Because driving a half mile to the nearest kiosk wasn't easy enough
Crazy, right? Without the internet, we would be forced to shop at germ-infested stores, communicate with people in person, and... *gulp*... leave the house to rent a movie. The Xbox 360 is adding a big name app to its library that will surely draw some attention.
Many of you are probably already familiar with Redbox, the big red kiosks that dispense new releases in DVDs, Blu-Rays, and video games. They're found inside or outside many stores and for a dollar per night, you're not going to find anything cheaper. Redbox has been involving participants in its new Redbox Instant beta, and while that continues, the app will be hitting your dashboards "in the very near future", according to Major Nelson.
Xbox 360 is the exclusive gaming console launch partner for Redbox Instant by Verizon. A Redbox Instant by Verizon subscription package, priced at $8 per month for DVD or $9 per month for Blu-ray, combines four one-night credits for the latest movie releases at Redbox kiosks with access to a great catalogue of popular movies available for unlimited streaming. Through the app, Xbox 360 movie fans can also purchase and rent the newest digital releases without needing a subscription.
There's no specific date or regional availability listed as of yet, but eligible users can register for the ongoing private beta at RedboxInstant.com. Users who are already taking part in the beta will receive a unique code via email to access the app ahead of its official release.
There are pros and cons to the new service that you should be aware of, however. The subscription, as noted, grants you four one-night rentals at a kiosk as well but they don't roll over month to month. The streaming selection is also limited to just movies, so if you're like me and crave marathons of your favorite series, you'll need to hold onto your other streaming accounts like Netflix, Hulu Plus, or Amazon Instant Video. If you wish to unsubscribe during the free 30 day trial you receive during the beta period, your subscription will end immediately too, so don't pull the plug unless you're sure you're no longer interested.
Crazy, right? Without the internet, we would be forced to shop at germ-infested stores, communicate with people in person, and... *gulp*... leave the house to rent a movie. The Xbox 360 is adding a big name app to its library that will surely draw some attention.
Many of you are probably already familiar with Redbox, the big red kiosks that dispense new releases in DVDs, Blu-Rays, and video games. They're found inside or outside many stores and for a dollar per night, you're not going to find anything cheaper. Redbox has been involving participants in its new Redbox Instant beta, and while that continues, the app will be hitting your dashboards "in the very near future", according to Major Nelson.
Xbox 360 is the exclusive gaming console launch partner for Redbox Instant by Verizon. A Redbox Instant by Verizon subscription package, priced at $8 per month for DVD or $9 per month for Blu-ray, combines four one-night credits for the latest movie releases at Redbox kiosks with access to a great catalogue of popular movies available for unlimited streaming. Through the app, Xbox 360 movie fans can also purchase and rent the newest digital releases without needing a subscription.
There's no specific date or regional availability listed as of yet, but eligible users can register for the ongoing private beta at RedboxInstant.com. Users who are already taking part in the beta will receive a unique code via email to access the app ahead of its official release.
There are pros and cons to the new service that you should be aware of, however. The subscription, as noted, grants you four one-night rentals at a kiosk as well but they don't roll over month to month. The streaming selection is also limited to just movies, so if you're like me and crave marathons of your favorite series, you'll need to hold onto your other streaming accounts like Netflix, Hulu Plus, or Amazon Instant Video. If you wish to unsubscribe during the free 30 day trial you receive during the beta period, your subscription will end immediately too, so don't pull the plug unless you're sure you're no longer interested.