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Walmart to Enter the Streaming Services Ring

Vudu’s getting more help from Walmart in the battle for streaming supremacy. The retail giant is getting ready for battle before it enters the ring.

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Walmart to Enter the Streaming Services Ring
Walmart to Enter the Streaming Services Ring

Walmart to Enter the Streaming Services Ring

Walmart is gearing up to join the streaming service competition with plans to expand its Vudu platform. The retail giant aims to launch a new streaming service, leveraging Vudu's existing infrastructure. This move positions Walmart to compete with Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu by offering original content and potentially lower prices.

The Champion

Walmart's strategy involves transforming Vudu, known for renting and selling digital movies, into a comprehensive streaming service. This includes developing original content to differentiate itself from competitors and attract a broader audience. Walmart plans to integrate exclusive content, including movies, TV shows, and possibly original series, to draw in viewers.

Walmart’s Allies

To support this initiative, Walmart has partnered with Microsoft for cloud services. This collaboration enhances Walmart's online infrastructure to handle increased traffic and provide a robust streaming experience. Microsoft's Azure cloud platform will ensure that Vudu's new service can scale efficiently and deliver high-quality streaming to millions of users. This partnership also aims to improve Walmart's overall online presence, challenging Amazon on multiple fronts.

A Decisive Move

Walmart's entry into the streaming market adds another option for consumers, potentially at a lower price point than current offerings. This could appeal to middle America, an audience that may feel underserved by existing streaming giants. Walmart's vast network of stores and its established customer base provide a strong foundation for promoting the new streaming service, offering bundled deals that include discounts for Walmart shoppers.

Competing with Giants

Competing with established players like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu is no small feat. However, Walmart's approach focuses on affordability and accessibility. By offering competitive pricing and leveraging its retail presence, Walmart can attract a significant number of subscribers. Additionally, Walmart's data on consumer preferences and shopping habits can help tailor content recommendations, enhancing user experience.

Exclusive Content and Collaborations

Walmart plans to invest in producing exclusive content. Collaborations with popular studios and independent filmmakers will help create a diverse content library. Walmart may also explore partnerships with cable networks and other content providers to offer a wide range of viewing options. Exclusive deals, early releases, and unique content can help Walmart stand out in a crowded market.

Potential Challenges

Entering the streaming market comes with its own set of challenges. Securing content rights, managing large-scale streaming infrastructure, and competing with established brands require significant investment and strategic planning. Walmart must ensure that its platform offers a seamless user experience, with minimal buffering and high-quality streams, to compete effectively.

The Future of Streaming

The streaming landscape is continually evolving. Walmart's entry into this market highlights the growing demand for diverse content and affordable streaming options. As more companies enter the fray, consumers will benefit from increased competition, better content, and more choices. Walmart's strategic moves in the streaming space could set new trends and reshape how we consume digital media.

Conclusion

Walmart's foray into the streaming market through Vudu represents a significant shift in the retail giant's digital strategy. By leveraging its existing infrastructure, partnering with Microsoft, and focusing on affordability, Walmart aims to offer a compelling alternative to established streaming services. As Walmart prepares to launch its new service, consumers can look forward to more content choices and competitive pricing.

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Rocky Start Didn’t Keep Amazon Prime Day from Hitting the Target

One of the biggest retail days,Amazon Prime Day…had a rocky start. After that,Amazon struggled to handle the influx of visitors on its special day.

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Rocky Start Didn’t Keep Amazon Prime Day from Hitting the Target
Rocky Start Didn’t Keep Amazon Prime Day from Hitting the Target

Rocky Start Didn’t Keep Amazon Prime Day from Hitting the Target

Amazon Prime Day, one of the biggest retail events, started with some technical glitches that affected user experience. Despite the initial hiccups, Amazon managed to turn the situation around and achieve record-breaking sales. Here's a detailed look at how Amazon and other retailers fared during this event.

The Initial Glitches

When Prime Day began, Amazon faced significant technical difficulties. The site experienced crashes, and many users were greeted with error pages featuring pictures of dogs. This was a fallback strategy used to manage the overwhelming traffic and allow engineers time to fix the issues.

Amazon’s Response

To combat the problem, Amazon implemented several measures:

  • Emergency Conference Call: A company-wide emergency call was initiated to address the issues.
  • Traffic Management: International traffic was temporarily halted to reduce the load on servers.
  • Server Expansion: Additional servers were hastily installed to handle the increased demand.

These actions helped Amazon recover and ensure that customers could continue shopping, making this Prime Day the most profitable one to date.

Other Retailers' Success

Amazon wasn’t the only winner. Competitors like Target and Walmart launched their own sales to capitalize on the event. Target saw a significant increase in sales by promoting their "no membership required" deals. Walmart used the opportunity to announce a partnership with Microsoft for their upcoming streaming service, further intensifying the competition.

Competing with Amazon

To compete with Amazon's Prime Day, other retailers need to create unique campaigns without directly copying Amazon. Finding innovative marketing strategies and leveraging their strengths can help them carve out a successful niche.

Next Year’s Prime Day

Amazon is expected to improve its infrastructure to handle future Prime Day traffic more efficiently. Potential strategies could include launching new shows or exclusive content to drive traffic and excitement.

Make the Most of Amazon

Ensure your home network is prepared for next year’s Prime Day. Check out Konecteaze for the best internet deals to enhance your online shopping experience.

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2 Million Reasons Netflix May Be Losing Their Edge

Netflix has spent over $8,000,000,000 (that’s billion with a B),racked up 112 Emmy Nominations…but they may be losing their edge.

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2 Million Reasons Netflix May Be Losing Their Edge
2 Million Reasons Netflix May Be Losing Their Edge | Konecteaze

2 Million Reasons Netflix May Be Losing Their Edge

Netflix has invested over $8 billion in original content and secured 112 Emmy nominations, yet they missed their new subscriber forecast by 2 million in the second quarter of 2018. This shortfall has raised concerns about their competitive edge, particularly as HBO and other rivals gain ground.

Whose Fault Is It?

Executives attribute the miss to poor internal forecasting, rather than price hikes for subscribers. Forecasting remains an inexact science, akin to weather predictions—often informed by sophisticated technology and expertise but still inherently uncertain.

What Can They Do About It?

Despite not gaining the expected subscribers, Netflix maintains a strong base of 130 million globally. To sustain growth, Netflix must continue focusing on high-quality content and keeping their current subscribers satisfied. Their success in the Emmy race positions them well for further industry recognition and viewer engagement.

Think Strategically

Netflix should strategically prepare for upcoming awards seasons, leveraging their strong show portfolio. Continued campaigning for Emmy and Golden Globe nominations can reinforce their market position.

The Forecast for Netflix

As long as Netflix avoids knee-jerk reactions to the subscriber shortfall, they are poised to remain competitive. The ongoing battle with HBO and other networks will drive content quality. It's crucial for Netflix to remain calm and focused on their long-term strategy.

Conclusion

Netflix's slight subscriber miss highlights the importance of strategic content development and market positioning. By maintaining a steady course and capitalizing on their strong content, Netflix can continue to thrive amidst fierce competition.


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HBO's One New Weapon: Joss Whedon

In recent posts,HBO has been dealing with bad news. It may have found their one weapon in the coming retaliation against Netflix. His name is Joss Whedon.

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HBO's One New Weapon: Joss Whedon
HBO's One New Weapon: Joss Whedon | Konecteaze

HBO's One New Weapon: Joss Whedon

In recent years, HBO has faced significant challenges, especially in the wake of its merger and competition from streaming giants like Netflix. However, HBO may have found a new weapon in its arsenal: Joss Whedon. Known for his work on iconic series and films such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, and The Avengers, Whedon's new show, The Nevers, is set to bring his unique storytelling style to the network.

Joss Whedon's Background

Whedon began his career writing for sitcoms in the late eighties and early nineties, gaining major recognition with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which led to the spinoff Angel. Despite having several shows with short runs, such as Firefly and Dollhouse, Whedon has maintained a strong fanbase. His work on The Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron solidified his reputation as a master storyteller in the sci-fi and superhero genres.

What to Expect from The Nevers

The Nevers is described as an epic science-fiction drama about a gang of Victorian women who discover they have unusual abilities. With relentless enemies and a mission that could change the world, the show promises to blend Whedon's knack for character development and intricate plots with HBO's production quality. The show was greenlit before a pilot was even written, highlighting the trust and anticipation surrounding Whedon's projects.

Whedon's Unique Style

Whedon is known for his campy sci-fi and fantasy shows, blending humor with deep, engaging narratives. His writing in The Cabin in the Woods showcased his ability to subvert genre expectations while delivering thrilling entertainment. Fans can expect The Nevers to feature well-developed characters, a richly built universe, and innovative storytelling.

Conclusion

As HBO navigates the competitive landscape of streaming and cable TV, Joss Whedon's The Nevers could be a significant asset. By leveraging Whedon's storytelling prowess and unique style, HBO aims to capture audiences and regain its edge against competitors like Netflix and Amazon.

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The 8 Biggest Anti-Amazon Prime Day Contenders

Today is Amazon Prime Day if you haven’t noticed. If you don’t have a Prime Membership,there are plenty of other retailers with deals today. Who are they?

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The 8 Biggest Anti-Amazon Prime Day Contenders
The 8 Biggest Anti-Amazon Prime Day Contenders | Konecteaze

The 8 Biggest Anti-Amazon Prime Day Contenders

Amazon Prime Day has become synonymous with massive sales and discounts for Prime members. However, several other retailers are stepping up their game to compete with Amazon's big day, offering their own special deals and promotions. Here's a look at some of the top contenders.

Massdrop

Massdrop caters to hobbyists and enthusiasts, offering high-quality products tailored to various interests such as quilting, cooking, and technology. They offer exclusive deals to their members, which you can join for free to access their Anti-Prime Day specials.

eBay

eBay stands out as an online marketplace where individuals and small businesses can sell their goods. Unlike Amazon, no special membership is required to access eBay’s deals. Their Daily Deals section showcases ongoing sales, making it easy for shoppers to find discounts.

Gamestop

Known for its focus on video games and gaming accessories, Gamestop offers deals both online and in physical stores. Checking their weekly ad and the Deals section on their website can help gamers find the best bargains.

B&H Photo

Specializing in photography and video equipment, B&H Photo also offers deals on computers, TVs, camcorders, and lighting. Their Specials tab is the place to look for current sales and discounts.

Google Store

Google Store offers discounts on its products, including Google Home devices, to compete with Amazon. While they don't have a centralized list of deals, shoppers can find discounted products both online and in physical stores.

Razer Game Store

Razer Game Store provides deals on physical and digital copies of games. They conveniently compile all their current sales on their homepage, making it easy for customers to find the best deals.

Target

Target offers both online and in-store deals, accessible through their Weekly Ad tab. Shoppers can enter their zip code to find local deals and discounts at their nearest Target store.

Microsoft

Similar to Google, Microsoft offers sales on various products without a centralized list. Shoppers need to browse individual product pages to find current deals.

Additional Resources

To find the best deals, consider using third-party websites like The Verge, CNET, and PC Mag, which compile lists of ongoing sales from various retailers. Sites like Tech Bargains, Offers.com, and Slickdeals can also notify you of discounts.

Get a Jump on Christmas

While Amazon Prime Day clears out inventory for the holiday season, other retailers follow suit by offering deep discounts. This presents an opportunity to get a head start on Christmas shopping, reducing holiday stress by securing gifts early.

Conclusion

Amazon Prime Day may dominate the headlines, but several other retailers offer competitive deals. By exploring alternatives like eBay, Target, and Google Store, shoppers can find great discounts and enjoy significant savings.

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