Redbox Instant has debuted to the public, as it looks to take on Netflix and Amazon for a piece of the streaming entertainment market. The service offers a package that includes unlimited video streaming, along with four one-night DVD rentals each month, all for an $8 monthly subscription charge.
Announcing the joint-venture in February 2012, Redbox and Verizon launched an invite-only beta version of the streaming service in December, offering 4,500 movies to early testers.
Movies can be streamed to iOS and Android devices, Xbox 360 consoles, and Mac and PC computers. So far, the only major electronics manufacturer offering access to the service is Samsung, via its connected Smart TVs and Blu-Ray players.
Redbox is kicking off the service with a decent amount of content, although its mainly movie-centric offerings are no where near the amount that Netflix and Amazon offer. The new service does have the advantage of having EPIX on board. EPIX, is a joint venture operated by three of the major studios Viacom, MGM and Lions Gate Entertainment. So there will be plenty of content available from that huge pool.
While Redbox looks to be competitive at launch time, especially with it’s $8 a month charge and the inclusion of 4 free DVD rentals from its plethora of kiosks, it will face an uphill battle against services such as Netflix, and offerings from Apple, Microsoft, Hulu, Amazon and others.
More information about the Redbox Instant service can be found at their website.
The Redbox Instant app for iOS is available FREE in the App Store. [DIRECT LINK]
