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Netflix To Face Stiff Streaming Competition From Newly Announced Outlets

With the winter season getting into full swing, it looks like we all may have a few more reasons, or should I say outlets, to keep us warm and cozy in this cold and unwelcoming season.

Oh, and if I were Netflix, I’d be looking over my shoulder as much as humanly, or conceptually in this case, possible.

First, and most interesting, THR (with the original story coming via the WSJ) is reporting that Amazon, the king of online shopping, is set to launch their own web based streaming service, to directly combat Netflix.   Apparently, the service would come bundled with the Amazon Prime shipping service, which at this point is $79 a year (or roughly $17 cheaper than Netflix’s streaming only service costs per year).     The service would feature both television and film content.

Joining Amazon in the fight against Netflix, both Sony and Microsoft are looking to license TV shows to stream through their respective video game consoles.

Oh, and both TV company Vizio and start up video game company OnLive are also looking to jump into the streaming game.   To say it’s about to get interesting in the world of online streaming is an understatement.

Personally, while I don’t truly see any of these brands overtaking Netflix (we’ve seen various subscription services come up in the music world, but iTunes is still number one with a bullet), if any of these services can come and make their own name for themselves, Netflix may be looking at a dip in their subscriptions.   Hulu Plus proves, however, that not everyone is looking for a cheap alternative to Netflix.   Especially with a selection like Netflix has.

What do you think?

Source: THR

Joshua Brunsting

Josh is a critic, a member of the Online Film Critics Society, a wrestling nerd, a hip-hop head, a father, a cinephile and a man looking to make his stamp on the world, one word at a time.

5 comments

  • Anyone with a better online selection at a comparable price will take my business away from Netflix. Don’t get me wrong, I very much like Netflix, but honestly, the online selection is not good. Unfortunately, I’ll never be one to wait for a DVD to get shipped. I’m rooting for you Netflix, but you’re vulnerable…

  • Damn, I use my Playstation 3 for Netflix Instant Watch. If Sony blocks the progam somehow, I’d be angry. I also use Amazon Prime, so having the ability to stream content from them through an internet-ready device to my tv would be nice. The more the merrier. Still, I feel like Netflix is more than enough for me.

  • Damn, I use my Playstation 3 for Netflix Instant Watch. If Sony blocks the progam somehow, I’d be angry. I also use Amazon Prime, so having the ability to stream content from them through an internet-ready device to my tv would be nice. The more the merrier. Still, I feel like Netflix is more than enough for me.