Redbox Reportedly Creating Streaming Service To Rival Netflix
Ready for battle? Redbox is, but who knows if Netflix is geared up as
well. The rumors have been swirling for months now, and the Los Angeles
Times is now reporting that Redbox could be preparing itself for a
serious showdown with Netflix in the streaming arena. Currently, Redbox
only has rental kiosks. The $1-per-night tactic has worked well on DVDs,
but it's clear that physical media doesn't have a tremendously long
life ahead of it. Streaming content is definitely the future, and
they're looking to get in now rather than waiting for Netflix to truly
wrap up the market.
According to the report, Redbox President Mitch Lowe made clear at an analyst meeting that a new streaming option would be emerging from the company, and it would be subscription-based. That means that users wouldn't be expected to rent or buy each digital film as you do from Amazon or iTunes; instead, it'll be like Netflix. Just pay one flat monthly rate, and stream all you want.
What remains to be seen is how Redbox will do it. Are they planning to go at it alone? Partner with a company? And what will they charge? More than Netflix? The same? And what kind of content will be available? More new releases, or less compared to Netflix? All of these huge questions will hopefully be answered soon, but for now, expect Netflix HQ to be buzzing with ways to make their services even stronger in preparation for impending competition.
According to the report, Redbox President Mitch Lowe made clear at an analyst meeting that a new streaming option would be emerging from the company, and it would be subscription-based. That means that users wouldn't be expected to rent or buy each digital film as you do from Amazon or iTunes; instead, it'll be like Netflix. Just pay one flat monthly rate, and stream all you want.
What remains to be seen is how Redbox will do it. Are they planning to go at it alone? Partner with a company? And what will they charge? More than Netflix? The same? And what kind of content will be available? More new releases, or less compared to Netflix? All of these huge questions will hopefully be answered soon, but for now, expect Netflix HQ to be buzzing with ways to make their services even stronger in preparation for impending competition.
