Samsung Smart TVs Get Amazon Instant Video App

Samsung (News - Alert) and Amazon are working together, with the Amazon Instant Video now streaming on Samsung Smart TVs. With over 140,000 movies and TV episodes up for rental or purchase, Samsung users can now view even more shows and movies on demand from the comfort of their home.

The new app is available for download on any 2012 Smart Samsung TV via Samsung Apps. Not only will it provide Amazon’s library of movies and TV shows for rental or purchase, but Amazon Prime members also get Prime Instant Video, adding 30,000 more titles to the selection.

It has a redesigned user interface, made to be controlled from one’s living room couch, and supports advanced streaming technologies.

Any existing Amazon customers who have purchased or rented movies and TV episodes will be able to access them from the Amazon Instant Video app, as they automatically appear in their video library.  

Users will also have access to features such as content recommendations based on what they’ve seen and closed captions.  

“Streaming video content has emerged as the killer app for our Smart TV platform,” said Eric Anderson, VP of Content and Product Solutions for Samsung Electronics America. “In addition to our current line-up of big brands, Amazon Instant Video has been one of the most commonly requested services from our customers. We are very proud to say that today we deliver on that request – along with a brand new UI available for the first time on Samsung TVs.”

This is just one of many ways one can stream videos, both on and off a Samsung TV. Netflix, Hulu (News - Alert), YouTube and many others are available both online and on the Smart TVs, some requiring paid subscriptions, others for free with commercials. In the end, which one to use depends on the shows and movies available, and the pricing for each.

Still, there was clearly a demand for Amazon Instant Video, and Samsung has met that demand. Customers of Amazon and Samsung should be pleased.