Good news, streamers! A recent update to Amazon Video’s Android app now allows you to save content to an SD card.
Since its inception, the Amazon Video has allowed people to instantly stream movies. This latest update lets you save programming directly to an SD card, reports Android Community. There are some important benefits to saving video content to an SD card. First of all, it saves memory on your Android device. Secondly, it allows you to watch saved video content anywhere, even in places that have no Internet service. It also provides more efficient downloading and reduces or eliminates buffering. This update is available to Amazon Video and Android users in the US, UK, Germany, Austria, and Japan.
The Impact Upon Cord-Cutters
Wait! Cord-cutters are folks who only watch their local TV stations with the aid of a TV antenna, right? Well, yes, this description of cord cutters is accurate, but it’s not complete. Many of those who’ve cut the cord still want more programming variety. To get it, they turn to various streaming services and devices for their favorite sports, movies, and original series. This recent development should come as a pleasant surprised to any cord-cutter with an Android device who’s considered Amazon Video. It makes downloading easier, which is something that Hulu and Netflix do not currently offer.
Thinking About Streaming?
Many cord-cutters do. It’s an option for those who want to add content to the free local TV programming they get from their TV antenna. This usually means sports, movies, and original series. If you’re a cord-cutter who’s considering streaming, there are three important things to consider:
You’ll need to purchase a streaming device. (We recommend the MyGica ATV-1800E.)
You’ll also need to pay for Internet services each month. This likely means a contract with your local cable services provider… the one whose cord you recently severed.
You’ll also have to pay a monthly bill for your streaming services. This can vary depending upon the service provider you choose.
Here’s how three streaming services compare in terms of costs and programming availability:
| Service | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost for basic streaming services | Commercials | Licensed Content | Exclusive Content | Approximate Number of Titles |
| Amazon Prime Video | $8.99 (Upgrade service for $10.99 per month.) | $107.88 ($131.88 for upgraded service.) | No | Recently-released movies | Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle and The Man in the High Castle | 5,000 |
| Hulu | $7.99 ($11.99 for upgrade service without commercials.) | $95.88 ($143.88 for upgraded service.) | Some | MTV, Fox, Disney, NBC and several cable channels | Casual, The Mindy Project, and Seinfeld | 10,000 |
| Netflix | $7.99 | $95.88 | No | DreamWorks, Sony, BBC, Starz, NBC, Fox, ABC, and CBS | House of Cards, Orange Is the New Black, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt | 25,000 |
Note: Amazon Prime has even more packages for $99/month, which includes additional services such as free two-day shipping, unlimited movies and TV shows, unlimited music streaming, and more than one million e-books.
An Exciting Time for Streaming
The streaming world is getting more exciting by the day. There currently are new developments in streaming from the companies that provide these products and services. This can be a huge benefit to cord-cutters who want a little more than their local TV programs. Amazon Video, Hulu, and Netflix all offer free, 30-day trials. If you’re considering one of these services, there’s no better way to see if it’s a match.
Ready to Try Amazon Video’s Android App?
Cord-cutters who are ready to try this form of video streaming can do it more efficiently, thanks to the app. But you won’t find it in the Google Play Store. You can side-load Amazon Video to the Android app from Amazon’s website. While you’re enjoying this, keep your eyes peeled for other exciting developments in the world of streaming. It could be just the thing to complement the free HDTV you receive from your OTA TV antenna.
