Tag: Amazon Prime Video

Airtel outlines digital entertainment vision with launch of converged platform Airtel Xstream

MUMBAI: Bharti Airtel (Airtel), India’s largest integrated telecommunications services provider, today announced the launch of its converged digital entertainment play: Airtel Xstream.

Airtel Xstream is part of Airtel’s vision of building a world-class digital entertainment ecosystem for Digital India and make it accessible to customers through innovative devices and exciting applications. Over the coming months, Airtel plans to roll out a range of exciting solutions to cater to the entertainment needs of every customer segment of India that is getting transformed through rapid adoption of high speed data services.

All the content on one platform, delivered across screens: Airtel Xstream brings one of the widest entertainment catalogues – hundreds of satellite TV channels, tens of thousands of movies and shows in English, Hindi and multiple Indian languages, millions of songs, plus access to all the popular OTT entertainment apps on one platform. It enables customers to access all this content across the screen of their choice – TV, PC, and Smartphone with a unified User Interface.

Future Ready platform for connected Homes: Airtel Xstream devices will come with capabilities beyond world-class entertainment and will be the IoT gateway for enabling a range of solutions for connected homes.

Exclusive benefits for Airtel Thanks customers: Airtel Thanks customers will enjoy exclusive benefits on Airtel Xstream, including free access to premium content from Airtel’s content catalogue plus offers on a range of other services.

Bharti Airtel Bharti Airtel chief product officer Adarsh Nair said, “Airtel is on an exciting mission to provide a broad array of digital services and platforms that can form the foundation for a rising India. As part of our digital entertainment play, our vision is to truly massify digital entertainment and make it accessible to more and more customers through innovative platforms.

“Today, we are announcing India’s first converged entertainment platform Airtel Xstream that brings together your favorite content including Live TV, video, music, news, and sports across an OTT smart stick, internet enabled set top box and handheld devices. Digital India is transforming the way content is being consumed over internet connected devices. Airtel Xstream will cater to needs of a new generation of consumers who are looking for seamless and converged entertainment across multiple screens at home and on the go.”

With the launch of Airtel Xstream, Airtel has become the first company in India to enable a seamless digital entertainment experience, with a unified user interface across all screens. Airtel has rolled out a new range of Airtel Xstream connected devices that will make any TV a smart TV and will be available to customers starting today. Airtel Xstream devices offer blazing-fast performance and slick viewing experience through solid product engineering, deep design excellence coupled with strong device specifications.

Airtel Xstream Stick

An Android 8.0 based OTT stick designed for plug & play experience on any TV screen, the Airtel Xstream Stick comes with a single subscription plan that provides access to all digital entertainment at a one-stop destination with over 10,000 movies and shows from top OTT content partners like ZEE5, Hooq, Hoi Choi, Eros Now, HungamaPlay, ShemarooMe, Ultra and Curiosity Stream, in addition to over 6 million songs from Wynk Music’s library. The Airtel Xstream Stick will also provide access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other Google Playstore applications to enable users to download any app of their choice.

The Airtel Xstream Stick with built-in Chromecast is powered by best-in-class 1.6 Ghz processor. The stick remote comes with voice enabled search feature and Bluetooth 4.2 makes it faster and more energy efficient.

The Airtel Xstream Stick is priced at Rs 3999/-. Airtel Thanks Platinum and Gold customers get complimentary access to the content subscription plan on Airtel Xstream Stick. All other customers get free access to the content for the first 30 days and will need to subscribe to a Rs 999/- annual plan to continue enjoying the exciting content catalogue.

For the launch of Airtel Xstream Stick, Airtel has partnered with Flipkart as the exclusive online partner. The stick will also be available starting today across leading Airtel retail stores, airtel.in, top electronic retail chains like Croma and Vijay Sales.

Airtel Xstream Box

Powered by Android 9.0, the Airtel Xstream 4K Hybrid Box seamlessly brings satellite TV and OTT content together onto the TV screen with the convenience of a single device, making any regular TV a smart TV.

Along with the option to choose from 500 plus TV channels, the Airtel Xstream Box comes preinstalled with Airtel Xstream app (10,000 plus movies and shows), Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and Airtel Store (for advanced gaming with high end graphics).

The Airtel Xstream Box has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and built-in Chromecast. It comes with a universal remote that features Google Assistant based voice search and hot keys for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.

Priced at Rs 3999, the Airtel Xstream Box comes with a complimentary one year subscription (worth Rs 999) to all Airtel Xstream app content in addition to one month subscription to a HD DTH pack.

All existing Airtel Digital TV customers can upgrade to Airtel Xstream Box at a special price of Rs 2249 only.

Airtel Xstream Box is available starting today across leading Airtel retail stores, airtel.in and top e-commerce sites like Flipkart, Amazon and electronic retail chains like Croma and Vijay Sales.

Airtel Xstream App and Web access

Airtel Xstream app is a revamped version of Airtel TV app. The refreshed app has a new User Interface and much sharper content discovery and recommendation engine. Airtel Xstream app continues to have one of the widest content catalogues with over 400 LIVE TV channels and 10,000 plus movies and shows from top content providers like ZEE5, Hooq, Eros Now, HungamaPlay and much more.

September 3, 2019
Flipkart’s entry into video streaming space more of an e-commerce play

MUMBAI: Ever since Flipkart announced its entry into India’s booming video streaming space, it’s been the talk of the town. The Walmart-owned e-commerce platform will open it up for Flipkart Plus loyalty program members in a fashion similar to Amazon Prime Video.

The upcoming video streaming service will enter the market in September, before the festive season of Diwali. The difference between the two is that Flipkart’s service is entirely free for Plus members while the other entails a cost of Rs 129 a month. Another difference is that Flipkart is currently licensing content while Amazon invests in its own. However, industry experts are divided on the effectiveness of the e-commerce player’s plan to enter the market with commissioned content.

“Walmart acquired Vudu in 2010 and has been trying to scale it with an ad-funded model rather than originals/subscription. For India, if they have decided to do aggregated content, I think it is because they are testing waters initially. Walmart as a new video OTT player is a good step for consumers and the industry. I think once they taste the success they will start investing in local content or originals as well. Walmart is also as deep-pocketed as Netflix or Amazon,” Eros International group chief marketing officer Manav Sethi commented on the strategy.

On the other hand, Elara Capital vice president research Karan Taurani is of the view that until and unless OTT players make an investment into original content, no massive changes can be expected since it is a very crowded space with more than 30 players. Reports say that Flipkart has not ruled out the possibility of launching originals.

Despite its different stance, experts are sure that it will definitely boost Flipkart’s business. One media analyst opined that the model is similar to Amazon Prime Video where content is one offering in Flipkart’s loyalty programme. However, instead of targetting a million subscribers, Flipkart’s aim is to get more consumers to spend money on its platform.

“The play they want to have is really similar to Amazon than Netflix. The idea is to hook the audiences to its content to study consumer behaviour for better targetting,” said another analyst from an auditing firm who wished to remain unnamed. He added that if it can get people to linger on the platform and increase the number of services provided to them, Flipkart will be in a better position to target them efficiently. But he added that the quality of content and price point will also matter.

“In the past 10 years, our vision and ethos have been to create India-specific tech solutions. What we are rolling out when it comes to addressing the needs of the next 200 million users in our country, is taking forward those founding principles of access and affordability,” Flipkart group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy commented as per media reports.

Taurani added that Flipkart can tie up with multiple OTT platforms which will help it boost its e-commerce segment. As Amazon Prime is restricted to have in-house content, this can be an advantage.

Moreover, as per Taurani, the OTT platforms or broadcasters providing content to Flipkart will also gain from the deal as this will be an additional revenue stream for them apart from their current tie-up with the telcos. Hence, it’s a win-win situation for both but it will obviously help Flipkart’s e-commerce play more.

It’s yet to be ascertained how this move will create a dent in the market. “It will increase the competition. The consumers who were having 30-plus options will have one more big option to consume. Depending on how Walmart packages and prices it, I think it should see significant consumption uptake,” Sethi added.

According to a recent report from KPMG, the digital segment of the media and entertainment industry in India contributed Rs 173 billion in revenue in FY19 with digital advertising and subscription from OTT platforms contributing significantly. The potential of the market is noticeable as the report predicts 580 million OTT consumers by FY24 will be spending more than 30 minutes on online video platforms each day.

August 23, 2019
Amazon Prime Video presents Amazon Original docu-series Free Meek produced by Jay Z along with other new, exciting titles

MUMBAI: This week, Amazon Prime Video brings for its audience an all-new Amazon Original Free Meek. Produced by and starring Grammy winning artist Jay Z, Free Meek is a mini docuseries that chronicles the life of the Philadelphia based rap artist Meek Mill. The docu-series takes its viewers from the rise of his music to his incarceration and eventual release from prison.

Prime Members can also stream the final season of the fantasy drama- adventure series, Preacher. As the story inches closer to the finale, God's endgame for the universe begins to click into place. The popular series is created by Sam Catlin, Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogens and stars Dominic Cooper, Joseph Gilgun and Ruth Negga.

Amazon Prime Video brings its customers another fantasy series, The Rook Season 1 starring Emma Greenwell, Joely Richardson and Jon Fletcher. The series set in London, centers on a young woman pursued by shadowy paranormal adversaries while grappling with extraordinary abilities of her own.

This week, Amazon Prime Video digitally premieres four new Indian language titles, shortly after their theatrical releases. Marathi comedy, Takatak is directed by Milind Arun Kavde and stars Prathamesh Parab, Ritika Shrotri and Abhijeet Amkar as the lead. Pathinettam Padi is a Malayalam action drama starring Mammootty Prithviraj Sukumaran and Arya. Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya the Telugu action drama is directed by Swaroop RSJ and stars Suhas, Viswanath and Darbha Appaji Ambarisha. Raatchasi a Tamil film directed by SY Gowthamraj and the drama film stars Jyotika, Hareesh Peradi and Poornima Jayaram are set to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

August 7, 2019
Flipkart to roll out video streaming for members of Plus loyalty program

MUMBAI: Amid the fierce battle of existing players, the Indian over-the-top (OTT) market is going to see the entry of another player. Walmart Inc.’s Flipkart is planning to roll out video streaming for members of its Flipkart Plus loyalty program by September.

According to a report by Bloomberg Quint, the service is now in beta stage. Moreover, it will enter the market ahead of the Diwali season. It will help the e-commerce platform to catch up with its main rival Amazon which houses award-winning shows such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel for global audiences and popular shows in local languages like Mirzapur.

Initially, Flipkart will rely on licensed content from Walt Disney Co., local studios like Balaji Telefilms. It won’t take the route of burning cash for original content first. Rather, it would bring in-house content later.

Flipkart Plus video-streaming will come free just like its no-subscription fee loyalty program unlike Amazon where it has subscription for prime members. According to the report, Flipkart shoppers can become members by amassing 300 “super coins,” at a rate of 2 for every Rs 100 ($1.40) spent on its platform. Back in 2018, Walmart paid $16 billion for control of Indian e-commerce platform Flipkart.

August 6, 2019
Watch the digital premiere of Salman Khan starrer Bharat on Amazon Prime Video

MUMBAI: Amazon Prime Video announced the digital premiere of superstar Salman Khan-starrer Bharat. Starting August 3, Prime members across 200 countries and territories can catch the 2019 blockbuster period-drama after its theatrical release. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film stars viewer’s most favourite Salman Khan as the titular character, whose life runs parallel to India’s journey since its independence. Bharat features Katrina Kaif as the bold and beautiful Kumud Raina, a government officer and later, a news anchor. The film marks the return of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s on-screen re-union, which was last seen in the 2017 blockbuster Tiger Zinda Hai (also available on Prime Video).

Speaking about the digital premiere of Bharat, Salman Khan said, “Bharat is a special film that traces the story of India through the main character. The film is very close to my heart and I had a great time being a part of it. I am happy for the love the film has received through its theatrical release and look forward to all my fans across the globe reliving the experience on Amazon Prime Video.”

Bharat has been inspired from a Korean film An Ode to My Father, a wartime drama where a man longs to see his father and sister, who have been separated from him at the time of the Korean War. Rewritten in the political context of India, Bharat, is a life saga of an eight-year-old boy named Bharat (Salman Khan), who makes a promise to his Father that he will keep his family together in all circumstances. The boy keeps this promise over the next 60 years of his life, despite each decade throwing a new set of challenges at him – some humorous, some thrilling, some romantic, and some life-threatening. His resilience, loyalty and a never dying spirit mirror the fundamental qualities of our nation Bharat. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar the film also features a stellar star cast such as Disha Patani, Tabu, Jackie Shroff, Sunil Grover among others, making the movie a delightful watch.

Amazon Prime Video has the largest selection of latest & exclusive movies and TV shows, stand-up comedy, biggest Indian and Hollywood films, US TV series, most popular Indian & international kids’ shows, and award-winning Amazon Originals, all available, ad-free, with a world class customer experience. The service includes titles available in Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Gujarati and Bengali.

To watch Bharat and newest releases in Hollywood & Bollywood, the latest US TV shows, kids’ favorite toons and Amazon Originals, please visit www.PrimeVideo.com or download the Amazon Prime Video app today and sign-up for a Prime membership only at ₹999 annually or ₹129 monthly.

August 2, 2019
OTMC to stream Suspense Thriller movies on Amazon Prime Video

MUMBAI: One Take Media co (OTMC) is proud to bring the users of Amazon Prime Video, two thrilling movies, namely ‘Flight 192’ and ‘The Landlord’. Both the films which are suspense filled nail-biters are sure to keep viewers glued to the edge of their seats with the exciting twists and turns.

Movies provide the much needed escape from the real world. For those two hours that you spend watching a film, you’re transported to a whole new world, living an entirely new life through the eyes of the characters on screen. And when the film in question is a suspense thriller, there’s nothing better than that to get the heart racing to add some much needed excitement to your routine life. Keeping in mind the excitement this genre can create, OTMC is delighted to bring two exciting movies from this intriguing genre to delight the audiences of Amazon Prime Video.

Flight 192

Sarah Plummer is an FBI Agent whose family is taken hostage while she is on a flight to Washington, DC. "Turbulence" occurs when a mysterious stranger, Michelle, is seated beside her and Sarah is forced to make a decision that could cost her the lives of her husband and twelve-year-old son. The movie is written and directed by Nadeem Soumah. The cast of Flight 192stars Dina Meyer and Victoria Pratt.

Will Sarah make it to her final destination in one piece or will she be torn away from her loving family for good?

This movie is available in English and Seven local regional languages like Hindi, Tamil, Telegu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujrati and Marathi on Amazon Prime Video.

The Landlord

Alyssa moves into a luxury apartment complex but is unaware she is being watched by her disturbed landlord, Robert, via hidden cameras. Robert will do anything to fill the void left by his estranged daughter–even if that means replacing her. The movie is directed by Daniel Ringey .The cast of The Landlord stars Ted McGinley, Molly McCook and Jack Turner.

Soon this movie will also be available in local regional languages.

To watch the upcoming Amazon Original seriesand the newest releases in Hollywood & Bollywood, the latest US TV shows, kids’ favorite toons and other Amazon Originals, please visit www.PrimeVideo.com or download the Amazon Prime Video app today and sign-up for a Prime membership only at ₹999 annually or ₹129 monthly.

July 29, 2019
Amazon revenue rises 20% y-o-y to touch $63.4 bn

MUMBAI: Jeff Bezos-led Amazon reported mixed second quarter results as it missed earnings estimates but beat estimates on revenues. The e-commerce giant reported earnings per share (EPS) of $5.22 in contrast to $5.55 expected EPS. At the same time, it posted revenues of $63.4 billion while market estimation was $62.52 billion.

Amazon’s revenue rose 20 per cent Y-o-Y, compared to rebound 16.8 per cent in the first quarter, which was the slowest in four years. However, Amazon’s net income of $2.6 billion was the lowest since the second quarter of last year.

The company has guided net sales to be between $66 billion and $70 billion, or to grow between 17 per cent and 24 per cent compared with third quarter 2018. This guidance anticipates an unfavourable impact of approximately 30 basis points from foreign exchange rates. Operating income has been expected to be between $2.1 billion and $3.1 billion, compared with $3.7 billion in the same quarter of last year.

Amazon’s highest growing business, Amazon Web Services reported 37 per cent growth, slipping from 41 per cent in the previous quarter. The revenue of its “other” category, including its increasingly important online ad business, climbed 37 per cent to $3 billion. However, international sales grew 12 per cent to $16.4 billion.

“Customers are responding to Prime’s move to one-day delivery — we’ve received a lot of positive feedback and seen accelerating sales growth,” said Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos.

“Free one-day delivery is now available to Prime members on more than ten million items, and we’re just getting started. A big thank you to the team for continuing to make life easier for customers,” he added.

While Prime Video premiered the Jonas Brothers documentary Chasing Happiness, and Original Series Good Omens, based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, it will debut new Original Series The Boys, from creators Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen, on 26 July and Carnival Row, starring Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne, on 30 August.

July 26, 2019
Amazon Prime Video announced as the exclusive home for the new sports docu-series take us home: leeds united narrated by Russell Crowe

MUMBAI: Prime Video and Leeds United today announced Take Us Home: Leeds United, a new docu-series that will give Prime members an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the club’s 2018-19 season as they pushed for promotion under head coach, Marcelo Bielsa, after a 15-year absence from the Premier League. Academy Award winner and avid Leeds United fan Russell Crowe will narrate the six-part series that will launch exclusively on Prime Video this August.

Bielsa, the 63-year-old coach who famously managed the national teams in Argentina and Chile as well as European clubs including Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, Lazio and Lille, had an immediate impact at Leeds United following his announcement in June 2018. His unique style of play meant that the team, who finished thirteenth in 2017-18, were already top of the Championship midway through the 2018-19 season. The docu-series will cover the highs and lows of the season with exclusive footage of the players and staff behind the scenes, and include moments such as the “spygate” scandal and the controversial uncontested goal in the April 2019 Aston Villa match.

“Take Us Home: Leeds United joins the great collection of live sports and behind-the-scenes docu-series on Prime Video,” said Chris Bird, EU Head of Content, Prime Video. “We saw that All or Nothing: Manchester City was a hit not only with Man City fans, but also football fans across the UK and around the world, so we’re excited to give Prime members an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into a fascinating year in Leeds United’s history.”

“We are proud to partner with Amazon Prime Video to present this exciting documentary that chronicles a remarkable season in the history of Leeds United,” said Andrea Radrizzani, Chairman of Leeds United and the Eleven Sports Group. “Last season, with Marcelo at the helm, we made huge strides in putting Leeds United back on the map and reconnecting the club with our local community and wider fanbase. We are delighted to be able to share a unique, behind the scenes perspective on the ups and downs, the emotion and the intimate moments that makes this club so special.”

Take Us Home: Leeds United is produced by Eleven Studios in collaboration with Leeds-based media company, The City Talking. The executive producer is Anouk Mertens and the Series Director is Lee Hicken. The series will also launch on Prime Video in countries around the world, including the U.S., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Denmark, Japan and India.

July 24, 2019

With Prime Day Sale ads, Amazon Prime Video becomes top brand in BARC week 28

MUMBAI: The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has released its data for top advertisers and brands for the period between 6 July 2019 and 12 July 2019.

The data reflects the top 10 advertiser and brands across genre on Indian television, including OOH screen, (U+R): 2+, Individuals NCCS All, demonstrating ads that were inserted the most in week 28 of 2019.

Top Advertisers:

Week 28 rankings of BARC saw little changes as compared to the past week. Hindustan Unilever Ltd and Reckitt Benkiser India Ltd remained firm on the top two positions with 181978 and 93694 insertions, respectively.

ITC Ltd claimed its position in the third spot back after a week’s gap, with 37987 insertions. It was followed by Procter & Gamble, which was missing from the list last week. It had made 34875 insertions. Cadbury’s India Ltd slipped down two spots to rank fifth this week with 33099 ad insertions on TV.

Rank	Advertiser	Insertions
		Week 28
1	HINDUSTAN LEVER LTD	181978
2	RECKITT BENCKISER (INDIA) LTD	93694
3	ITC LTD	37987
4	PROCTER & GAMBLE	34875
5	CADBURYS INDIA LTD	33099
6	BROOKE BOND LIPTON INDIA LTD	30426
7	COLGATE PALMOLIVE INDIA LTD	28926
8	AMAZON ONLINE INDIA PVT LTD	27624
9	GODREJ CONSUMER PRODUCTS LTD	19730
10	WIPRO LTD	19553
*TOP 10 Advertiser Across Genre : All India (U+R) : 2+ Individuals.**

Top Brands:

The Prime Day Sale on 15-16 July, arguably made Amazon Prime Video the top brand in the BARC week 28 rankings. The OTT service-provider inserted 12365 ads on TV during the week.

It was followed by Colgate Dental Cream, which rose from the fifth spot of the past week, with 11896 ad insertions. Trivago improved its position greatly, taking the third spot as compared to the last week’s 10th. It made 11720 ad insertions during the week.

Last week’s top brand, Dettol Liquid Soap ranked fourth in week 28 with 11393 insertions. The fifth position was acquired by Santoor Sandal & Turmeric, which was on number 3 last week, with 11155 ad insertions.

Rank	Brands	Insertions
		Week 28
1	AMAZON PRIME VIDEO	12365
2	COLGATE DENTAL CREAM	11896
3	TRIVAGO	11720
4	DETTOL LIQUID SOAP	11393
5	SANTOOR SANDAL AND TURMERIC	11155
6	HARPIC BATHROOM CLEANER	10452
7	HARPIC 10/10	9699
8	CLINIC PLUS SHAMPOO	9436
9	SURF EXCEL EASY WASH	9196
10	DETTOL TOILET SOAPS	9085
*TOP 10 Brands Across Genre : All India (U+R) : 2+ Individuals.**

July 20, 2019

Hotstar dominates OTT reach statistics

MUMBAI: Star India-led Hotstar is the chart leader of the Indian OTT market. According to a report by Data Intelligence & Management Platform KalaGato, Hotstar has the highest 'Reach by Install' of 45.88 per cent as of March 2019.

As per the report, Hotstar leads the reach followed by newest entrant Times Internet-led MX Player with 41.4 per cent 'Reach by Install'. Moreover, the former also leads the chart in terms of market share by install with 23.8 per cent.

“Combined with quality content, Hotstar’s investment in cricket streaming rights has helped it garner tremendous market share,” KalaGato chief business officer Aman Kumar said. “MX Player was originally a popular video player app that Times Internet bought in early 2018 and turned into an online streaming platform. This allowed it to enter the market with a large download base that had already installed the app,” he added.

Hotstar, which till last year relied on sports, catch-up content and films, decided to take a leap into content early this year with a new vertical called “Hotstar Specials” to offer premium shows. While it already has a strong foothold in the advertising-led business model, Hotstar Specials has been launched to scale up subscription revenue.

Source: Data from KalaGato

Reliance Jio’s OTT service app Jio TV has increased its reach by install gradually since last year and is now at 34.08 per cent. Both international players Amazon Prime Video and Netflix have increased their reach significantly. While the former stood with 17.06 per cent , the latter stood with 10.37 per cent. Netflix has already announced five new original series on Tuesday. Its international rival Amazon Prime Video has recently unveiled the trailer of its popular series Comicstaan along with premiering a number of titles both in Hindi and regional languages.

According to a report by global accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), India’s video streaming industry is all set to grow at a CAGR of 21.82 per cent to reach Rs 11,977 crore by 2023. It added that the OTT video industry will record the highest growth rate among all segments and drive evolution over the next four years in the overall media and entertainment industry.

July 17, 2019