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 possibility. Nonetheless, customers should opt-in to those subscriptions, and streamers like Netflix, Max, Disney+ and extra have been in a position to efficiently lure subscribers to those money-making tiers with decrease subscription costs. Nonetheless, again in 2023, Amazon Prime Video tried one thing utterly totally different when it got here to transferring customers to an ad-supported tier. As an alternative of introducing a less expensive tier with adverts, they mechanically 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 would possibly count on, response to this was overwhelmingly destructive, with offended subscribers threatening on-line to cancel the service over the change. And whereas some customers might certainly have unsubscribed to Amazon Prime Video on account of this alteration, it appears just like the overwhelming majority of those that stayed are simply wonderful with watching adverts, as new knowledge 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, plainly, not less than in line with this knowledge, Amazon’s controversial transfer in 2023 has paid off.

It is most likely too late for Netflix or any of the opposite streamers to do one thing related (and I can not think about Apple including adverts to their service on this means), nevertheless it simply goes to indicate that whereas there was loads of backlash to this transfer initially, it in the end labored out very effectively as extra customers are watching adverts on Prime Video than wherever else, which definitely is making Amazon a ton of money.

Peacock provides video games and quick video clips to cell app

Nice choices for once 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 might be 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 like an effort to deliberately mirror the success of the New York Occasions’ video games app, which has turn into one thing of a popular culture phenomenon.

And should 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 common 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 apart from watch a present or film on a streaming app.

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The Google TV Streamer lastly will get a good low cost

The Chromecast substitute would possibly simply be price selecting up at this value

Google TV Streamer

$80 $100 Save $20

The Google TV Streamer is a streaming machine designed to assist the most recent 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 formidable machine designed to help those that try to make sense of plenty of titles from plenty of totally different companies.” and praised the machine’s clear aesthetic and ease of use. Nonetheless, his essential problem with the machine was its $100 value level, which he did not assume was justified, particularly contemplating how cheap the TV Streamer’s predecessor, the Google Chromecast was.

Nonetheless, 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 because the machine went on sale final yr. If you happen to’ve been occupied with snagging considered one of these, it appears like one of the best 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 stories this week, Variety reviews {that a} live-action Pacific Rim prequel sequence 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 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 somewhat longer, as there are tie-in movies reportedly on supply as effectively if the sequence does effectively.

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