Apple, Amazon, and Google compete on media downloads/rentals; that's why AppleTV and Chromecast aren't supported by Prime nor sold in the Amazon store. Their isn't any reason that Amazon couldn't have an AppleTV app merely for those wanting to watch free Prime media, but then Amazon would give up downloads/rentals or pay the 30%. Bezos wants a better deal, but I'm not seeing what's in it for Apple to make that happen. Apple seems to be more favorable to content creators like HBO, who are rumored to have a 15% transaction fee and only if the subscription is purchased through the iTunes Store.
So basically both Amazon and Apple are keeping the Prime app off Apple TV for financial reasons.
Both are businesses, and operate to create a profit. Both are tied to expansion of their ecosystems. The only difference is there isn't any reason for reciprocity; Apple doesn't need to be on Amazon, even for AppleTV hardware sales.
Speaking of Amazon Prime Video, why does the first minute or two of audio on everything I watch sound like an AM radio? I don't have this problem with any other service and I have a 100 Mbps Internet connection.
Although I purchased my Apple TVs knowing there was no Amazon Prime Video app, reading this news further elevates my consideration to cancel Amazon prime. As time passes, Amazon is becoming less attractive. I used to window shop at Best Buy then order on Amazon. Now, the role seems to be reversing.
Streaming devices are cheap enough to have a couple of devices per set. I simply switch between hdmi ports and if one device doesn't support a service then another device will. My Roku 3 supports some services better than my Fire TV 2 and vice versa. Anyway, my smart TV supports Amazon Prime video with its own smart apps. Anyone who uses Kodi on AppleTV could theoretically use the Amazon Prime Video add-on that's available from the XLordKX repository.
Amazon has no room to talk about "acceptable business practices"
It's pretty obvious to me that Bezos want to sell their own streaming box. Otherwise they wouldn't go so far as to delist the AppleTV from their own store for some phony reason (because it doesn't support Amazon Prime).
Something doesn't make sense I agree. I have TIVO service and I guess Amazon was able to work out acceptable business terms with them since it offers Amazon Prime Video. I also have Roku and Amazon worked out terms with them too since it offers Prime Video. That tells me there's something different with Apple and it's terms but no idea what it would be.
Apple, Amazon, and Google compete on media downloads/rentals; that's why AppleTV and Chromecast aren't supported by Prime nor sold in the Amazon store. Their isn't any reason that Amazon couldn't have an AppleTV app merely for those wanting to watch free Prime media, but then Amazon would give up downloads/rentals or pay the 30%. Bezos wants a better deal, but I'm not seeing what's in it for Apple to make that happen. Apple seems to be more favorable to content creators like HBO, who are rumored to have a 15% transaction fee and only if the subscription is purchased through the iTunes Store.
So basically both Amazon and Apple are keeping the Prime app off Apple TV for financial reasons.
Sounds like they're trying to negotiate through the public and media now. Let's face it...
1. Amazon does not want to release an app that only allows playback of Prime videos because they have no chance at incremental revenue from sale or rental of non-Prime. 2. Apple will want their 30% take on subscriptions. Amazon will balk because what part of the $100/year is the Prime video worth? Is it 20%, 10%? Who knows? Didn't Amazon just introduce a Prime Video-only type of subscription with none of the other benefits? This may be step one in setting a value for which they will pay Apple a % if they subscribe through the app. 3. This is a business negotiation between to heavyweights who are looking out for their respective self interests. Vilifying either of these companies is just silly and sounds like a child throwing a temper tantrum. 4. It's not about hardware sales. It's about keeping customers in their respective ecosystems where they'll spend money on apps, games and content.
I have an ATV which I use for most streaming and I use my smart TVs apps only to watch Amazon Prime videos and the occasional Netflix stream offered in 4KUHD. Is it ideal? No, but at the end of the day it's just a matter of hitting the Input button on my remote. I'll make due until, if ever, they reach an agreement.
Roku boxes are cheap. I have both a Roku and an Apple TV. I use the Roku when I want to watch an Amazon Prime movie. So I have the best of both worlds. Excellent!
I have a number of devices, even a Amazon Fire Stick which the last time I tried to use it, I don't know what happened, Amazon must of did some software update because it was slow, I tried watching a Amazon Prime Movie on it and it was buffering almost non-stop to make it unwatchable. it was like, what the hell is going on?!?! Went to my ROKU and it played perfect!!! You can watch Amazon Prime content on your AppleTV using AirPlay.
The hole blocking the sale of AppleTV and Chromebox units with a lame excuse of it's confusing to people because they can't figure out it won't play Amazon Prime content is beyond DUMB.
I actually like Amazon, both as a shopping service (I can't remember how I survived before Amazon Prime shopping) and I love the iPad interface for the TV shows on Amazon Prime too. In fact it has some feature I wish Netflix would adopt. So I hope they can work out a deal, I'd love to have an app on the TV as well as the iPad.
The first joke that came to mind though was, Jeff wants Amazon's servers to be able to hear and record everything everyone says in the room near the Apple mic in the TV's remote. OT but I'm just on Amazon right now looking for a case for an old 4s that I eventually found how using iTunes 12.4, to turn into a nice iPod for beach / poolside music. Wow, is iTunes a f***d up interface or what?
I bought the Amazon stick when it launched for 25 bucks so I get my Amazon streams but frankly I'd tell Amazon to take a flying leap if I was Apple. Their Prime Video is "ok" but my household values HBO Now more than PV.
I got the Amazon Fire Stick when it launched also for $19!!! The last time I tried using it, it couldn't even play it's own Prime content without a lot of buffering issues where as the ROKU was working perfect.
I tried using PLEX on it, and it had issues playing one of my files that PLEX on the ROKU or AppleTV have no problem playing. These Sticks really don't have the horsepower that a larger box has. You look at a AppleTV 4 and it's not a box with a bunch of empty space, it's packed full and made as small as possible. The Amazon Fire Stick and the Roku Stick have limitations that their larger Bigger Box versions don't have. The only small stick that size really doesn't matter much is the Cromecast. There's no interface like all these other Sticks and boxes. Your casting to it using your Android phone which is doing most of the work.
I don't understand why Amazon don't just create a Prime video player for the Apple TV box. If you just stream films and shows that you have already paid for and don't give the option to purchase new films or shows through the app, Amazon won't lose any money to Apple but they are likely to pick up some new subscribers.
Amazon has no room to talk about "acceptable business practices"
It's pretty obvious to me that Bezos want to sell their own streaming box. Otherwise they wouldn't go so far as to delist the AppleTV from their own store for some phony reason (because it doesn't support Amazon Prime).
They "de-listed" the Chromecast too even tho it was one of their biggest sellers last year.
I agree and second what apple ][ says above that Airplay streaming of video from an iOS device makes it fairly simple to stream Amazon Video on AppleTV but would of course love an AppleTV app whenever Amazon and Apple can agree on "stuff".
I love the new 4th Gen. AppleTV for the apps, the Siri integration (which still needs work), the Aerial screen saver and integration with my iCloud Photo Library & Apple Music but wish it supported 4K video and could still enjoy even easier text entry.
For those really heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, I think there's no better set top box out there than the AppleTV but with the great original content that Amazon is producing, it's like, "I want my Amazon TV" and the corporations should take care of their customers.
I don't care for Amazon at all. Their site is a mess, their labor practices are shady, Bezos seems like a spaz. Not gonna wade through all the Amazon BS for their original programming.
I generally agree with what you say, but I had the most amazing Amazon experience this Memorial Day -- a national holiday.
I was scanning Amazon for some stuff (from several vendors) for our raised bed gardens. The Amazon site said order within yada yada hours and get your order today.
So I did, and they did.
Here's the shipping events:
May 30 11:23 AM Order Confirmation
May 30 02:22 PM 2:59 Left Seller Facility
May 30 03:28 PM 1:06 Arrived at Final Delivery Station
May 30 03:41 PM 0:13 Out for delivery
May 30 07:09 PM 3:28 Delivered
-------------------------------------------
7:46 Total Time
Likely, it would have taken several hours and $ gas to visit several stores (in the hot sun) to find equivalent products -- if they were even available locally.
Amazing -- I was able to relax at home with several toddys and use the stuff in the cool of the evening.
When warranted, I believe in recognizing a good job, well done!
FWIW, Here's the details -- notice the free shipping:
Time for Apple to get into the original programming game. Too bad they sold off Pixar. Enough creative types love Apple that they shouldn't have too much trouble lining up talent. Once they have a must-see show or two, they'll have some leverage over others that do too.
Time for Apple to get into the original programming game. Too bad they sold off Pixar. Enough creative types love Apple that they shouldn't have too much trouble lining up talent. Once they have a must-see show or two, they'll have some leverage over others that do too.
Time for Apple to get into the original programming game. Too bad they sold off Pixar. Enough creative types love Apple that they shouldn't have too much trouble lining up talent. Once they have a must-see show or two, they'll have some leverage over others that do too.
Apple is getting it's toes in the water with original content, though the first is a Dr Dre inspired series via Apple Music. I'm sure that there will be others.
Comments
Although I purchased my Apple TVs knowing there was no Amazon Prime Video app, reading this news further elevates my consideration to cancel Amazon prime. As time passes, Amazon is becoming less attractive. I used to window shop at Best Buy then order on Amazon. Now, the role seems to be reversing.
1. Amazon does not want to release an app that only allows playback of Prime videos because they have no chance at incremental revenue from sale or rental of non-Prime.
2. Apple will want their 30% take on subscriptions. Amazon will balk because what part of the $100/year is the Prime video worth? Is it 20%, 10%? Who knows? Didn't Amazon just introduce a Prime Video-only type of subscription with none of the other benefits? This may be step one in setting a value for which they will pay Apple a % if they subscribe through the app.
3. This is a business negotiation between to heavyweights who are looking out for their respective self interests. Vilifying either of these companies is just silly and sounds like a child throwing a temper tantrum.
4. It's not about hardware sales. It's about keeping customers in their respective ecosystems where they'll spend money on apps, games and content.
I have an ATV which I use for most streaming and I use my smart TVs apps only to watch Amazon Prime videos and the occasional Netflix stream offered in 4KUHD. Is it ideal? No, but at the end of the day it's just a matter of hitting the Input button on my remote. I'll make due until, if ever, they reach an agreement.
The first joke that came to mind though was, Jeff wants Amazon's servers to be able to hear and record everything everyone says in the room near the Apple mic in the TV's remote.
If you just stream films and shows that you have already paid for and don't give the option to purchase new films or shows through the app, Amazon won't lose any money to Apple but they are likely to pick up some new subscribers.
I love the new 4th Gen. AppleTV for the apps, the Siri integration (which still needs work), the Aerial screen saver and integration with my iCloud Photo Library & Apple Music but wish it supported 4K video and could still enjoy even easier text entry.
For those really heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, I think there's no better set top box out there than the AppleTV but with the great original content that Amazon is producing, it's like, "I want my Amazon TV" and the corporations should take care of their customers.
I generally agree with what you say, but I had the most amazing Amazon experience this Memorial Day -- a national holiday.
I was scanning Amazon for some stuff (from several vendors) for our raised bed gardens. The Amazon site said order within yada yada hours and get your order today.
So I did, and they did.
Here's the shipping events:
Likely, it would have taken several hours and $ gas to visit several stores (in the hot sun) to find equivalent products -- if they were even available locally.
Amazing -- I was able to relax at home with several toddys and use the stuff in the cool of the evening.
When warranted, I believe in recognizing a good job, well done!
FWIW, Here's the details -- notice the free shipping: