As if the iPad doesn’t have enough choices for streaming movies and television shows direct to you, VUDU has announced that the company is now offering its library to tablet users -- but don’t go looking for it in the App Store, because the service is only available in your browser for now.
VUDU, Inc. announced that its vast catalog is now available on the iPad, but the news is one of those “good news/bad news” scenarios. While it’s great to have more choices, VUDU has bypassed the App Store entirely in favor of an HTML5-based website optimized for tablets -- presumably so they can sell titles without paying a 30 percent tax to Apple.
“Got an iPad®? If so, we've got great news for you!” reads an email sent out Tuesday morning to VUDU customers. “Starting today, you can rent, purchase and watch movies from VUDU directly on your tablet. We've optimized our website for viewing on your iPad, so you can navigate our collection of over 20,000 movies with a simple flick of your finger.”
VUDU’s email boasts “there’s not even a need to install an App,” suggesting instead that users simply add an icon to the home screen while browsing the tablet-optimized website from their iPad.
Unfortunately, VUDU’s iPad solution comes with a couple of caveats. Claiming “restrictions by content providers,” playback is limited to standard definition quality only, although movies purchased on the iPad will be available in HD or HDX resolution when accessing from another device. Finally, Walt Disney Corporation has opted out of VUDU’s iPad effort for now, although you can browse and purchase those titles -- just not view them on the iPad itself.
Could this move have anything to do with Apple CEO Steve Jobs being on the board of directors? Hmmm…
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genovelle
August 10, 2011 at 7:55am
This is hurts Apple less than many think. Apple want's compensation if their ad dollars are drawing customers to buy through the app store and that is only fair. No competitor should profit from Apple's efforts without paying their fair share. Otherwise promote yourself and use a web app. This cost Apple nothing. Media is a near break-even for Apple, even with the 30 percent. They allow free apps with no charge because it benefits the platform. If Vudo can be as successful outside the app store as they would be in it, good for them. If they promote their product successfully they should be rewarded and Apple won't care because their customers can still use it and it cost them nothing, while with an app they have to provide review them, provide updates and manage the server side. HTML5 is better for apple
