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

By now, just about each streaming service (with the notable exception of Apple TV+) has some form of ad-supported possibility. Nevertheless, customers must opt-in to those subscriptions, and streamers like Netflix, Max, Disney+ and extra have been in a position to efficiently lure subscribers to those money-making tiers with decrease subscription costs. Nevertheless, again in 2023, Amazon Prime Video tried one thing fully completely different when it got here to shifting customers to an ad-supported tier. As a substitute of introducing a less expensive tier with adverts, they mechanically 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 12 months.

As you may anticipate, response to this was overwhelmingly adverse, with indignant subscribers threatening on-line to cancel the service over the change. And whereas some customers might certainly have unsubscribed to Amazon Prime Video resulting from this transformation, it appears to be like just like the overwhelming majority of those that stayed are simply positive with watching adverts, as new knowledge 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, evidently, no less than based on this knowledge, 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 manner), however it simply goes to indicate that whereas there was loads of backlash to this transfer initially, it in the end labored out very properly as extra customers are watching adverts on Prime Video than wherever else, which definitely is making Amazon a ton of money.

Peacock provides video games and quick video clips to cellular app

Nice choices for whenever you’re bored at work, I assume

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 every day video games hub that features puzzles, trivia, and themed “prediction” video games tied to particular exhibits. The inclusion looks like an effort to deliberately mirror the success of the New York Occasions’ video games app, which has grow to be one thing of a popular culture phenomenon.

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

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

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The Google TV Streamer lastly will get an honest low cost

The Chromecast alternative may simply be price choosing up at this value

Google TV Streamer

$80 $100 Save $20

The Google TV Streamer is a streaming system designed to assist the newest video and audio applied sciences with AI integration and sensible residence management.

Dimensions

6.4 x 3 x 1-inch

Connective Expertise

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 system designed to help those that try to make sense of a number of titles from a number of completely different providers.” and praised the system’s clear aesthetic and ease of use. Nevertheless, his predominant subject with the system was its $100 value level, which he did not assume 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 system went on sale final 12 months. Should you’ve been fascinated with snagging one in all these, it appears to be like like the very best time to take action is true now so you’ll be able to snag that candy, candy 20% financial savings.

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Pacific Rim sequence 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 stories this week, Variety studies {that a} live-action Pacific Rim prequel sequence is now in growth for the Amazon-owned streamer because of a deal struck between lead studio Legendary Tv and Amazon MGM Studios.

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

Hopefully the Amazon-produced present lasts somewhat longer, as there are tie-in movies reportedly on supply as properly if the sequence does properly.

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