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

By now, just about each streaming service (with the notable exception of Apple TV+) has some kind of ad-supported possibility. Nevertheless, customers should 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. Nevertheless, again in 2023, Amazon Prime Video tried one thing utterly totally different when it got here to shifting customers to an ad-supported tier. As a substitute of introducing a less expensive tier with adverts, they robotically moved each single subscriber to their ad-based tier, and introduced that those that did not wish to see adverts must begin paying $3 extra for the privilege within the new yr.

As you may anticipate, response to this was overwhelmingly unfavorable, with offended subscribers threatening on-line to cancel the service over the change. And whereas some customers could certainly have unsubscribed to Amazon Prime Video because of this alteration, it appears just like the overwhelming majority of those that stayed are simply nice with watching adverts, as new knowledge from Digital I means that the service now has practically 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 in keeping with this knowledge, 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 can not think about Apple including adverts to their service on this method), nevertheless it simply goes to indicate that whereas there was loads of backlash to this transfer initially, it in the end labored out very properly as extra customers are watching adverts on Prime Video than anyplace else, which definitely is making Amazon a ton of money.

Peacock adverts video games and “Cannot-Miss Clips” to cell app

Nice choices for whenever 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 cell app which are geared toward getting customers to do extra than simply stream content material. First up is a day by day video games hub that features puzzles, trivia, and themed “prediction” video games tied to particular reveals. The inclusion looks as if an effort to deliberately mirror the success of the New York Occasions’ video games app, which has grow to be one thing of a popular culture phenomenon.

And if you happen to 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 in style reveals in a TikTok-style scrollable feed.

These new options can be found now within the Peacock cell app for many who wish to verify them out and do one thing aside 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 alternative may simply be price selecting up at this value

Google TV Streamer

$80 $100 Save $20

The Google TV Streamer is a streaming system designed to help the newest video and audio applied sciences with AI integration and good house 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)

Broaden

In his review of the Google TV Streamer, TV reporter Anthony Marcusa described it as “a powerful system designed to help those that are attempting to make sense of numerous titles from numerous totally different providers.” and praised the system’s clear aesthetic and ease of use. Nevertheless, his predominant challenge with the system was its $100 value level, which he did not suppose was justified, particularly contemplating how cheap the TV Streamer’s predecessor, the Google Chromecast was.

Nevertheless, it appears like good issues come to those that wait, because the Google TV Streamer is now on sale for $80, its lowest value seen for the reason that system went on sale final yr. For those who’ve been excited about snagging certainly one of these, it appears like the perfect time to take action is correct now so you’ll be able to snag that candy, candy 20% financial savings.

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Pacific Rim collection is formally coming to Prime Video

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

Lionsgate

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

That is really the second streaming vacation spot for the franchise as Netflix produced an animated spin-off collection 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 just a little longer, as there are tie-in movies reportedly on supply as properly if the collection does properly.

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