Amazon launches new video streaming service

Amazon on Saturday announced the launch of a free video streaming, in-app feature called miniTV. The adsupported streaming service is its first such initiative globally and the e-tailer is targeting users outside its Prime subscription base, which comprises millions of users who can also avail the Amazon Prime Video service for `999 a year.

With the new free video streaming service, however, Amazon is moving closer towards setting up a super app with a wide array of services such as payments, e-commerce, and food delivery available on one platform. Amazon’s rival Flipkart also offers OTT streaming services within the app, a feature launched in 2019.

“With the launch of miniTV, Amazon.in shopping app is now a single destination for customers to shop from millions of products, make payments and watch free entertainment videos,” the e-tailer said in a statement.

With this launch, Amazon now has two video entertainment offerings: miniTV and Prime Video. miniTV is completely free and it does not require a separate app, while Prime Video requires a Prime subscription and offers a large collection both Indian and foreign content. Viewers can access Prime Video on the app or stream it on their smart TVs.