Skip to main content

Amazon Prime members to get unlimited video streaming, a la Netflix?

2011 may be an important year for Amazon. The company is set to launch its own Android app store and now it may be taking on Netflix as well. The online retailer has had On Demand video streaming for some time now, but the service has not taken off like competing products Hulu and Netflix. However, Engadget reports that Amazon may take on Netflix directly, offering free unlimited streaming of more than 5,000 videos to those who subscribed to Prime, a free two-day shipping service Amazon offers at a cost of $79.99 per year.

amazon-video-free-unlimited-streaming-leaked-screen-jan-2011
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The screenshot above shows a button with the words “unlimited streaming” and “Prime instant videos” on it. We are unable to verified the accuracy of this screenshot as Amazon has removed this feature (if it ever existed). Nevertheless, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard rumors that Amazon is developing an instant streaming service. Back in December, rumors circulated that the online retailer is developing a competitor to Netflix. The company’s recent purchase of Lovefilm, the European equivalent of Netflix, seems to verify this rumor.

Recommended Videos

Does Amazon have a shot against Netflix? Well, maybe. At $79.99 per year ($6.67 per month), Amazon has already undercut its competition on price. Netflix charges $7.99 for its Instant Streaming-only service, which adds up to $95.88 per year. However, Netflix has signed many high profile exclusive deals for content and has a larger library of streaming titles. Additionally, Amazon will have major catchup to do if it hopes to get its software on the wide array of devices Netflix is available on such as the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation, iOS devices, several IP TVs, and a number of set-top boxes like Boxee and Roku. Is Amazon prepared to spend large amounts to fast track app development?

Jeffrey Van Camp
As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…
This compact HP Omen gaming PC is on sale at 39% off today
The HP Omen 16L gaming desktop sitting on a desk.

For those who want a proper gaming desktop but don't have enough space for a big and bulky machine, the HP Omen 16L could be what you need. You're in luck because it's on sale from the gaming PC deals of HP right now, with this configuration featuring the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card available at 39% off. You'll only have to pay $800 instead of its original price of $1,330, but you need to push through with your purchase immediately if you want to make sure you pocket the savings of $530.

Why you should buy the HP Omen 16L gaming PC

Read more
SpaceX’s Starlink rival is about to launch more internet satellites — here’s how to watch
Amazon's KA-01 mission for Project Kuiper gets underway from the Space Coast.

[UPDATE: A technical issue with the rocket has caused the launch to be postponed. We'll update this article with the new launch schedule just as soon as it becomes available.]

Amazon is preparing to launch its second batch of Project Kuiper internet satellites to orbit as it seeks to build out a constellation to take on SpaceX’s Starlink service.

Read more
Weird Mac mini issue prompts Apple to take action
A top-down view of the Mac Mini.

Following multiple reports of specific Mac mini computers failing to power on, Apple has launched a global repair program to sort the problem out.

Apple launched the  M2 Mac mini in January 2023, though the affected units were made between June 16 and November 23 of 2024, according to a notice about the repair program that was first spotted by MacRumors.

Read more