Apple added the ability to re-download movies you had already purchased to multiple iOS devices a while back, although at the time of launch a couple of the movie studios’ offerings were not available through the service.
It would appear that Apple has now signed a deal with Universal Studios to allow iOS users to re-download previously purchased movies directly to their iOS devices.
This is a significant development for Apple users who have invested in digital movie collections. Universal Studios is one of the largest and most influential movie studios in the world, and their inclusion in Apple’s re-download service means that a vast library of popular films is now more accessible to users. This move is likely to enhance user satisfaction and loyalty, as it provides greater flexibility and convenience.
Remaining Holdout: Fox
That means there is just one movie studio left that does not offer their movies through the service, Fox, and we suspect it won’t be very long before Apple signs a deal with them. Fox has a rich catalog of movies, including many beloved classics and blockbuster hits. The inclusion of Fox’s movies would complete the offering, making Apple’s re-download service comprehensive and highly competitive.
The delay in Fox joining the service could be due to various reasons, such as negotiations over revenue sharing, digital rights management, or other contractual details. However, given the trend and the benefits to both consumers and the studios, it seems likely that an agreement will be reached in the near future.
Future Enhancements: Streaming from the Cloud
Whilst the service will allow you to re-download a purchased movie to an existing device, one thing we would like to see added is the ability to stream movies that you have purchased from the cloud, in a similar way to iTunes Match, which lets you stream your music directly from the cloud to your device without having to download it.
Streaming movies directly from the cloud would offer several advantages. It would save storage space on devices, which is particularly important for users with limited storage capacity. It would also provide instant access to a user’s movie library without the need for lengthy download times, making it more convenient for users who want to watch a movie on the go.
Moreover, streaming could potentially offer higher quality playback, as the content could be dynamically adjusted based on the user’s internet connection. This would ensure a smoother viewing experience, even in areas with variable network performance.
In addition to these benefits, streaming from the cloud could open up new possibilities for features such as synchronized viewing across multiple devices, enhanced parental controls, and more personalized recommendations based on viewing habits.
Source Slashgear
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