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Amazon launches Netflix rival in SA

Johannesburg - Global technology giant Amazon has switched on its internet video service ‘Prime Video’ for over 200 countries and territories, including South Africa.

The launch of Amazon Prime Video in South Africa comes after Netflix switched on its South African service earlier this year. The launch has also come after Naspers launched its video on demand service ShowMax in August 2015.

In a statement released Wednesday, Amazon said that its ‘Prime Video’ service offers shows such as the “Grand Tour from Jeremy Clarkson,Richard Hammond and James May, and award-winning Amazon Original Series including Golden Globe-winner Mozart in the Jungle”.

The service is set to cost $2.99 or about R40 per month in South Africa, according to Amazon. After six months, though, Amazon Prime Video costs $5.99 per month. This is still less than a Netflix subscription which has plans that start from $7.99 per month.

“We are excited to announce that starting today, fans around the world have access to Prime Video,” said Tim Leslie, Vice President, International, Prime Video. 

“The Grand Tour and other critically acclaimed Amazon Original Series like Transparent, Mozart in the Jungle, and The Man in the High Castle, along with hundreds of popular Hollywood movies and TV shows, are now available at the introductory price of only 2.99 a month. And what’s really exciting is that we are just getting started,” said Leslie.

Users of the service can watch it through the Amazon Prime Video app on Android and iOS phones and tablets, Fire Tablets, popular LG and Samsung Smart TVs or online at PrimeVideo.com, said the company. 

“Members can also download all movies and TV shows for offline viewing—that means watching on a plane, train, anywhere at no additional cost,” said Amazon.

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