Amazon adds free instant streaming for Prime subscribers

Amazon has taken a quiet shot in the direction of Netflix and Hulu by adding free streaming of movies and TV shows to their Amazon Prime subscription service. Amazon has offered streaming video for a while now, but it has always been on a "rent" or "buy" basis, with no unlimited streaming option available. The new feature boasts over 5,000 movies and shows — of the 90,000 available for à la carte rental through Amazon — many of which mirror what is also available through Netflix and Hulu instant streaming services.

Up until now, Amazon Prime's main draw was free two-day shipping for most Amazon orders. This new option may entice new subscribers to the premium Amazon experience, which rings up at $79 per year. However, with the only current viewing option being your computer screen, it's hard to see Amazon Prime becoming any kind of competitor to stalwarts Hulu and Netflix, which have their hooks firmly embedded in game consoles and internet-ready TVs.

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