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Redbox is getting back into streaming and downloads
Redbox's ill-fated attempt to take on Netflix and Hulu shut down in 2014, but Variety reports that it's ready to try again. From the ashes of Redbox Instant rises Redbox Digital, which ditches the subscription element entirely in favor of all-video on-demand all the time. It's focused on the rental and purchase experience, although for now only invited users can try it out.
Redbox Instant's streaming video service shuts down on October 7th
If you thought that Redbox Instant would have trouble competing against a streaming video behemoth like Netflix, you were right. The Verizon-backed service is telling customers that Instant will shut down just before midnight on October 7th, roughly a year and a half after it got off the ground. Should you be a customer, you'll get a notice about any relevant refunds on October 10th. The closure isn't entirely surprising -- Outerwall (Redbox's parent company) wasn't happy with Instant's subscriber numbers, and a credit card fraud incident prevented it from taking new customers for three months. Still, this isn't good news if you liked Redbox's unique hybrid of online and kiosk-based rentals. [Thanks, Mike]
Redbox Instant for Android arrives on Chromecast
If you've been hoping for Redbox Instant to come join the Chromecast party, then your wish has just been granted. The Android app's latest update gives you the power to beam whatever flick you want to watch from a phone or tablet to the biggest display in your house. Sure, you've been happily casting Netflix movies, as well as HBO Go and Hulu Plus shows for months, but it's a nice bonus if you also use Redbox Instant regularly, despite a comparably smaller library. As for those who couldn't care less about this app, don't worry -- it's only a matter of time before more apps add Chromecast compatibility.
Time Warner Cable will sell a $99 Fan TV box that streams cable TV and internet video
Last summer Fanhattan showed off its Fan TV box that promised to put cable TV on the same level as internet streaming services, but with the odd twist that cable TV providers would be the ones to sell it. After a short test period with Cox Cable last year, Fanhattan has formed a partnership with Time Warner Cable to sell the $99 boxes to its subscribers (available for pre-order now, shipping in the next few months). It doesn't need coax or a visit from the cable guy, but it will have live TV and video on-demand from TWC, plus streaming video from services including Redbox Instant, Target Ticket (coming shortly after launch), Crackle and Rhapsody. Time Warner Cable has been on the forefront of transitioning to internet streaming with its TWC TV apps, and the Fan TV box plays directly into that.
Redbox gets a new president plucked from the studios, former Warner exec Mark Horak
Redbox went from duking it out with Warner in 2012 over a proposed 56-day delay for rentals to cutting a deal for a shorter 28-day delay and implementing UltraViolet support in Redbox Intant, and now the relationship is getting even cozier. Parent company Outerwall announced its earnings today and that Mark Horak, president of the Americas for Warner Bros. since 2008, will be the new president of Redbox. A "leadership transition" saw former president Anne Saunders leave in December, and Outerwall CEO J. Scott Di Valerio cited Horak's experience and relationships "growing DVD, Blu-ray, video game and digital sale" as reasons he's perfect for the spot he's taking over on March 17th. Other than executive changes at Outerwall's other businesses (Coinstar and ecoATM), we're not seeing any immediate changes, and Redbox's most recent numbers seem on track, with revenue for Q4 that was slightly higher than the same period last year. The most important new business is the Redbox Instant streaming/kiosk combo effort, although it hasn't gained much traction yet against competitors like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu Plus and Netflix. The company says Redbox Instant activity increased as it launched on new platforms like Windows Phone, Xbox One and PS4, but it still didn't have any exact data to share. As far as disc rentals Redbox is focusing on Blu-ray now, since 55 percent of its rental customers have a Blu-ray player. It's already trying to upsell customers to more expensive rentals on its website and app, and plans to roll that out directly on the kiosks soon. The investor call didn't reveal much in the way of a new direction for Redbox, but we're hoping the next step is squeezing a dedicated rental return slot onto the boxes.
Verizon's Redbox Instant now supports AirPlay streaming
Verizon's subscription streaming TV service, Redbox Instant, now supports Apple's AirPlay thanks to a new version 1.4 iOS app update -- with some caveats. For starters, though you'll be able to play streaming content on your iOS 6 device, the app doesn't support downloaded material as yet. Also, your viewing may be broken off if you receive texts and certain notifications, if you lock the device or if you quit Redbox to use another app. Meanwhile, AirPlay Mirroring, which lets you play from your device with your TV as a second screen, will still work just fine. Other tweaks include the usual bug fixes and improvements to the recommendations engine. So, if you've got Apple TV and want to give it a whirl, hit the source -- just make sure to tell your pals not to contact you mid-film.
Redbox Instant hits Windows Phone, will remain Lumia-exclusive for 60 days
After launching on iOS and Android almost a year ago, the mobile version of Redbox Instant by Verizon has finally arrived in the Windows Phone Store. Aside from a few cosmetic changes and added Live Tile support, the new app works exactly like its cross-platform counterparts, offering movie streaming and maps to nearby Redbox kiosks. An $8 monthly subscription also covers the rental fees for up to four DVDs, although customers can upgrade to Blu-ray discs for an additional dollar. The bad news is that the app's exclusive to Nokia's Lumia range right now -- plebes with other WP8 devices will have to wait until the end of January for general availability.
More details leak on Verizon's Ellipsis 7: a 'value' tablet for $250
A Verizon-branded tablet may not be top of mind for most consumers (or anyone, really), but that's not stopping the wireless operator from pursuing the 'value category' spurred by Google's Nexus 7. Leaked documents obtained by PhoneArena today paint a fuller picture of the Verizon Ellipsis tablet we first saw surface yesterday. According to the alleged documents, this budget tablet is to be the first in a new brand series and will feature an HD IPS display -- though actual resolution is unknown -- an unspecified 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 8GB of expandable memory and a considerable 4,000mAh battery. Naturally, it also incorporates 4G LTE, as well as WiFi and there's even mention of Verizon's Redbox Instant streaming app, so we assume it'll come pre-loaded. Beyond those few specs, there's not much else known about this Android Jelly Bean tablet save for a $250 price and mention of an on-contract promo. If there's truth to this leak, and indeed it does appear likely, all that's left is for Verizon to take this public and give it a ship date. Although, if and when that happens we're still not sure anyone will care.
PS3 users get more streaming options with Redbox Instant and TuneIn radio apps
There's a lot of streaming media apps out there, and there's now two more on the PlayStation 3. On the video side of things, Verizon has brought its Redbox Instant service to the console, giving you access to thousands of streaming movies for the same $8 a month that Netflix costs (which also nets you four DVD rentals from Redbox kiosks each month). Unlike Netflix, however, you can also choose to buy or rent new release movies without a subscription. The other app making its debut on the console today is the TuneIn radio service, which offers access to some 70,000 radio stations. It'll also be making its way to the PS Vita next week, but there's no word yet on Redbox making a similar transition to Sony's handheld.
Redbox Instant channel launches for Roku players
Outerwall promised two months ago that it would offer Redbox Instant on Roku players, and the company is making good on its word by launching that channel today. The subscription movie service is now available for both the Roku Streaming Stick as well as conventional players ranging from the Roku LT to the Roku 3. There aren't any visible new features in the Roku version of Redbox Instant, but we doubt that many customers will complain -- they're getting cheap movie streaming through a similarly frugal media hub.
Redbox Instant app for Android updated to work on rooted devices
When Redbox Instant's mobile apps launched earlier this year some users noticed that it refused to work on rooted Android hardware. Now a new update, noted in the log as "changed the way we handle rooted devices," is allowing playback no matter what your superuser status is. Many other premium video apps (but not Netflix, for example) have similar blocks on rooted / jailbroken mobile hardware, although users can usually work around them. Still, it's annoying and mostly unnecessary especially since the block is so easily overcome, so it's good to see Redbox making the change. The ban on rooted hardware and its limited library of subscription streaming content -- although it does throw in the convenience of kiosk rental credits -- have been the source of a large number of negative reviews for the app, hopefully with one looming issue out of the way the other will be addressed shortly.
Redbox Instant, Flixster to join Sony's own live event streaming service on PS3, PS4 and PlayStation Vita
Sony's own PlayStation 3 just happens to be the most used Netflix-streaming device in the word, but that doesn't mean the outfit isn't offering a diverse array of streaming options. Today at its E3 press event, the company announced that the all three of its consoles -- PS3, PS4 and Vita -- will support a Sony live viewer service, Redbox Instant and Flixter, as well. Sony didn't say when support for these services would arrive, but made sure to mention that its own Music and Video Unlimited apps would be available on the PlayStation 4 at launch. Hit up our ongoing liveblog for additional coverage.
Redbox Instant app coming to Roku players this summer
Redbox Instant recently launched on the Google TV platform and today it's officially announcing plans for a Roku channel. Despite its absence from the original list of devices, Redbox mentioned at Google I/O support for the Roku platform would likely be in the cards. Similar to the Google TV launch (and the recent Hulu Plus update) the app won't work on first gen Roku hardware, but once it's available will bring its unique package of subscription streaming / VOD / kiosk DVD & Blu-ray access to the hockey puck streamers. Still, the reports we've heard from early users are mostly mentioning the need for more subscription streaming content, but getting within shouting distance of the likes of Netflix and Amazon won't be easy.
Redbox Instant app available for Google TV
During CES, Redbox and Verizon mentioned Google TV among the platforms getting an app and now they've delivered. The Redbox Instant app for Google TV is in the Google Play market, however only owners of second gen hardware will be able to make full use of it. As the folks at Google TV Friends found, it can be side loaded on the Logitech Revue for example and even play previews, however it won't rent any movies. At Google I/O Redbox explained to GigaOm that support would be restricted, while showing off a newer version of the app that will be released after the Jelly Bean Google TV update hits and mentioning a Roku version on the way. Redbox's support page explains the lack of support for first generation hardware is because only newer devices have the necessary DRM support, owners of those boxes can install the app from the link below.
Redbox Instant streaming now available on LG Smart TVs
Now out of beta, Redbox Instant is slowly increasing the number of devices it supports and has now announced its launch on LG's Smart TV platform (TVs only, not Blu-ray players, for now). The hybrid disc / video on-demand / subscription streaming movie service has continued to push updates to its apps on Android and iOS since their debut, and has been posting promotions of its "disc + digital" approach. Its digital catalog is still more limited than competition like Netflix or Amazon Prime, but the disc aspect is an interesting hook, allowing users to pick up a brand new flick at the kiosk and stream catalog fare, all under one package. If you're in the beta then let us know how things are progressing in the comments, and if you're not then you can get a free month trial at the link below.
Redbox Instant app for Xbox 360 goes live for Gold subscribers
We knew that Redbox Instant would be coming to Xbox 360, it was specifically betrayed by a leak way back in November and the company has been pretty up front about the planned support. Now the app is available through Xbox Live, delivering its streaming library to millions of Microsoft gamers. The $8 a month service just became available to the public during the last week. If you're curious, but not quite ready to add another subscription to your life, Xbox Live Gold customers can enjoy a free trial of 4,600 unlimited streaming titles (though the 4,000-plus movies available for purchase or rent will still set you back a few more bucks). To try it out yourself hit up the Xbox Live Marketplace, where you'll also find the newly launched GameTrailers app.
Redbox Instant exits private beta and launches to the public
Redbox Instant, the video-streaming service from Verizon, is launching to the public today. This launch follows a three-month closed beta test, and it comes about a month after the company's announcement that the service would come to the Xbox 360 as a console launch exclusive. To jog your memory, Redbox Instant offers users unlimited access to some 4,000 movies in addition to four DVD rentals at $8 a month. Content partners include heavyweights like Warner Bros and Epix , the latter of which offers content from Viacom, MGM and Lions Gate Entertainment. Speaking to GigaOM, Redbox Instant CEO Shawn Strickland said his product's focus remains movies -- both physical and digital -- which differs from Netflix's TV-heavy library and emphasis on web content. Strickland also said that, while talk of any exclusive content is "really premature," it could be an option down the road. In addition to offering Xbox 360 support, the service is open to iOS and Android users, along with those who own a Vizio, LG, Samsung or Google TV product.
Redbox Instant coming to Xbox 360 as console launch exclusive in the 'very near future'
Are you an Xbox 360 owner? You might like this bit of news: according to Major Nelson, Redbox Instant is coming sometime to the gaming machine in the "very near future," and Microsoft appears to have partnered with the video streaming service to become a console launch exclusive. It'll be available only to users who are Xbox Live Gold subscribers. Of course, this doesn't mean this will be the only place you'll be able to take advantage of all that Redbox will have to offer; the public launch, which is still slated for Q1, will be available on several platforms and devices, such as iOS / Android, Vizio, LG, Samsung and even Google TV. As a refresher, you'll be able to get unlimited access to the service (as well as four free DVD rentals) for $8 per month, while an extra dollar will let you convert those discs into Blu-ray.
More Redbox Instant details revealed at CES; Vizio, LG and Google TV clients coming
The Redbox Instant video streaming service recently let eager users kick down the doors of its beta test, and now the team behind it has stepped out to talk about its unique feature set. While a public launch is still planned for Q1 (just as Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam said last month) we've had a little time to spend with the beta on our own, and saw it running on several devices including iOS / Android and Samsung Blu-ray player in the company's hotel suite. New hardware partners announced during CES are Vizio, Google TV and LG, which should all see apps arrive soon to their assorted platforms. Currently the mobile apps appear to be the most polished, however all ran smoothly and featured a look apart from the other subscription streaming services. Of course, some of that is a result of Redbox offering movies via kiosk rental, VOD rental / purchase or unlimited subscription. While each UI is a bit unique (predictably, the iOS app foregoes any purchase options due to Apple's insistence on a 30 percent cut) one way to keep track of how a particular movie is accessible are via several small icons in the corner of its box art, showing a kiosk for discs, play button for subscriptions, ticket for purchase, and so on. So far Redbox isn't playing in the picture quality wars, at the moment it's video maxes out at 720p and audio is stereo only, although it is looking to upgrade.
Redbox Instant beta invites slowly start rolling out, iOS and Android apps appear
As promised, the Redbox Instant beta is under way, offering interested customers and employees an early peek at its blend of kiosk rentals and streaming video. With unlimited subscription video and four Blu-ray rentals per month available for just $9 we expect there to be significant interest, if you haven't already signed up for early access on the website we suggest you do so promptly. The service's apps are already available on iTunes and Google Play, although you'll need one of the access codes being doled out to activate them. Hit the source link to get on the list, until then go over the official details and wonder just what might be waiting.
