Amazon’s shady Prime Video practices are paying off large 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 advertisements, they mechanically 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 count on, response to this was overwhelmingly damaging, with indignant subscribers threatening on-line to cancel the service over the change. And whereas some customers might certainly have unsubscribed to Amazon Prime Video resulting from this modification, it seems to be just like the overwhelming majority of those that stayed are simply high quality 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, evidently, a minimum of in response to 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 means), nevertheless it simply goes to point out that whereas there was loads of backlash to this transfer initially, it in the end labored out very properly as extra customers are watching advertisements on Prime Video than wherever else, which actually 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 are 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 Occasions’ video games app, which has change into one thing of a popular culture phenomenon.

And in the event 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 in style exhibits in a TikTok-style scrollable feed.

These new options can be found now within the Peacock cellular 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 alternative would possibly simply be price choosing up at this worth

Google TV Streamer

$80 $100 Save $20

The Google TV Streamer is a streaming gadget 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 Expertise

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 powerful gadget designed to help those that are attempting to make sense of a whole lot of titles from a whole lot of totally different companies.” and praised the gadget’s clear aesthetic and ease of use. Nevertheless, his fundamental problem with the gadget was its $100 worth level, which he did not suppose was justified, particularly contemplating how cheap the TV Streamer’s predecessor, the Google Chromecast was.

Nevertheless, 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 for the reason that gadget went on sale final 12 months. In the event you’ve been fascinated with snagging one in every of these, it seems to be like the most effective 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 mainly, me)

Lionsgate

Bringing it again to Prime Video for our last bit of stories this week, Variety studies {that a} live-action Pacific Rim prequel collection is now in growth for the Amazon-owned streamer because of 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 a bit of longer, as there are tie-in movies reportedly on provide as properly if the collection does properly.

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