Vudu launches web app to skirt App Store
Wal-Mart owned VUDU will now let you stream movies to your iPad. Rather than a native application, the service will deliver its content via a web app. Users can point Mobile Safari to Vudu.com and browse the service's 20,000 movies. Because it uses a web interface, VUDU can only serve up SD quality content and cannot offer Disney films due to a licensing restriction.
Similar to Amazon's Kindle Cloud Reader, the VUDU app circumvents Apple's App Store to deliver its content to iOS devices. The web app currently works on the iPad and the iPhone, though the iPhone interface is not yet optimized for the smaller screen.
[Via Engadget]
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Walmart Brings VUDU's Movie Streaming Service to iPad
More than 20,000 blockbusters, Hollywood classics and independent films can be instantly streamed through VUDU.com on iPad
SANTA CLARA, Calif. and BENTONVILLE, Ark. – (Aug. 10, 2011) – Walmart announced today the
launch of VUDU for the iPad. VUDU, a leading subscription-free, video-on-demand movie service and wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart stores, has optimized the navigation experience of VUDU.com to enable millions of iPad owners to rent or buy entertainment content and then stream it easily through any iPad browser.
Beginning today, iPad users can go to VUDU.com and browse through VUDU's entertainment content library, which includes more than 20,000 blockbusters, Hollywood classics, independent films and TV episodes, then rent or purchase and watch them instantly. For one touch access to VUDU, customers can add a VUDU icon to their iPad desktops by clicking the "Add to Home Screen" button when on VUDU.com.
"At Walmart, one of our key priorities is to provide one continuous experience for our customers to interact with our brand - whether that is in stores, online or from their mobile devices," said Edward Lichty, general manager, VUDU. "VUDU's launch on the iPad plays into that vision as we're committed to offering the VUDU experience on as many devices as possible so customers can shop for and access their favorite movies and TV shows however they want, whenever they want."
Movies purchased and/or rented on the iPad can also be viewed on Walmart.com/VUDU, VUDU.com or on any VUDU-enabled consumer electronics device. VUDU is currently available on more than 300 consumer electronics devices including Internet-capable HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players and the PlayStation 3 - more than any other pay-per-view service.
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About VUDU
A leader in HD streaming, VUDU offers the world's largest online selection of HD movies, including thousands of blockbusters, Hollywood classics and indies available in stunning HDX 1080p with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound. Movies are available the same day they are released on DVD or Blu-ray, and can be rented or purchased without a subscription. VUDU is available on Internet-capable HDTVs and Blu-ray Disc players from FUNAI Electronics (Magnavox, Sylvania), LG Electronics, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, SANYO, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba and VIZIO, and on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system from Sony. VUDU is a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Stores, Inc., and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. For more information, visit http://www.vudu.com/.
About Walmart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at over 9,200 retail units under 69 different banners in 28 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://walmartstores.com and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com and http://www.samsclub.com.
