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Amazon's Alpha House wins re-election, six new series set to debut
Amazon's Alpha House will return for a second season, with production beginning this summer. The original series, starring John Goodman and three other guys, follows a group of Republican senators living together in Washington, D.C. Season one is currently ready to stream through Instant Video for Amazon Prime subscribers, with the first three episodes available to everyone for free. Amazon also greenlighted six other series from its selection of pilots, including The After, Bosch, Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street, Mozart in the Jungle, Transparent and Wishenpoof. Of course, you'll be shelling out more for Prime by the time any of these go live -- if two-day shipping wasn't enough to justify the price, at least you'll have another batch of fresh content to justify that $99 subscription.
Amazon will reportedly launch a free video streaming service (update: Amazon says no)
All signs point to Amazon revealing its set-top box in New York City next week, but that's just one part of its massive media onslaught. According to a fresh report from the Wall Street Journal, the e-commerce giant will eventually launch a free, ad-supported service that'll allow its customers to stream television shows and music videos for the low, low price of $0. The caveat? It's all ad-supported, so be prepared to let your eyes glaze over from time to time. The big question here is how much content will be available gratis. Sources told the Journal that customers can likely access Amazon's original series (think "Betas"), with other licensed content possibly coming down the road. Don't expect too much crossover between whatever this is and Amazon's existing Prime video service, though. It's in the company's best interest to save the good stuff for the folks who shell out $99 a year, since they wind up buying more than double what non-Prime customers do. Still, Amazon may have a killer combination on its hands. If it can nab a decent selection of licensed series and flicks and make it available on an aggressively priced streaming gewgaw, the company has a solid shot at taking the country's living rooms by storm. Update: Amazon spokeswoman Shelly Fouts tells Variety and the Associate Press that the company has "no plans to offer a free streaming-media service." Definitive enough for you?
Amazon raising Prime subscriptions by $20 to $99 a year
We suspected a price rise was imminent for Prime subscribers in the US, especially after recent changes in the UK, and now we have the details. When you sign up or renew, you'll be charged an annual rate of $99, versus the steady $79 charge that has been in place since the service first launched. An email to Prime members vaguely attributes the increase to rising fuel and transportation costs, as well as to the general expansion of streaming content and e-book lending. There's a get-out clause if you're quick, however: New subscribers who sign up for a free trial within the next seven days will be able to lock in the old price for a year. Beyond that, there's no good news except that the increase wasn't larger. In what could turn out to be a clever bit of expectation management, Amazon had previously warned that it could raise the subscription by as much as $40.
Newegg's $50 Premier is like Amazon Prime, but without the video streaming
While Amazon's debating whether or not it should hike Prime subscription fees in the US, now its decision may have to take into consideration a potential competitor. This morning, Newegg introduced Premier, a $50 shipping service that aims to cope with the likes of Amazon Prime. For that yearly fee, Newegg promises to get stuff to your doorstep in three days or less, as well as a number of other benefits including no restocking fees, free returns and dedicated customer service. You will, however, miss out on the Instant Video streaming offered through Prime, but this also means you'll end up saving $29 per year -- which is something that could make sense to folks who are already subscribed to Netflix. Or, there's always Newegg's free option, Super Eggsaver; just be prepared to wait a lot longer for your online purchases to arrive.
Amazon may raise Prime subscription pricing in the US
Amazon Prime has cost $79 per year since it became available -- a bargain given that it covers both speedy shipping and a whole host of media services. Unfortunately, that low pricing might not last for much longer. During a conference call discussing its fourth quarter earnings, the retailer said that it might raise the yearly price of an Amazon Prime subscription in the US by $20 to $40. It's simply getting too expensive to offer everything at the current rate, Amazon says; shipping costs have gone up, and people are using the media services much more often. There's no guarantee that we'll see a price hike, but it's pretty clear that those future Prime Air delivery drones won't pay for themselves.
Amazon reportedly considering live TV channels for new pay-TV service (updated: Amazon denies report)
If the rumors surrounding Amazon's forthcoming set-top box are any indication, the company's betting big on online video delivery. It's a move Amazon may even be hinting at with its latest recruitment event in Boston. But as the Wall Street Journal reports, access to third-party streaming apps via a set-top box and original programming aren't the only parts of Amazon's online video strategy -- it reportedly wants to get into live TV streaming, as well. The company has allegedly met with major content providers in the hopes of inking licensing agreements for this new cable-like service, though current talks are said to be preliminary. It's not clear if this new pay-TV initiative would be bundled into Amazon's Prime Instant Video service or offered as a standalone package. What's certain is that Amazon would need to price the service competitively so as to stand out amongst its competition -- a somewhat daunting task considering existing carriage agreements. Content providers currently rely on lucrative licensing agreements with cable operators and, typically, balk when those terms aren't favorable (exhibit A: CBS' recent dispute with Time Warner Cable). It remains to be seen if Amazon would be able to lock down agreeable terms for live TV channels and how that would impact subscription packages. Like most of Amazon's rumored projects, however, this could end up being just another exploratory project that may not see the light of day. Regardless, we've reached out to Amazon for comment and will update when we hear back. Updated: Amazon has since responded to our request for comment, saying that the Wall Street Journal report is untrue and that the company has no plans to license TV channels or build out a new pay-TV service. You can read Amazon's official statement below. We continue to build selection for Prime Instant Video and create original shows at Amazon Studios, but we are not planning to license television channels or offer a pay-TV service.
Amazon tipped to launch online wholesale store called Pantry in 2014
While Amazon has no shortage of rivals, it's now reportedly gearing up to take on big players in the warehouse store business, like Costco. According to USA Today's anonymous sources, Amazon is prepping the launch of an online service called Pantry that'll initially carry around 2,000 common grocery items to be sold at low cost. As long as you're an Amazon Prime member, you'll be able to fill a box up with Pantry goods that the retailer will ship for a nominal fee, assuming you're within the weight limit. Amazon hasn't commented on the report, so while there's no firm word on when you can start shopping in your bathrobe for month-long supplies of canned goods, sources say it'll be sometime in 2014. [Image credit: Mike Seyfang/Flickr]
Amazon now allows you to gift Prime, just in time for the holidays
If you're still looking for gift ideas for that special someone, Amazon is looking to lend a hand. The online retailer has announced that customers can now give a $79 one-year membership to Prime. Recipients will get an email on the day of the giver's choosing with instructions on how to get started. For folks in the US, this means unlimited streaming of certain titles from Prime Instant Video on top of a Kindle book each month from the Owners' Lending Library, Kindle First and free two-day shipping that also come with the annual dues. In a giving mood? Jump down to that first source link below to add 12 months of access to your shopping cart.
Eat your heart out: Chinese e-commerce firm delivers packages within hours
Think same-day delivery is the bee's knees? In China, an e-commerce company called Jingdong not only delivers your package a few hours after you place your order, but also gives you power to track it in real time on a map. You can even bug the delivery crew while they're on the road, although they probably (hopefully) won't pick up the phone or text you back while driving. The company offers its services in six major Chinese cities, including notoriously populous Beijing and Shanghai. Jingdong is a young company that's yet to be profitable, but based on what it offers its customers, one can't help but feel that eBay Now, Amazon Prime, and Google Shopping Express should step their game up. [Image credit: Dwight Burdette, Wikipedia]
Amazon lands Prime Instant Video exclusives for five NBCUniversal shows
Amazon is still determined to snag every TV exclusive possible, and it just scored one of its better deals -- or at least, one of the more forward-thinking. It now has the sole unlimited subscription streaming rights to the previous seasons of five NBCUniversal shows. The highlight could be Hannibal, which will reach the service later this year; gamers may also like the crossover SyFy series Defiance, which should be ready in early 2014. Those who just can't wait to stream something will get their fill through exclusives for Covert Affairs, Grimm and Suits, all of which are in the catalog today. Amazon isn't completely shutting out rivals like Netflix, however: its expanded NBCU deal includes regular deals for Alphas, Eureka, Smash, Warehouse 13 and a collection of children's shows destined for Kindle FreeTime Unlimited. While we'd prefer that there be as few exclusives as possible, there's no question that some Prime members will feel better about springing for that $79 yearly fee. [Thanks, John]
Google TV's PrimeTime app update welcomes Amazon Prime content
An update to the PrimeTime Android app for Google TV has been released, bringing with it some bug fixes, as well as a "subscription selector" which means Netflix, HBO Go and Amazon Prime content now shows up as free if you're paying for any of those services. Wait, Amazon Prime content, you say? Well yes, we did, as the Amazon Prime Instant Video catalogue has been worked into the new version of the guide and recommendation app. Yet more ways to make sure we're up to date with The Good Wife? Sounds fine to us.
Amazon intros X-Ray for TV, helps you remember those 'Game of Thrones' actors
Amazon's continuing the steady X-Ray takeover of media today by extending the feature to its TV selection. The latest implementation of the concept, which has already made its way to the company's e-book offerings, offers up similar functionality to its movie counterpart, harnessing IMDB data to offer up contextual information on actors. The feature's available as of today for "most popular TV shows" on the company's Instant Video offering (some of which are also a part of its Prime video selection). And it's a solid list, too, including: Justified, Downton Abbey, The West Wing, Sons of Anarchy, Falling Skies, American Horror Story, Grey's Anatomy, Doctor Who, The Walking Dead, Lost, Glee, Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones. More info on the feature can be found below.
CBS tries multi-stage syndication for The Good Wife on Amazon Prime, Hulu Plus and TV
Almost by definition, TV syndication in the modern era leads us to wonder just where and when we'll get to see a show online. For CBS' The Good Wife, streaming on third-party services will be a cornerstone of an uncommon, multi-step syndication strategy that puts the internet first. The drama will be available for Amazon Prime Instant Video subscribers starting March 14th, expanding beyond its existing availability for purchase. Hulu Plus members, meanwhile, will get their own turn at streaming in September. Traditional TV will still be around, but it's notably pushed to the back of the queue -- Hallmark won't have airing rights until January 2014, and most other broadcasters will be denied until a year after Hulu. The new approach another sign that CBS' one-time cold shoulder to some forms of digital distribution is growing warmer and warmer.
Amazon adds another original kid's program with high-profile pedigree
Amazon doesn't have any original programming just yet that can quite compete with the buzz of House of Cards or the resurrection of Arrested Development. What it does have, however, is a compelling lineup of exclusive children's programming from big names like Angela C. Santomero and Carol Greenwald, the people responsible for Blue's Clues and Curious George, respectively. The two are collaborating on Sara Solves It, the second project from Santomero for Amazon's burgeoning Prime lineup. The series, which stars bother and sister Sara and Sam, was created with help from WGBH Boston (home of Frontline and Nova), where Greenwald works and is currently under contract for 12 episodes. It's unclear when the duo will begin solving their "absorbing and relatable" math mysteries, but our friends across the pond can rest easy knowing the interactive children's programming will be coming to Lovefilm in the UK and Germany as well.
Amazon Prime arrives in Canada: Free two-day shipping, no Instant Video
Canadians can now register for Amazon Prime and get free two-day shipping on eligible orders for $79 a year. As a welcome, the company's giving new sign-ups a free one-month trial to reel them in -- unless they live in Quebec. Unfortunately, our northern neighbors won't be picking up Instant Video, with Amazon Canada's Steve Oliver telling The Canadian Press that there are no plans for the video service to join Prime there any time soon.
Amazon slashes $50 off Kindle Fire HD 8.9 models during January, but only for students
While many of us are still recovering from New Year's celebrations, Amazon is considerably clearer-headed: it wants us ready for the winter school term that's about to start. Appropriately, it's offering a surprisingly steep discount on the Kindle Fire HD 8.9 for students. Americans headed back to class can get $50 off the price of the larger tablet for the whole of January, regardless of the capacity or the presence of LTE. The catch, apart from needing a .edu email address for the Amazon Student program, is the requirement for an active Prime subscription -- although that's no great shakes when Amazon accepts both the free six-month offer and the $39 yearly student plan. At $249, the discounted Kindle Fire HD is tempting for anyone who can do their course shopping at the Kindle Store... or just wants a convenient distraction during mid-terms.
Amazon Kindle FreeTime Unlimited launches, bundles kid-friendly media, menu for a fee
We got a peek at Amazon's Kindle FreeTime during its press conference back in September, but now it's making the family-friendly feature part of a subscription package available across the family of Kindle Fire devices. More than just a submenu of video like the ones offered by Netflix and Hulu Plus, it resembles the Kid's Corner launcher in Windows Phone 8 by password locking children out of the rest of the device, but with a preselected package of content to fill it. Available to Prime subscribers for $2.99 per month, per child or for $6.99 for a family-wide license of up to six kids (don't have Prime? you can pick it up for $4.99/$9.99 a month), kids can browse through the selection of educational apps, games, books, movies and TV shows. It also throws in other features parents will dig, with a personalized login and bookmarks for the kids, plus the ability to set time limits on use that can be specifically tailored by category. All of this happens with them seeing any ads or racking up a bill for video on-demand or in-app purchases, since those hooks have been removed, creating an environment endorsed by Common Sense Media. Big names like Disney, Nickelodeon, DC Comics and PBS are all on the list, with the promise of a store of content to keep the little ones distracted/learning as long as necessary. To set it up on your device, you'll only need to create a FreeTime account if you haven't already, and hit the free trial button. Want to see it for yourself? The feature is available in an OTA software update rolling out over "the coming weeks" to the new Kindle Fire, Kindle Fire HD and Kindle Fire HD 8.9, with a free month of trial access available to owners. There are more details in the press release after the break, or beyond the source link.
Amazon stops testing monthly Prime subscriptions, leaves the results a mystery
Amazon's trial periods must be as quick as its shipping -- just days after we first learned that it was testing monthly subscriptions for Amazon Prime, the online retailer has already put a halt to the program. A spokesperson says only that the company has "completed" its testing and has stopped taking sign-ups. We haven't been told whether or not the test was successful, although it's not hard to see the math working against Amazon's experiment when a $79 yearly Prime subscription is unquestionably the better deal. Chalk up the rapid-fire testing to the competitive heat in the streaming video world.
Amazon App Suite to be pre-loaded on Verizon Android devices starting with Droid DNA
Sure, HTC and Verizon may have given us the long awaited pricing and launch date details for the Droid DNA, but it omitted one tidbit that we'd heard of before: Amazon's App Suite. Starting with the DNA, select Android devices on Big Red -- presumably those that aren't of the "Google Experience" flavor -- will come loaded with the Amazon-focused pane on their home screens. Though a handful of Verizon phones are already pre-loaded with Audible, Zappos and Amazon's MP3, Kindle and Shopping apps, the suite will roll them up into one experience for easy access. By signing in with your existing Amazon account, content ranging from Kindle novels to MP3s will be at your fingertips. In addition, the Seattle-based retailer's complete selection of products are just an impulse buy away through the app. Hit the jump to check out the mobile storefront in action. Update: As pointed out in the comments, App Suite doesn't support Amazon video. We've updated the post accordingly.
Amazon Prime flaunts a monthly price tag, now offers streaming and two day shipping for $7.99 per month
Amazon Prime's trifecta of two-day shipping, instant media streaming and monthly Kindle book rentals just became a little more consumer friendly at a slightly higher price. As a Hacking Netflix reader recently noticed, Amazon is now inviting users to buy into Prime for $7.99 a month, bringing the service in line with Hulu and Netflix's monthly pricing schemes. The price of skipping the yearly fee is its own cost, however -- subscribers who stick with Prime for a full year will pay $16.88 over the annual plan. Paying for all 12-months ahead of time is still an option, of course, scoring long-term buyers a 20 percent discount at checkout. Good deal? Sure. Even better if you're trying to save on shipping this holiday season.
