I have owned two Apple TVs for a couple years and have had Amazon Prime with Instant Video access for nearly a year. One of my biggest issues with it is that it does not have an Amazon Instant Video app to stream Amazon’s content on the big screen. Yes, you can always use AirPlay from your iPad or iPhone with the Instant Video app already on it when connected to the same WiFi network, but it’s a little bit of a hassle and another step for the user to do.
People have obviously contacted Amazon and asked them to make an Amazon Instant Video app for the Apple TV. A report by The Verge says Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos said that they are waiting for “acceptable business terms” from Apple. It should also be noted that Amazon customers cannot buy any Apple TVs (new or used) from Amazon. This was done so that Amazon could compete with Apple because Amazon does make and sell their own version of a streaming device, which is the Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Now you would think that this would allow for a third-party to enter this market and create an Amazon Video-like app, but even the third-party developers don’t want to touch this problem.
Although Apple TV does have access to Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Now, it would be nice to get Amazon Video on there. Amazon has said that this is because of Apple’s 30 percent take on all purchases through the service. Perhaps Amazon and Apple could meet and get this bug squashed so that it could make the Apple TV a better device than what it already is right now?
Apple TV users will just have to hope and keep waiting for one to come, but the outlook does not look pretty right now.
