Google adds movie rentals to Android Market in UK
updated 06:55 pm EDT, Fri October 21, 2011
Joins Apple, Amazon and Sony in offering movies
Google has expanded its film rental service for Android devices to the UK. Android phone and tablet owners can now rent movies from Android Market. Initially, Google will be offering Britons a selection of 1,000 titles.
To view the videos on an Android phone or tablet, a user must first download Google's Videos app (free, Android Market). The renter can then start watching the selected movie over the next 30 days. Once started, viewing must be completed within 48 hours. As with the US, Google is also making the rentals available directly from the web.
Google increasingly is becoming a player in the UK entertainment market. It already has been offering video rentals through YouTube, and recently rolled out its UK e-book store, putting itself head-to-head against Amazon and Apple. The market is becoming even more crowded. Yesterday, Sony launched its Entertainment Network, offering seven million songs and movies.
Rentals cost £2.49 ($4.00 US) with tax. Google charges $3 in the US. [via The Telegraph]
