Amazon Instant Video streaming has landed on Sony’s PS3. And Tech of the Hub took the new service for a spin, finding it to be Amazon’s very best implementation, including the new “Recently Watched” and “Next Episode” tiles. Further, CNET’s John Falcone tweets this “cements the PS3 as the best all around home entertainment device.” While I’d probably give the nod to the Xbox 360, despite anachronistic annual service fee and lack of Blu-ray, Amazon Instant is both a welcome and unexpected offering on Sony’s flagship “gaming” console. As, not only does Amazon provide video-on-demand, but folks who subscribe to Amazon Prime ($79/year) are treated to unlimited video streaming, à la Netlifx. Sadly, there’s still no sign of Amazon Instant on mobile platforms beyond the Kindle Fire and their TiVo app continues to atrophy – lacking Prime capabilities.
Agreed Dave regarding the best all around home entertainment device. As the owner of two Xboxes and two PS3s, I definitely give the edge to the Xbox…particularly with the recent addition of HBO GO. Loving Game of Thrones! I will be interested to see when Amazon Video makes its way to the Xbox; something that could happen relatively soon — http://blog.streamingmedia.com/the_business_of_online_vi/2012/03/amazon-xbox.html — Vudu, Amazon, Hulu Plus, Netflix, Crackle, HBO GO, Zune Music & Video (along with all the other video & music apps) on one box will be pretty formidable.
Maybe not intentional, but that Amazon UI looks an awful lot like the Metro UI on the Xbox.
Yep, Gabe (Tech of the Hub) mentioned the “metro” styling to me… and it makes me wonder what screenshot Streaming Media actually received. I emailed Dan a few weeks back to see it, but he didn’t want to share since he couldn’t confirm the validity and didn’t want to out anyone I guess. I assume Apple will strike at some point with some of these content partners. Not Amazon, obviously, but HBO or ESPN?
Regarding Apple bringing more content partners on board, I certainly hope so! While I love their products, I can’t figure out why they haven’t been more aggressive in adding apps/channels. When you see the volume of content through various services (MLB, NBA, NHL, Netflix, Amazon, HBO GO, Vudu, ESPN, Crackle, Pandora, Hulu Plus, YouTube, UFC, etc.) available on multiple devices/platforms in most cases – so you know deals are possible – it makes you wonder what Apple is waiting for.
Considering all that they could bring to the table (solid hardware, polished UI, iTunes, the app store, AirPlay, the Remote app, etc.), they would immediately jump to the front of the pack with some heavyweight content deals.
It’s not up to Apple to bring Amazon to the iPad. It’s up to Amazon. A wide range of non-Apple services run on the iPhone and iPad. Apple is a gate keeper in terms of making sure software complies with it’s developer SDK and business practices. But that should be a barrier for Amazon Prime video. For the Amazon Instant service, there is an issue. An iPad app would either be required to do in app purchasing with a cut going to Apple (which Amazon would be a fool to do) OR it would require purchases to be made on a Mac or PC but the viewing could happen on the iPad. That’s a little awkward, like the Kindle app. But it’s not terrible.
The Apple TV is currently a different matter. Right now, Apple has no open developer program for AppleTV as there is no API available. (Coming soon I hope!) For Apple TV as it stands, Amazon would have to work with Apple. That could be more problematic.
Things get complicated to support non flash devices. DRM and use of apples proprietary version of http live streaming (vs 3gpp standard) are just the beginning. Ios is the epitome of a proprietary ecosystem. From live streaming to codec support they have bastardized the mobile industry
Sadly, I just bought a Roku, about 3 weeks ago, because nothing I had could do Amazon Prime… oh well a donation to keeping my parents tech savvy perhaps?
Anyway, I really do agree, I’m impressed with the PS3 implementation, it works much better than the Roku client in many ways (thought not all). I would love to have it on my iPad or Android phone… but I think BBOCK might be onto something with Amazon not wanting to pay a fee to Apple for every purchase. I would really be happy just being able to get to all the season passes, and prime content I already have though.
Back to the PS3 for a sec… (I say this having never used an Xbox) it seems like Sony has all of the sudden become interested in streaming video services. A big part of me feels like the PS4 dosen’t need to be new hardware, just better software on the PS3 to allow for way more apps, and simple downloadable games. Just my 2cents.
Totally agree with you Dave.
@BBOCK
When I asked Amazon about why the iPad couldn’t access the Amazon VOD pages (I was asking about being able to push to my TiVo from the iPad, but they misinterpreted the question), I was told that Apple won’t allow Amazon on the iPad.
I don’t know if that answer is accurate or B.S. since it’s coming from Amazon’s CS department, but that’s the answer I got.
I like the Amazon app on the PS3. I think the presentation is better than the Netflix UI. I also have an XBox and look forward to Comcast unblocking HBO GO. I hope HBO Go comes to the PS3 too. I would imagine so eventually. Comparing the two systems, I used to favor the XBox UI but now I think it is too busy. I’ve also always preferred the PS3 for streaming for the simple fact that it is quiet. The XBox is not.
Marcus,
Interesting how people can view the PS3 and Xbox interfaces. I used to like the PS3 but now I find the cross-media bar stale compared to the Xbox Metro UI. Additionally, I like the fact you can personalize the Xbox background image. I have found some nice HD city skyline photos that look pretty sharp.
While I would agree that the Xbox is moderately louder than the PS3, it certainly has never distracted me from watching, or listening, to content.
I was surprised to see this show up. I upgraded both of our ps3s and downloaded the app. It is nice, and I thought the interface was well done. My biggest problem with the ps3 is that you have to be logged into the playstation network to do anything….
Some progress at least, but Amazon still has work to do. Netflix is WAY ahead of them with respect to device support. XBox support is seriously overdue. Tivo, for the Prime customers anyway. Samsung TVs, Blu-Ray players, etc etc all have Netflix but not Amazon…
Baffled at why apple plays the apple tv box so quietly. ABC and Apple are best buds. Steve Jobs was on their board. Why no ESPn at least?
The Amazon UI on the PS3 is great. But the audio implementation is not. It’s sending stereo and 5.1 audio in a 7.1 wrapper. So no post proceesing can be applied. I’ll continue using my Roku for amazon streaming since the Roku outputs the audio correctly. If the PS3 fixes the audio then I will start using it’s amazon app.
The PS3 has had the same issue with several apps. They had to correct the audio issues with a later update. I would have thought that by now Sony would realize how to output the audio properly. But apparently not. The certainly must not test the audio output of the app. Otherwise they would have caught the issue.
JCM,
This is funny because I do think of the PS3 interface as lagging behind that of the XBox. The difference now, and what has led me back to the PS3 is that it is not filled with distractions and advertising. Also, the XBox just requires too many submenus to do the same thing that I would do on the PS3. It’s not terrible, just no longer as straight forward. Oh, and the XBox fan noise. It’s not obnoxious, but when the PS3 is silent the XBox becomes less apppealing for media consumption. I’ve tried it in different locations but it just runs hotter I guess.
the only thing the ps3 needs is a youtube app.