Amazon Extends Prime Offline Viewing Download Perk to iOS, Android Devices

Amazon added to Prime membership benefits the ability for members in Austria, Germany, the U.K. and U.S. to download select movies and TV episodes to iPhones, iPads and Android phones and tablets for offline viewing at no additional charge. Amazon took aim at competitor Netflix in its announcement of the new Prime perk Tuesday, saying it's the “first and only” online subscription streaming video service that enables downloads of titles, “meaning unlike other subscription streaming services such as Netflix, Prime members can enjoy movies and TV shows as part of their membership even when they don’t have an internet connection available.” The way people watch entertainment is changing, said Michael Paull, Amazon vice president-digital video. “Anytime, anywhere viewing is important and we are excited to provide our Prime members with offline viewing capabilities on iOS and Android platforms.” Netflix didn’t comment.