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Amazon is finally killing what’s left of Lovefilm
After starving Blockbuster to death, the streaming age is preparing to mount another head on its wall. Lovefilm By Post -- yes, the subscription movie rental service you forgot about long ago -- has begun notifying the last, loyal holdouts that it's shutting up shop on October 31st. The culprit, of course, is all those newfangled, convenient streaming services that have slowly stripped consumers of their desire to wait for DVDs and Blu-rays to pop through the letterbox.
Amazon brings BBC's Sherlock, Dr. Who and more to Prime Instant Video
Amazon's Prime Instant Video streaming service is no stranger to BBC content, but today the two have inked a new deal to bring more British TV shows to the platform formerly known as LoveFilm. There are a bunch of seasons of Sherlock and Doctor Who now available to binge-watch, as well as classic comedies like The Office, Red Dwarf and Ab Fab. Far from an exclusive deal, Amazon's basically playing catch-up to arch nemesis Netflix here, which snagged rights to more or less the same library around this time last month. Still, with only a seven-day catch-up window on BBC's iPlayer (currently, anyway), better access to the archives on any service can only be a good thing.
Amazon bolsters UK streaming library ahead of tomorrow's relaunch
Tomorrow, Lovefilm becomes Amazon Prime Instant Video, and unless you take advantage of the various early adopter discounts, it'll cost you an up-front annual fee of £79. On the upside, the company is pushing to add more TV shows to the service in the hope of clawing back some of Netflix's lost ground. First up, Amazon has signed a deal with Warner Bros. that'll see the first seasons of Arrow, The Following and Revolution appear on UK Prime within the next few days. The agreement will also see Hostages and The 100 appear in 2015, with subsequent seasons of all five shows added afterward. At the same time, the retailer has confirmed that UK users will be able to watch its original TV comedy Alpha House, which is a bit like House of Cards, but with more jokes.
Lovefilm Instant becomes Amazon Prime Instant Video in the UK
Lovefilm Instant subscribers, prepare yourself for a welcome change. After three years flying under its own flag, the European movie streaming service will become part of Amazon's Prime subscription in both the UK and Germany on February 26th, rebranding as Prime Instant Video in the process. That name might sound familiar because it's the exact same package Amazon has been offering US Prime subscribers for the past 36 months. Before Amazon's changes begin kicking in next week, a full year of Prime will cost just £49 (€29) up until launch day (the original cost of Prime's one-day delivery service), rising to £79 (€49) thereafter. If you're an existing subscriber, however, you won't need to pay a penny until your yearly subscription expires. Amazon expects some won't be impressed by Prime, so it'll allow customers to stay on their existing monthly Lovefilm subscription. That means you could sign up for Lovefilm before the changeover to retain streaming for £5.99 a month, but you won't receive the wider benefits of speedy shipping and access to the Kindle Owners' Lending Library if you do. In an effort to rival iTunes and provide a local service that Netflix doesn't, the retail giant will also let customers buy and rent movies, some of which won't be available on Prime Instant Video. It will be accessible to all Amazon customers and carry Amazon's Instant Video branding. Offering both on-demand services as part of one yearly payment may tempt UK consumers to consider Prime over Netflix and Sky's Now TV, and you can bet Amazon will promote its low-cost subscription wherever it can. The company tells us that it is already in the process of rebranding its suite of mobile, console and Smart TV apps. They'll retain all of their original features but expect the familiar white, red and black branding to disappear. Not everything is set to change, however, Lovefilm will continue to run its DVD rental business, ensuring streaming luddites can still get their their entertainment fix via Her Majesty's postal service.
Amazon Prime snags 'Archer' and five more Fox series, launches 10 free pilots
The content arms race between streaming-video providers Netflix, Amazon and Hulu (and YouTube/Google Play and Crackle and Redbox and... you get the picture) shows no signs of slowing down, and here's Amazon's latest assault. The Prime Instant Video service is pushing new, exclusive, original content at the same time it gains access to popular TV shows from a new deal with Fox. The latter arrangement brings FX series The Americans as a streaming exclusive to Amazon (Engadget HD favorite Justified became an exclusive last year), plus archived episodes of The League, Louie, How I Met Your Mother, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Archer on a non-exclusive basis next month. The Americans returns for season two on February 26th, and we're sure the network is hoping viewers will binge on the well-reviewed series in time to start watching then. Of course, Netflix has shown that exclusive original content is key to growth, and Amazon is repeating its "pilot season" judged by the public to pick new shows. Last time around, the process resulted in Alpha House and Betas, and now 10 hopefuls -- split among five "prime-time" adult options and five kids shows -- are streaming for free. Among them are two hour-long dramas with The After, a show from X-Files creator Chris Carter, and Bosch, a murder-mystery based on the popular detective novels by Michael Connelly that's co-written by The Wire's Eric Overmyer. There are previews after the break, but the full pilots are streaming on the web or devices with Amazon Instant Video/Lovefilm apps. Amazon's old-school pilot strategy is in sharp contrast to Netflix's "find some of the best talent and throw money at them" approach, so if there's a House of Cards or Orange is the New Black in the bunch, there's only one way to find out.
Amazon's Lovefilm app finally comes to iPhone
Amazon's streaming offerings in the UK are a whole different world from those in the United States. Its Lovefilm service's selection rivals Netflix for big-name titles, and their interface is easier to use than the one they use stateside. It just had one little quirk; its iOS app was exclusively for the iPad. Until now. Today, the Lovefilm app has been updated to be compatible with the iPhone and iPod touch. This fixes an oversight that has been going on for two years. Still there's one piece of information that iOS-owning UK Lovefilm users can use as solace. At least they have an app. Lovefilm still doesn't have an app available for Android.
Amazon's Lovefilm finally launches iPhone app in the UK
Whereas Netflix has expanded quickly onto numerous mobile platforms in the UK, Amazon can't claim the same for its own streaming service, Lovefilm. Aside from the obvious Kindle support, Lovefilm's iOS app has been iPad-only for two years, with iPhone and iPod Touch owners only being included from today. On the plus side, the app brings AirPlay and IMdB integration, and Lovefilm has been working hard to rack up more content in the UK -- having historically been regarded as stronger than Netflix in terms of its movie library. Meanwhile, there's still nary a peep of a Lovefilm Android app -- something even the most recent streaming contender, Wuaki.tv, has managed to deliver.
Amazon's Instant Video apps for iOS improve AirPlay support, let users multitask
Amazon added AirPlay support to its Instant Video (US) and Lovefilm (Europe, iPad only) apps for iOS devices in September, and now it's pushed simultaneous updates to make it better. Both apps now support multitasking (the Instant Video app notes iOS 6+ is required, with AirPlay Mirroring disabled). That should make streaming to Apple TV boxes even easier, although Amazon's lack of a generic app for Android and/or Chromecast support from the Kindle continues to disappoint.
Sky's Now TV box hits UK retailers with bundled streaming passes
Sky's super-cheap Now TV streamer is losing its online exclusivity and is heading to the UK High Street. From today, the set-top box is available at Argos, Curry's and PC World, with John Lewis set to follow in the coming weeks. Sky is also expanding how customers enjoy its content with new bundled content passes, offering extended access to movies or sports right out of the box. In that respect, £15 nets you a Now TV box with a 24-hour Sky Sports Day Pass or you can opt for a bundled 3 month Sky Movies Pass for £25 -- a saving of between £5 and £10. The expansion helps Sky grab a retail presence and lure customers away from rival services like Netflix and Lovefilm, which can't lean on a multi-million investment in Roku to push their own-branded set-top box.
Lovefilm updates LG Smart TV app with better search and Watchlist support
Sure, it's great to have thousands of movies and TV shows at your fingertips, but finding the right one can be a total pain. That's one of the reasons why Amazon's Lovefilm has pushed live a new update for LG Smart TVs which introduces new search and recommendation features for customers in the UK and Germany. The company says it has optimized the UI to make it easier to browse, select and play titles or queue them up in your Watchlist for later viewing. The features have also been tuned to work in tandem with LG's snazzy Magic Remote Control, allowing you to navigate the app with gestures or by using your voice. The updated app is available today on the LG TV App Store for all 2012 and 2013 Smart TVs -- if you own an older model then you're right out of luck.
Lovefilm iOS app updated with AirPlay, IMDb info and Watchlist management
Streaming Thundercats to your iDevice with Lovefilm is all well and good, but what if you wanted to watch it on a bigger screen? Well, now you can, assuming you use Apple TV: the app's latest update has added AirPlay support. The refreshed app also tacks on Watchlist management and IMDb integration, much like the update Amazon (Lovefilm's parent company) brought to its Instant Video app earlier this month. Just like that, Apple faithful have another video option to choose from. Now if you'll excuse us, we have some catching up to do with Lion-o.
Amazon's Lovefilm reaches deal with Warner Bros. to stream Batman, Thundercats and other animated series
It's only been about a week since Lovefilm struck an agreement with Viacom, but the Amazon-owned service is already preparing to add more video content to its streaming repertoire. As part of yet another deal through Warner Bros., Lovefilm's going to be distributing a plethora of animated series owned by the renowned movie studio. This means Lovefilm users will have access to "more than 15 years worth" of various Batman animated series, as well as others like Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League and Thundercats (yes, that includes the 1980s original). We're interested to hear which series you're looking forward to the most, so feel free to sound off in the comments below. Oh, and don't forget: thunder, thunder, thunder, Thundercats ho!
Lovefilm gets MTV and Nickelodeon through streaming deal with Viacom
Earlier this year, Amazon reached a deal with Viacom to keep many of the media company's shows on Prime Instant Video, even scoring some exclusive content along the way. Now it's time for Amazon's other streaming service, Lovefilm, to benefit from a similar agreement. As you'd expect, Lovefilm's UK subscribers will now be able to enjoy a variety of content from Viacom networks, including shows on MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon. And fret not if you don't enjoy shows like Jersey Shore -- at the very least you'll have the likes of SpongeBob and Go Diego Go! to keep the kiddos busy while you catch up on Man v. Food.
Lovefilm UK adds more content for kids with films and TV from NBCUniversal
Last week, Lovefilm snapped up some additional content of the cultured kind -- Man v. Food withstanding -- for adults to enjoy. The streaming service is kicking off this week by adding yet more films and TV shows for the kids. Subscribers will now find child-friendly material from NBCUniversal in the Lovefilm library, such as the shows Curious George, Barbie: Princess Charm School, Rastamouse and The Land Before Time (parents might remember the films). Given it's the summer holidays, your offspring are probably out enjoying the weather, but having something fresh to put on the tellybox might help keep them quiet come that inevitable rainy day.
Lovefilm now streaming food and travel shows in the UK thanks to Scripps deal
Whether you're into comedy, drama, sci-fi or Vikings, Lovefilm Instant is slowly amassing TV content across a number of genres. Today, a deal with Scripps is adding shows from the Food Network and Travel Channel to Amazon's streaming service in the UK, much to the satisfaction of sofa-based jetsetters, wannabe chefs, and those who like to watch others battling with the meat sweats on Man v. Food Nation. Hundreds of episodes are available to watch right now, should you need inspiration for your next holiday or what to cook for dinner tonight. If you're like us, though, you'll just end up ordering pizza when you find you don't have the rare selection of spices needed to do that unpronounceable foreign delicacy justice.
Lovefilm updates Wii application with better search and watchlist features
When sitting down to watch a lovely film on your Wii, you can now take advantage of Lovefilm's updated streaming app for the console. Users will notice improved search functionality, a more Wii-friendly user interface and, for the first time, watch lists. You'll also be able to pick up where you left off on other devices thanks to the new homepage which shows previously watched titles. Yup, this is what you're getting instead of game rentals.
Report: Lovefilm will cease UK game rentals by August 8th
Lovefilm has told Eurogamer that it will no longer offer game rentals by mail in the UK after August 8th. Additionally, the Amazon division confirmed via its blog that the option is no longer available to new subscribers. In addition, existing customers will no longer be able to add the service, a fact that only came to light when someone spotted it on a company FAQ (see the More Coverage link). Lovefilm apologized profusely for the non-communication, and explained that the change was made so it could focus on streaming content instead. It promised to contact subscribers "in the very near future" to confirm the policy, and "strive to communicate directly with our customers" rather than letting them find out through the media. The firm's yet to actually confirm that the service will be cut off completely next month, however -- perhaps that would be a good place to start.
Lovefilm discontinues game rentals for new customers
Although Lovefilm hasn't said outright that it's removing game rentals from its list of services, evidence indicates the company looks to be phasing them out. The Amazon subsidiary and UK competitor to Netflix has discontinued offering them to new customers as of June 24, and customers with a non-games subscription cannot switch over to one that would include game rentals. At the moment, the service appears to be limited to existing Lovefilm customers with a specific game rental subscription. "In order to give the best possible service that we can, we are looking to focus on our strength, which is providing the best selection of film and TV content for our customers, and making it available whenever and wherever you want it," reads a statement on Lovefilm's FAQ page. Lovefilm is one of the UK's foremost providers of games rentals, so its exit from the ring would leave few premier alternatives for consumers in the country. The news follows what was a torrid first few months of the year for UK games retail. High street outlets HMV and Blockbuster were both forced into buyouts after effectively going bankrupt, hemorrhaging stores and employees as a result.
PSA: You can now use your Amazon account to log into Lovefilm
You might be able to knock one password off your list, as you now have the option to log in to your Lovefilm account using Amazon credentials. The changeover is part of the online retail giant's recently announced Login With Amazon initiative, intended to let you use a universal ID for its other websites or those of third party developers. To switch, you'll need to follow the link at the source and enter both your Lovefilm and Amazon details, and may need to re-enter payment info as well. The company promised that your private data will remain "completely safe," and said that any rental lists, bookmarks, viewing history and watchlists will stay put. On the off-chance you're on Lovefilm but don't have an Amazon account, the company wouldn't be adverse to your creating one at the same time, in case you fancy physical disc media to go along with the streaming variety. That's not the only change Lovefilm users may notice however, as the service has rolled out versions of its next generation streaming app -- first seen on the PS3 -- for the Xbox 360 as well as Sony Bravia TVs, Blu-ray players and home theater systems.
Lovefilm bringing Star Trek, other CBS shows to the UK and Germany
CBS may have teamed up with Netflix in the US to satisfy those of us with an Enterprising bent, but the company has taken a different tack in the UK and Germany. Instead, the firm has signed a deal with Lovefilm to bring CBS and Showtime-owned shows to Amazon's streaming network. The press release promises that users will be able to watch classic Star Trek, Voyager, The Good Wife, Dexter and Californication instantly, although a brief check of the UK site reveals that you may need to wait a short while more before you can immerse yourself in the Delta quadrant / Hank Moody's psyche.
