Lovefilm Instant, the Netflix-esque streaming branch of popular online movie rental service Lovefilm, is set to become Amazon Instant Video.
What’s more, it will now be included as a part of the Amazon Prime package. Amazon Prime is simply a flat annual fee which then grants unlimited next-day delivery, discounted express and evening delivery, and one free Kindle book loan per month. It’s an intriguing package, particularly for those who find themselves doing just about all of their shopping through Amazon. At £49 for a whole year, you would only have to make a couple of purchases per month for it to pay for itself.
At a glance, it seems like the Prime experience just got a whole lot better. The inclusion of the Amazon-owned Lovefilm Instant is huge news, as whilst its ~3,200 TV and movie titles may pale in comparison to Netflix’s ~10,000, it is widely regarded as offering a much better array of recent blockbusters and AAA classics. It’s also available on all your household devices: PC, Mac, Xbox One, PS4, Smart TV’s, mobile devices – even your Kindle Fire HD.
There is, of course, a catch. Amazon have hiked up the price of Prime to £79 per annum. The £30 increase is a saving on the twelve monthly payments of £5.99 you’d currently have to stump up for a year of Lovefilm instant (that would be £71.88, maths-whizz).
It does seem strange that Amazon would be forcing this upon Prime users though. Frankly, its quite impressive that the Prime service is doing well enough as it is to merit this expansion and price boost – but where does that leave customers who have no interest in online streaming? Will Amazon offer two separate packages?
If you’re a current or prospective Amazon Prime or Lovefilm subscriber, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.