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AppleTV won't get Amazon Video until Apple agrees to 'acceptable business terms"

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D

Dalek

Member
Apple TV won't get Amazon Prime Video until Apple agrees to 'acceptable business terms'


17062-14236-14811-10645-151102-Apple_TV-l-l.jpg


Speaking at Re/code's Code Conference on Tuesday, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos suggested Prime Video will remain off devices made by Apple — or any other company marketing comparable set-top streaming products — until amicable money models are agreed upon.

"[Y]ou can always get the video player on the device," Bezos told The Verge, adding that getting "acceptable business terms" is another story. When asked whether Apple's customary 30 percent take of all App Store purchases is a factor in negotiations, Bezos said that "private business decisions should stay private."

Amazon Prime customers have long clamored for an official Apple TV app to watch videos on the big screen. Hopes were lifted in November when an Amazon customer service representative said development of an Instant Video app for tvOS was already well underway. While the app has yet to launch, it is more than likely that Amazon has indeed prepared for such inevitabilities. Only Bezos is unwilling to open that door.

Amazon debuted its own streaming solution in the Fire TV in early 2014, followed by a Google Chromecast competitor called Fire TV Stick a few months later.
Click to expand...

This seems to be an issue with Amazon, not Apple. If I already have Prime, I could download a video streaming app from Amazon and that doesn't have any financial transaction with Apple.
 
M

Mindwipe

Member
Bezos is going to have to explain to me what the blocker is here with the Chromecast.

You don't even need Google's permission. There are no terms.
 
DOWN

DOWN

Banned
It's an iTunes competitor through and through so not sure why they would allow it. They don't have Vudu either.
 
stufte

stufte

Member
Haven't had my Apple TV plugged in for over a year since I got a Roku. And it has Amazon Video. And everything else I use. Eff Apple TV.
 
D

Dalek

Member
DOWN said:
It's an iTunes competitor through and through so not sure why they would allow it. They don't have Vudu either.
Click to expand...

They have Netflix, HBO NOW and other streaming video apps that are "iTunes competitors", so that isn't a reason.
 
V

Viewt

Member
I really wish they'd get it settled, because not being able to use Amazon Video is the one thing stopping me from getting an AppleTV. I want one machine that features all of my subscriptions:

- HBO Go
- Amazon
- Netflix
- Hulu+

Right now my PS4 can do the latter three, but not HBO Go (stupid Comcast blocking it). I'm not gonna get an AppleTV just to have to switch to a different machine for Amazon. Ironically, if I had a PS3, I'd be all set. So dumb.
 
J

jelly

Member
Do App stores take 30% of streaming subs, count as an in app purchase?

What terms does Amazon require on their stores?
 
GuyKazama

GuyKazama

Member
Switched to Roku since Apple TV didn't have Amazon or Vudu, and PS4 was missing HBO Now. No plans to go back.
 
I

i3allistic

Member
Viewt said:
I really wish they'd get it settled, because not being able to use Amazon Video is the one thing stopping me from getting an AppleTV. I want one machine that features all of my subscriptions:

- HBO Go
- Amazon
- Netflix
- Hulu+
Click to expand...

This .....
 
I

icespide

Banned
jelly said:
Do App stores take 30% of streaming subs, count as an in app purchase?

What terms does Amazon require on their stores?
Click to expand...

it kind of doesn't matter, amazon could limit the app to streaming only and force you to do all of your purchases/subscriptions on amazon.com (this is what the iPhone and iPad apps do)
x-Lundz-x said:
You can't buy content directly through the apps on those devices because of Apple's 30% rule.

Maybe part of the reason? I know I would love for them to release an official app as I love my Apple TV.
Click to expand...

can they not do this on apple tv?
 
S

SMattera

Member
Dalek said:
They have Netflix, HBO NOW and other streaming video apps that are "iTunes competitors", so that isn't a reason.
Click to expand...

In a vague sense, sure. But HBO NOW and Netflix don't let you buy/rent movies. They just give you access to a rotating catalog of content.
 
S

SMattera

Member
Viewt said:
I really wish they'd get it settled, because not being able to use Amazon Video is the one thing stopping me from getting an AppleTV. I want one machine that features all of my subscriptions:

- HBO Go
- Amazon
- Netflix
- Hulu+

Right now my PS4 can do the latter three, but not HBO Go (stupid Comcast blocking it). I'm not gonna get an AppleTV just to have to switch to a different machine for Amazon. Ironically, if I had a PS3, I'd be all set. So dumb.
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure Comcast blocks the PS3 as well.

Why don't you just get a roku?
 
C

Cheebo

Banned
Viewt said:
I really wish they'd get it settled, because not being able to use Amazon Video is the one thing stopping me from getting an AppleTV. I want one machine that features all of my subscriptions:

- HBO Go
- Amazon
- Netflix
- Hulu+

Right now my PS4 can do the latter three, but not HBO Go (stupid Comcast blocking it). I'm not gonna get an AppleTV just to have to switch to a different machine for Amazon. Ironically, if I had a PS3, I'd be all set. So dumb.
Click to expand...
Roku?
 
X

x-Lundz-x

Member
icespide said:
it kind of doesn't matter, amazon could limit the app to streaming only and force you to do all of your purchases/subscriptions on amazon.com (this is what the iPhone and iPad apps do)


can they not do this on apple tv?
Click to expand...

Sure they could... I know I would rather just bring up the app on my PS4 or Xbox1 because I can get the content directly without having to go to Amazons website.
 
I

icespide

Banned
x-Lundz-x said:
Sure they could... I know I would rather just bring up the app on my PS4 or Xbox1 because I can get the content directly without having to go to Amazons website.
Click to expand...

I understand it's not the most intuitive, but it would at least satisfy customers that just want to enjoy prime streaming on their apple tv
 
A

AndyD

aka andydumi
Dalek said:
This seems to be an issue with Amazon, not Apple. If I already have Prime, I could download a video streaming app from Amazon and that doesn't have any financial transaction with Apple.
Click to expand...
I don't think they have separate apps for the free catalog and purchase catalog. So you could make some purchases in there.
 
V

Vyer

Member
Htown said:
I don't know why you'd assume that, given that Amazon Video is on everything else you can hook up to your television.
Click to expand...

no it's not.

EDIT: In fact, and I don't know why this isn't in the OP, but Re/Code claims Bezos was including Chromecast in his comments:


Back in October, Amazon made a bold move. It booted two products — the Apple TV and Google Chromecast streaming devices — that compete with Amazon's streaming device from its online store.

Asked why, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos wouldn't answer directly. “Private business discussions should stay private," he said at the Code Conference on Tuesday evening.

But he offered a hint, suggesting that Google and Apple were demanding terms that the e-retail giant refused to swallow.

“[W]hen we sell those devices, we want our player — our Prime Video player — to be on the device, and we want it to be on the device with acceptable business terms," he said. "You can always get the player on the device. The question is, can you get it on there with acceptable business terms?"

Bezos claimed he didn't know whether Amazon sells the Apple TV streaming device. It doesn't.
Click to expand...
 
I

icespide

Banned
iPhones and iPads are a huge market that amazon can't ignore, so they made an instant video app for those, albeit without purchase capability.

Apple TV is not as big so amazon doesn't feel compelled to immediately provide an app for this. They're using this as a chance to try and make Apple feel the pain a bit for their 30% cut rule in the app store.

that's pretty much it
 
L

linkboy

Member
Htown said:
I don't know why you'd assume that, given that Amazon Video is on everything else you can hook up to your television.
Click to expand...

It's not on Android Tv devices (Nexus Player and Nvidia Shield). Amazon even went as far as to block the sideboard apk from Sony Smart TV's from working.

Hell, you can't even use it with a chromecast (both the Nexus Player and Shield are chromecast compatible, do that might be a reason why they don't support chromecast).

Here's what it comes down to, Amazon wants to sell you a FireTV, which is why they're being stingy with their video service.
 
Z

Zaph

Member
jelly said:
Do App stores take 30% of streaming subs, count as an in app purchase?

What terms does Amazon require on their stores?
Click to expand...

30% of all in-app purchases (unless you're buying physical goods).

This wouldn't be so bad for Amazon if it was just about Amazon Prime streaming (like a lot of other services, they could not allow new subscriptions through the app), however Amazon uses their streaming service to aggressively sell VODs - on the FireTV devices it's impossible to filter out only the free streaming content. So without allowing VOD purchases, there's no real desire for Amazon to be on those platforms.

The reason there are Amazon iPhone/Android apps with stream-only abilities (LoveFilm) is because those platforms are here to stay so Amazon must have a presence. Nobody has really 'won' the Living Room war yet (and it's one of the few places Amazon's hardware actually competes) - so Bezos is holding out for a better deal (like the ones that will have to happen if those Apple/network tv talks ever progress further).
 
CharminUltra

CharminUltra

Member
The lack of Amazon app hasn't really been an issue for me. But then again I'm not really into any of the Amazon exclusives.
 
G

-griffy-

Banned
Still think it's kind of petty that Amazon won't even sell devices without Prime on them. I feel the idea that customers would be confused because they would order an AppleTV and not have Amazon Prime on it is bogus. That's a really thin excuse. Consumers don't give a shit, if they want an AppleTV they want an AppleTV.
 
T

TheCochese

Banned
Personally, the first to get Vue wins for me. I have two Rokus, a FireTV stick, and a Chromecast at another location. I want something that will do:

Amazon
Hulu
Netflix
Vue
In-network content

and that doesn't have a shitty UI and app. Sorry FireTV, you fail at both. Oh yeah, and something with a smaller footprint and power consumption than a PS3/4. I don't want that running all day.
 
S

Struct09

Member
Viewt said:
I really wish they'd get it settled, because not being able to use Amazon Video is the one thing stopping me from getting an AppleTV. I want one machine that features all of my subscriptions:

- HBO Go
- Amazon
- Netflix
- Hulu+

Right now my PS4 can do the latter three, but not HBO Go (stupid Comcast blocking it). I'm not gonna get an AppleTV just to have to switch to a different machine for Amazon. Ironically, if I had a PS3, I'd be all set. So dumb.
Click to expand...

Those are my main services and I have a Roku 4. I love it. It also has VUDU which has come in handy.
 
E

Enzom21

Member
DOWN said:
It's an iTunes competitor through and through so not sure why they would allow it. They don't have Vudu either.
Click to expand...
It is pretty clear that Apple will allow pretty much any streaming service on the ATV 4.
The reason some services, like Amazon and VUDU aren't there is because they don't want to give up that 30% to Apple. In Amazon's case, I think it is a combination of not wanting to give up 30% and wanting people to buy their devices instead of competitor's.

Htown said:
I don't know why you'd assume that, given that Amazon Video is on everything else you can hook up to your television.
Click to expand...
No this is all Amazon. It is not on every device and Amazon went so far as to ban Apple TV 4 and Chromecast from their website.
Amazon wants you to buy their crap.
 
T

this_guy

Member
Viewt said:
I really wish they'd get it settled, because not being able to use Amazon Video is the one thing stopping me from getting an AppleTV. I want one machine that features all of my subscriptions:

- HBO Go
- Amazon
- Netflix
- Hulu+

Right now my PS4 can do the latter three, but not HBO Go (stupid Comcast blocking it). I'm not gonna get an AppleTV just to have to switch to a different machine for Amazon. Ironically, if I had a PS3, I'd be all set. So dumb.
Click to expand...

Amazon Fire TV or Roku both fit your needs here.
 
T

TheAbsolution

Member
This is partially Bezos wanting his FireTV device to sell well and one of the ways to do that is to have exclusivity over his Prime Video App.
The only reason I imagine Roku and other devices has their app is because he doesn't really view them as competitors maybe?
 
D

Dali

Member
Viewt said:
I really wish they'd get it settled, because not being able to use Amazon Video is the one thing stopping me from getting an AppleTV. I want one machine that features all of my subscriptions:

- HBO Go
- Amazon
- Netflix
- Hulu+

Right now my PS4 can do the latter three, but not HBO Go (stupid Comcast blocking it). I'm not gonna get an AppleTV just to have to switch to a different machine for Amazon. Ironically, if I had a PS3, I'd be all set. So dumb.
Click to expand...
A roku does those .
 
D

Dalek

Member
Dali said:
A roku does those .
Click to expand...

But what people don't seem to get is that if I already have a device that does all those EXCEPT Amazon....I'm not just going to throw my device away and buy a different to just get the Amazon app.

That's just dumb.
 
DOWN

DOWN

Banned
Dalek said:
They have Netflix, HBO NOW and other streaming video apps that are "iTunes competitors", so that isn't a reason.
Click to expand...
None of those sell full catalogs and new releases. Netflix has 1-5 year old "new" films in super limited rotating selection. HBO has roughly 10 1-year old new releases. Not at all iTunes catalog purchase competitors.
 
D

Dalek

Member
DOWN said:
None of those sell full catalogs and new releases. Netflix has 1-5 year old "new" films in super limited rotating selection. HBO has roughly 10 1-year old new releases. Not at all iTunes catalog purchase competitors.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's a fair point. I guess I was thinking solely of their streaming service.
 
T

TheAbsolution

Member
Dalek said:
But what people don't seem to get is that if I already have a device that does all those EXCEPT Amazon....I'm not just going to throw my device away and buy a different to just get the Amazon app.

That's just dumb.
Click to expand...
But you don't have to throw your device away? Why not just keep them both hooked up?
 
B

BuggyDClown

Member
Viewt said:
I really wish they'd get it settled, because not being able to use Amazon Video is the one thing stopping me from getting an AppleTV. I want one machine that features all of my subscriptions:

- HBO Go
- Amazon
- Netflix
- Hulu+

Right now my PS4 can do the latter three, but not HBO Go (stupid Comcast blocking it). I'm not gonna get an AppleTV just to have to switch to a different machine for Amazon. Ironically, if I had a PS3, I'd be all set. So dumb.
Click to expand...

Get an xbox one.
 
T

TheAbsolution

Member
Nazgul_Hunter said:
There's nothing different putting something on the Apple TV app store, or the iPhone, yet the iPhone gets it. It's BS from Bezos.
Click to expand...
That's exactly what it is.
It's why the Amazon Prime app wasn't on Android until I think the Fire Phone flopped and then they let it onto Android devices and only through their app store.
I understand why they just don't develop apps like regular. This exclusivity BS is just annoying as a consumer.
 
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