Redbox first jumped into streaming with a deal to let Verizon use the Redbox name on their streaming service. Sadly, it failed to catch on and was later shut down. User’s content was moved to MGO, which was later purchased by Fandango and turned into FandangoNOW.
Now it looks like Redbox is jumping back into streaming, but this time on their own. Variety first noticed that a new iOS app called Redbox. Digital was available in the app store and that the Redbox terms of service was updated to address streaming.
This new Redbox.Digital service seems more aimed at channeling Amazon or iTunes than Netflix. The main focuses seem to be on selling and renting movies, unlike the old Redbox Instant that offered a subscription service.
A Redbox spokesperson sent Variety the following statement: “Redbox continually looks for ways to enhance our customer experience. For tens of millions of consumers, Redbox is their source for new release rentals without a subscription. As such, we regularly conduct tests of potential new offerings, that may or may not be brought to market, as part of our ongoing commitment to provide additional value.”
Right now only a select number of beta testers handpicked by Redbox are allowed to use the service. Redbox has not laid out any timeline for releasing it to the general public, but now that an iOS app is approved it will likely be soon. There is likely an Android app and maybe even a Roku app but maybe just a private app that needs to be side loaded for now.
Will a new online video store from Redbox be able to seriously challenge the juggernauts of iTunes and Amazon Video?
Source: Variety
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