Console owners can now browse, rent, purchase and immediately stream some 120,000 movies and TV episodes through Amazon's Instant Video app in the Xbox Live Marketplace. The addition of the Xbox 360 widens Amazon's connected device reach. Instant Video is available on the PlayStation 3, Roku and an assortment of Blu-ray players and HDTV sets.
Those who also subscribe to Amazon Prime, a $79-per-year service that offers free two-day shipping on Amazon items among other benefits, will also be able to stream around 17,000 films and TV episodes at no additional charge. That figure will likely grow if the company continues to aggressively sign on more studio partners, a roster that already includes Discovery, Fox, CBS, NBC, Sony, Viacom and Warner Bros.
As we mentioned, an Xbox Live Gold subscription is required to access the service -- but Amazon is throwing in a free month of Xbox Live Gold service for all Amazon Prime members. Conveniently, Xbox 360 owners who also possess a Kindle Fire tablet will be able to switch between devices without losing their place.
The update makes the Xbox 360 an even more powerful entertainment center. In addition to Amazon's Instant Video, owners can stream video content from Crackle, Epix, ESPN, Hulu, HBOGo, Netflix, Verizon FiOS, Xfinity and Zune, among others.
Amazon also announced Watchlist (below right), a new tool that enables users to keep track of the films and shows you want to watch on the site. Users do not need to purchase before adding a video to their Watchlists.
