Amazon Prime has added the ability to download streaming video titles to its subscriber package.
The function, which was previously available exclusively on the Kindle Fire tablet, is now available on Android and iOS devices with the Amazon Video app.
In addition to its catalog of second-run movies and TV shows from HBO, NBCUniversal and more, Amazon has begun producing its own original series in recent years. “Transparent” earned 11 Emmy nominations, touting Amazon’s entrance into the race as a serous contender, after previously winning a Golden Globe for best comedy series, while “Bosch” has been renewed for a second season. High profile upcoming original series include “Man in the High Castle,” “Red Oaks” and “Hand of God.”
In December, Amazon’s biggest streaming competitor, Netflix, said offline viewing of its titles is “never going to happen.”
Cliff Edwards, a director of corporate communications at Netflix, told Tech Radar that allowing offline viewing was a “short term fix for a bigger problem,” such as unreliable Wi-Fi coverage affecting video playback.