Amazon’s shady Prime Video practices are pay...

By now, just about each streaming service (with the notable exception of Apple TV+) has some kind of ad-supported possibility. Nevertheless, customers need to opt-in to those subscriptions, and streamers like Netflix, Max, Disney+ and extra have been capable of efficiently lure subscribers to those money-making tiers with decrease subscription costs. Nevertheless, again in 2023, Amazon Prime Video tried one thing fully totally different when it got here to transferring customers to an ad-supported tier. As a substitute of introducing a less expensive tier with adverts, they robotically moved each single subscriber to their ad-based tier, and introduced that those that did not wish to see adverts must begin paying $3 extra for the privilege within the new yr.

As you would possibly count on, response to this was overwhelmingly unfavourable, with offended subscribers threatening on-line to cancel the service over the change. And whereas some customers might certainly have unsubscribed to Amazon Prime Video because of this transformation, it appears to be like just like the overwhelming majority of those that stayed are simply superb with watching adverts, as new information from Digital I means that the service now has practically 90% of customers on its ad-supported tier, greater than Netflix, Disney+ and Max mixed. And whereas there are some questions on how a lot customers of the bigger Prime service use the included Prime Video add-on, plainly, no less than in response to this information, Amazon’s controversial transfer in 2023 has paid off.

It is in all probability too late for Netflix or any of the opposite streamers to do one thing related (and I can not think about Apple including adverts to their service on this approach), nevertheless it simply goes to point out that whereas there was loads of backlash to this transfer initially, it finally labored out very nicely as extra customers are watching adverts on Prime Video than anyplace else, which definitely is making Amazon a ton of money.

Peacock provides video games and quick video clips to cellular app

Nice choices for once you’re bored at work, I suppose

Peacock

Seemingly taking a web page from Netflix, Peacock has launched a number of new options for its cellular app which can be aimed toward getting customers to do extra than simply stream content material. First up is a each day video games hub that features puzzles, trivia, and themed “prediction” video games tied to particular exhibits. The inclusion looks as if an effort to deliberately mirror the success of the New York Instances’ video games app, which has grow to be one thing of a popular culture phenomenon.

And in case you do not feel like booting up a streaming app to play video games, Peacock has additionally launched a brand new feed known as “Can’t-miss Clips” that features quick video segments from common exhibits in a TikTok-style scrollable feed.

These new options can be found now within the Peacock cellular app for many who wish to verify them out and do one thing aside from watch a present or film on a streaming app.

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The Google TV Streamer lastly will get a good low cost

The Chromecast alternative would possibly simply be value choosing up at this value

Google TV Streamer

$80 $100 Save $20

The Google TV Streamer is a streaming machine designed to help the newest video and audio applied sciences with AI integration and good residence management.

Dimensions

6.4 x 3 x 1-inch

Connective Know-how

Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Model

Google

What’s Included

Distant

Bluetooth codecs

Bluetooth® 5.1

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 802.11ac (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz)

Broaden

In his review of the Google TV Streamer, TV reporter Anthony Marcusa described it as “a formidable machine designed to help those that are attempting to make sense of a variety of titles from a variety of totally different providers.” and praised the machine’s clear aesthetic and ease of use. Nevertheless, his important difficulty with the machine was its $100 value level, which he did not suppose was justified, particularly contemplating how cheap the TV Streamer’s predecessor, the Google Chromecast was.

Nevertheless, it appears to be like like good issues come to those that wait, because the Google TV Streamer is now on sale for $80, its lowest value seen because the machine went on sale final yr. If you happen to’ve been occupied with snagging considered one of these, it appears to be like like one of the best time to take action is true now so you possibly can snag that candy, candy 20% financial savings.

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Pacific Rim collection is formally coming to Prime Video

Nice information for mecha and kaiju followers (so principally, me)

Lionsgate

Bringing it again to Prime Video for our last bit of reports this week, Variety reviews {that a} live-action Pacific Rim prequel collection is now in growth for the Amazon-owned streamer due to a deal struck between lead studio Legendary Tv and Amazon MGM Studios.

That is truly the second streaming vacation spot for the franchise as Netflix produced an animated spin-off collection known as Pacific Rim: The Black which ran for 2 seasons between 2021 and 2022 earlier than being canceled.

Hopefully the Amazon-produced present lasts a little bit longer, as there are tie-in movies reportedly on provide as nicely if the collection does nicely.

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Variety