Redbox On Demand is rental service's second attempt at internet streaming
Redbox, known for its DVD and Blu-Ray rental kiosks, is making a second attempt at internet streaming with Redbox On Deman, a service that looks to take on industry incumbents Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Announced on Wednesday, Redbox On Demand is technically a public beta service that allows users to buy or rent movies on a wide variety of devices and platforms, from mobile to set-top-streamers.
Customers can access movies through a web interface and the Redbox app for iOS, Android, tvOS and a number of streaming devices like Chromecast and Roku, as well as LG and Samsung Smart TVs.
Redbox is banking on its ability to nab new releases before competitors. The company says Redbox On Demand offers "many of the same" new-release movies customers can find at physical kiosks. At the same time, the firm is filling out its VOD content library with popular movies and TV shows.
"The newest-release movies are not available in subscription streaming services," said Ash Eldifrawi, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at Redbox. "Redbox's stronghold on new releases has played a big factor in our ongoing relevance to consumers who crave the latest content."
Unlike its first -- failed -- foray into internet streaming, Redbox Instant, the new On Demand product is not subscription based. Instead, pricing starts at $3.99 for a 48-hour rental and $9.99 for most purchases. Redbox points out that purchased movies can be downloaded for later viewing, an option not offered by all services.
Today's announcement comes more than one year after Redbox began experimenting with a new internet service, then called Redbox Digital, by offering beta access to select customers.
Redbox On Demand can be downloaded for free from the iOS and tvOS App Stores.
Announced on Wednesday, Redbox On Demand is technically a public beta service that allows users to buy or rent movies on a wide variety of devices and platforms, from mobile to set-top-streamers.
Customers can access movies through a web interface and the Redbox app for iOS, Android, tvOS and a number of streaming devices like Chromecast and Roku, as well as LG and Samsung Smart TVs.
Redbox is banking on its ability to nab new releases before competitors. The company says Redbox On Demand offers "many of the same" new-release movies customers can find at physical kiosks. At the same time, the firm is filling out its VOD content library with popular movies and TV shows.
"The newest-release movies are not available in subscription streaming services," said Ash Eldifrawi, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at Redbox. "Redbox's stronghold on new releases has played a big factor in our ongoing relevance to consumers who crave the latest content."
Unlike its first -- failed -- foray into internet streaming, Redbox Instant, the new On Demand product is not subscription based. Instead, pricing starts at $3.99 for a 48-hour rental and $9.99 for most purchases. Redbox points out that purchased movies can be downloaded for later viewing, an option not offered by all services.
Today's announcement comes more than one year after Redbox began experimenting with a new internet service, then called Redbox Digital, by offering beta access to select customers.
Redbox On Demand can be downloaded for free from the iOS and tvOS App Stores.
Comments
RedBox works because machines are deployed in front of local retail businesses and other good locations where there is a lot of walk-up traffic. It works as an impulse rental. They are very successful in poor neighborhoods because of their pricing and the convenience of walking down the corner with the kids and picking out some movies for less than an ice cream cone. They may not be the best blockbuster new releases either. Other entrepreneur businesses that operate on a similar basis are those new robotic frozen yogurt and drink vending machines. There is a big market for this where customers don't have credit cards, are paid cash under the table, use check cashing places, etc. The machines are mainly placed in their neighborhoods and in front of retail shopping centers.
All the new releases HD movies I rent on iTunes seem to be $5.99 and $6.99.