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Amazon and Microsoft's stores connect to Disney Movies Anywhere
When Disney launched its Movies Anywhere app early last year it could only plug digital copies into your iTunes account, but today it linked up with Amazon Instant Video and Microsoft Video. Besides new Disney apps for Xbox 360 and Amazon's Fire TV platform, next week on the 15th it's launching on Roku and Android TV. That means any movie you've unlocked with Disney (like Big Hero 6, Guardians of the Galaxy or Avengers: Age of Ultron) is viewable through any of those services, as well as Google Play and Vudu. Once you connect them to your account, buying a copy on one service unlocks the movie on others, as powered by Disney's KeyChest setup. More importantly, Amazon and Microsoft don't support Ultraviolet digital copies, which may swing the balance of power just as Ultra HD Blu-ray arrives on the scene. Wherever you stream your movies, linking your accounts may be worthwhile since Disney will toss a free copy of Monsters Inc. into your account for doing so.
Amazon's UK Instant Video iOS app now supports HD streaming
With Amazon Instant Video set to become the new home of the Top Gear team, we're sure many of you are looking at the value of a Prime subscription in a new light. And if you needed a little more persuading, perhaps the new features Amazon's added to its Instant Video app for iOS will be enough push you over the edge. Most importantly, the updated app now lets you stream content to iDevices in high definition, a mobile feature previously reserved for Amazon's Fire Phone and select Fire tablets. The other major change is you can now stream over mobile networks, not just WiFi, bringing the iOS app up to date with its Android counterpart. If these new features ring a bell, it's probably because the iOS update dropped over in the US a few months ago, but better late than never -- especially if you're looking forward to Clarkson & Co returning to your screens next year. Let's hope he can keep his fists to himself this time.
Amazon Instant Video's iOS users can stream in HD and use mobile data
Amazon has given its Instant Videos app for iOS a huge boost, and just in time for the weekend. First up: you can now finally watch movies and shows in HD on your devices. No more putting up with standard definition if crisp, clear visuals are essential to your enjoyment. You'll likely still find yourself switching to lower resolution every now and then, though, especially if you're using cellular data. Yep, that's the other big upgrade -- you can watch your shows even in the absence of WiFi, so long as you have decent mobile connection. Thankfully, that feature comes with new settings that let you choose the quality of the stream, and hence the amount of data you'll use. The update's now live on iTunes if you want to take advantage of the new features... or to give the app another shot.
Amazon's Instant Video app now shows your homemade movies
Amazon's Instant Video isn't just for watching blockbuster hits (or the occasional original series) any more; you can now use it to watch some of your own content, too. Upgraded Instant Video apps for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and certain TVs from LG and Samsung can show photos and videos stored in Amazon Cloud Drive, letting you both relive your kid's dance recital and play Frozen without switching apps or devices. The option is only available in Germany, the UK and the US right now, although Amazon is promising at least support for more gadgets in the long run. Having said this, there isn't a big rush for further app upgrades when you can just switch to the Cloud Drive apps on computers and mobile gear -- this improvement matters most when you're glued to the big screen.
Amazon UK rep says an Android version of its video app is 'imminent'
Amazon's video service is well-rounded, with both video-on-demand selection and Prime all you can eat viewing, but there's one big hole -- Android. Even though Amazon has apps for its Android-based Kindle family of devices (along with iOS, game consoles, Roku and other TV boxes), the rest of the Android family tree is left out of the party. That could change soon however, as PC Advisor reports Amazon UK Marketing & Merchandising Director said that an app for the platform is "imminent." The news came at the firm's Christmas show (yes, in July, just go with it), however it's unclear if it will apply to both phones and tablets. He also indicated that work on 4K content is progressing, confirming what we'd heard at CES, but there's no word on when the high-res video will hit Amazon's service. Despite repeated attempts to contact Amazon PR in the US and UK we have not received a response concerning the report, but if an app arrives soon it would help make Amazon a much better competitor against the likes of Netflix and Hulu.
Sony details 11 PS4 entertainment apps available at launch, includes the ones you want
As Sony continues to stoke the PS4 promotional fires, it's detailed eleven apps that'll deliver a mix of TV and movie content to the next-gen console from launch. The usual suspects from the PS3 era are here, but we've got no complaints, as the likes of Netflix and Amazon Instant Video are our go-to options anyway. Right from day one, you'll also be able to access Hulu Plus, Crackle, NHL GameCenter LIVE, Epix, NBA Game Time, Crunchyroll, Vudu and, well, Yupp TV -- for all your Indian drama needs.
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.
Amazon reportedly asking YouTube producers to offer short clips on Instant Video
Amazon has long made a big deal of selling bite-sized books, and there's new signs that it may extend that love of short-form content to video. AdAge claims that Amazon has been pitching YouTube channel producers on bringing their work to Instant Video; they'd get both branded pages and the option of charging for clips. The company is reportedly also asking media outlets if they'd be willing to play videos on search result pages in exchange for ad revenue. Amazon hasn't signed any deals so far, according to the tipsters, and it has supposedly put off some discussions until 2014. If the web giant starts landing agreements, however, it could start competing directly with purveyors of free video -- not just pay-only services like iTunes and Netflix.
Amazon adds Amy Sedaris, Wanda Sykes and Cynthia Nixon to 'Alpha House' cast
Amazon Studios clearly isn't messing about. One of the more notable series in its original round of pilots is getting a bit more star power. Comedians Amy Sedaris, Wanda Sykes and Sex and the City alum Cynthia Nixon are set to join the cast of Alpha House, which already includes the likes of John Goodman. The Garry Trudeau-penned show is shaping up to be the largest of Amazon's first round of five green lit series. The show will premier through the company's streaming service later this year. Billy Steele contributed Photoshopped magic to this report.
Amazon adds AirPlay streaming, IMDb integration to Instant Video iOS app
There are many ways to get ahead in the online content game, and one of them is to make sure your services play nice with competitor hardware. To that end, an update to the Amazon Instant Video app for iOS that dropped today means you can now stream to Apple TVs via AirPlay for the first time. In addition, version 2.1 integrates reviews and various info from IMDb, as well as giving you more ways to find things to watch. Concurrent downloads are now supported, and the changelog also boasts improvements to the UI and "offline experience." All in all, it looks like a pretty significant update, so go ahead and hit up the source link to try it out.
TiVo Mini DVR extenders suddenly add Netflix streaming, Amazon coming soon?
While we enjoyed our time with the TiVo Mini multiroom DVR extender when we reviewed it, we noted several drawbacks including missing apps for Netflix and Amazon Instant Video (Hulu Plus has been present since launch). Both have been supported on standalone TiVos for a long time, but according to user reports Mini owners may finally have access to them. Zatz Not Funny posted the picture above and points out a TiVo Community post where users report icons for both are suddenly appearing on their Minis, although currently only Netflix is working. Forum poster and Engadget reader sbiller reports 1080p streams currently cause the Mini to reboot, so even that app may not be quite ready for prime time. Whatever the case, it should be active so if that's been stopping you from adding a Mini to your setup it may be time to reconsider, or re-reconsider.
Amazon corrals FX's Justified to exclusive Prime Instant Video deal
If Amazon's recent foray into British period drama leaves you cold, its Prime Instant Video service now has something grittier on tap: The FX Network's Justified. Thanks to a new deal with Sony Pictures Television, you can download the western-style crime series for no additional cost if you're a subscriber on the $79 yearly service. It was up for grabs at $1.99 a pop on Instant Video before, where Amazon said it was one of its most popular buys, and now Prime subscribers can grab episodes from seasons one through three. Season four will arrive after its current run on FX concludes, though individual episodes of the latter are available on Instant right after they air, if you're willing to pay $1.99. Amazon also added all seven seasons of Sony's The Shield to Prime Instant, so if you're looking to go on a crime spree, check the PR after the break.
IMDb app adds support for Amazon Instant Video links, Oscars
Amazon's latest update to its IMDb app makes it easy for users to watch a movie when they are done reading about it. The new feature will let users click a link in IMDb and watch the title in the Amazon Instant Video app, if the movie is available as part of Amazon Prime video. It's a welcome link between two of Amazon's entertainment-focused properties. Besides support for Instant Video, the updated IMDb app also has a new section just for the Oscars. Users can browse a list of nominees before the February 24th event and then watch the ceremony unfold live on their iPad or iPhone. You can download the IMDb app for free from the iOS App Store. [Via The Next Web]
Amazon expands CBS content on Prime Instant Video, lands an Under the Dome exclusive
Amazon only managed to land a slice of CBS' library for Prime Instant Video on the first pass; it's coming back for a second helping, including one of its first cracks at genuinely recent content from the network. A widened licensing deal gives subscribers access to further CBS and Showtime series that include Jericho, The L Word and an unspecified number of other shows. And for those intrigued by the broadcaster's upcoming adaptation of Stephen King's Under the Dome, Amazon will be the only choice for many viewers: Prime Instant Video will be the exclusive home for subscription streaming and purchased downloads of the series, delivering streaming episodes about four days after their air date in order to shelter CBS' traditional advertisers. Amazon may not have have completely locked in an audience between this and the Downton Abbey deal, but the recent set of exclusives is likely to leave Netflix feeling nervous.
Zombieland TV show in the works at Amazon, headed for Instant
Before Jesse Eisenberg was known for playing Facebook's quirky founder, he starred with Woody Harrelson in a delightfully campy film called Zombieland. That film is apparently being adapted for the little screen -- well, perhaps not so little, but littler -- by none other than Amazon Studios, the in-house team created to produce original content on Amazon's Instant streaming service, reports Broadcast Now. It's not clear just how far along the series is, but io9 did discover some casting pages which reveal the plot: "the show will center around the original group of post apocalyptic survivors." Presumably that means more Twinkie references, more awkward romance, and a ton more comical zombie killing. That is, of course, if the early casting sheets are indicative of what the final show ends up being. Regardless, we've reached out to Amazon for more info, and we've dropped some of the film's best parts just below the break.
Amazon Instant Video now live on original Nintendo Wii
Though Nintendo Wii U owners have been enjoying access to Amazon's Instant Video library for some time now, today Nintendo and Amazon launched the service on the original Nintendo Wii. To gain access, all you've gotta do is snag the Amazon Instant Video application from the Wii's Shop Channel and sync up your Amazon account in a few basic steps (as seen above). There's also this Amazon page where you'll head after syncing the account on your Wii. And then there's this final step where you tell us why you're still using a Wii for such things.
Amazon Instant Video app updated to support to iPhone and iPod touch
iPhone and iPod touch users now have yet another streaming video option. Amazon has updated its free Amazon Instant Video app to a universal version that supports Apple's smaller mobile devices, after originally releasing an iPad-only version in August. The app retains all of its previous functionality on iPhone and iPod touch, including the ability to watch Amazon Prime videos in addition to those purchased or rented through Amazon's site. It's still not possible to purchase or rent content through the app itself, however. The app still lacks AirPlay support for video and does not offer video out over 30-pin or Lightning connectors, both features users have been clamoring for. Playback is not available over 3G/4G or LTE connections (WiFi-only), but users can download videos for later viewing. [Via TechCrunch]
Amazon Instant Video is live on the Nintendo Wii U
When the Wii U launched we were disappointed that not all of its promised streaming video services were available, but today the last one, Amazon Instant Video, has been turned on. It includes access to Prime subscription video, Whispersync bookmarks from other devices, watchlists and has the ability to rent or purchase VOD directly from the console. Like the Hulu and Netflix apps, it also includes second screen integration with the GamePad controller with video playback, browsing content or playback control of what's on the TV. Owners can hit the source link for more information on how to activate it on their box or check after the break for the full press release.
Wii U's Nintendo TVii, Amazon Instant Video, and Hulu Plus pushed to December (update)
When Nintendo's Wii U launches this weekend, it won't arrive with most of its primary multimedia features -- namely, Nintendo TVii, Amazon Instant Video, or Hulu Plus. All were said to come pre-loaded on the new console, but reviewers found out early that a launch day patch would enable the functionality. As it turns out, that patch will actually arrive at some point in December, bearing Nintendo TVii, with the rest of the apps arriving "in the coming weeks" (no hard date is given for any of the apps). The console is still expected to launch with Miiverse, Nintendo Network, and backwards compatibility with the Nintendo Wii -- none of which is currently enabled on the Wii U (presumably still arriving in some form of day-one patch). We've reached out to Nintendo to see if those things are still planned for launch. Update: Netflix reps tell us the app will be available "when Wii U ships," but won't be part of Nintendo TVii "until Q1."
Roku update adds cross-provider search over Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO, Vudu and Crackle
We've seen web portals that let you search for TV and movies on the internet across different services, but a new update for Roku is bringing that capability directly to its set-top boxes. Whether you're searching by movie, TV show, actor or director it will sniff out related content across some of the higher profile services it offers, including Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Crackle, Vudu and HBO Go. The new Roku Search function is front and center (once your second gen HD or higher player has been updated to the latest version) and in our tests worked quickly, pulling up content wherever it was available and mentioning if it was available in HD. The only downside is navigating the onscreen keyboard via remote, although you can always sub in your mobile device thanks to those recently upgraded remote apps for iOS and Android. All in all Roku says it can reach its tendrils across around 130,000 titles and almost 100,000 actors and directors. Check after the break for a couple of screenshots and a quick demo video, hit the official blog for more info or force an update on your hockey puck to check it out yourself.
