, me)

Lionsgate

Bringing it again to Prime Video for our closing bit of reports this week, Variety studies {that a} live-action Pacific Rim prequel sequence is now in improvement for the Amazon-owned streamer because of a deal struck between lead studio Legendary Tv and Amazon MGM Studios.

That is truly the second streaming vacation spot for the franchise as Netflix produced an animated spin-off sequence known as Pacific Rim: The Black which ran for 2 seasons between 2021 and 2022 earlier than being canceled.

Hopefully the Amazon-produced present lasts a little bit longer, as there are tie-in movies reportedly on supply as properly if the sequence does properly.

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