Amazon to launch streaming service, free for Prime members

Andre Yoskowitz
30 Jan 2011 13:30

Engadget has posted screenshots this weekend of Amazon's upcoming subscription streaming service, one that should directly rival Netflix.
The service will offer free, unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows to Amazon Prime members.
Reads a now removed page:

"Your Amazon Prime membership now includes unlimited, commerical-free instant streaming of 5,000 movies and TV shows at no additional cost."

Amazon Prime is $79-a-year (and free for anyone with a .edu email) and offers users free 2-day shipping on all items, and discounts on even faster shipping options.
At that price, Prime (before any other benefits) is still cheaper per year than Netflix's streaming-only option, which is $8 per month.
Additionally, Amazon already offers rentals and digital movie purchases, giving it more angles of attack in the online video market.