Amazon's streaming competitors, meanwhile, have routinely switched up and refined the user experience.
Amazon announced a significant redesign of Prime Video, and the overwhelming response was "finally." But unfortunately, Prime Video had become a relic frozen in time, with an ugly, laggy interface that seemed stuck in 2010.
It seems like Prime Video's designers noticed. Because another thing that stuck out about the app's makeover is how closely Amazon's video service now resembles Netflix. It's there on the home screen.
Prime Video has even added "super carousels" of poster-style artwork that expand to landscape and start auto-playing a trailer when you hover over them — just like Netflix.
Reddit (1, 2, 3), and elsewhere, people don't seem to mind the similarities. Moreover, this interface has gradually become the de facto standard across Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and Prime Video. And consistency goes a long way here; we're fundamentally using all of these services to reach the entertainment on each one, and having the same interface between them should make doing so easier for everyone.
It does pose the risk of confusion, though. For example, you might mindlessly scroll through HBO Max or Paramount Plus when trying to find the latest Lord of The Rings series on Prime Video.
When companies have attempted to flip the table and reinvent the streaming app user experience, it typically hasn't gone well. For example, a few years ago, Hulu introduced a completely overhauled design that was criticized for prioritizing style over usability.
Instead of showing you as much content as possible, it highlighted one or two items simultaneously with full-screen artwork and large, thin-weight fonts.
In the months and years that followed, Hulu dialed back, reversed many more drastic changes, and ultimately settled on something more familiar. Of course, it hasn't entirely given in and adopted left-side navigation like everyone else, but all the main sections are similar.
So we've settled on the "right way" to do UX for video streaming apps. But that doesn't mean all the headaches are solved. In Prime Video's case, Amazon still lists seasons of TV shows separately. It is a major annoyance for some users and has not changed or improved with the redesign.
But the company is at least working to stop displaying multiple versions of the same movie based on video quality. In addition, since the beginning of this year, Amazon has resolved the 4K / HD split for more than half of the Prime Video catalog and is currently making its way through the rest.
Many people would also love an option to permanently filter what's shown in all these content carousels to everything included with their Prime subscription — and nothing else. But that will not help Amazon's bottom line regarding subscriptions and rentals/purchases, so don't count on it. Amazon insists it'll gather customer feedback and continue evolving the revamped Prime Video. You can't call it original, but at least it's inherently more usable than before.
Best Video Streaming Apps and Assistance for Android
Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video is a video streaming service. It comes incorporated with their Amazon Prime service. So you get video stuff, cloud storage, 2-day shipping, and music streaming all in one. The service is above average and incorporates modern touches like HDR and 4K streaming.
Crackle and Tubi: Crackle and Tubi are the best free video streaming apps out there. It features an assortment of movies and TV shows. The app lets you sort and searches by category, and the streaming quality isn't bad for its price tag. However, there are some pros and cons. The app depletes a bit more battery than its competitors, and the app itself is glitchy from time to time.
Crunchyroll: Crunchyroll had a massive year in 2022. The company officially incorporated with VRV and Funimation, doing it the single most extensive anime streaming service in the Play Store. It has a total supply of anime in both subs and dubs. More brings added every season as more and more shows come out. Crunchyroll still lacks Funimation's ongoing shows, but that should switch sooner rather than later.
Disney+: Disney+ is Disney's official streaming assistance. It includes much content, including most Star Wars and MARVEL universe specialties. In addition, it has many kids' shows, The Simpsons, Disney movies, and more. Unfortunately, Disney ripped all of this content off competing streaming services, a tactic we're not fans of.
Hulu: Hulu is one of the more manifold video streaming apps. It has the usual streaming experience with many old TV shows, movies, anime, and other stuff. Their selections are pretty diverse. The service also delivers over 50 channels with an option to expand for extra money. So it should work for most people. It does come with free practice as well as Chromecast support.
Movies Anywhere: Movies Anywhere is the newer video streaming app. It consolidates many movie services under one roof. It supports Vudu, Google Play Movies, iTunes, and Amazon Video. First, you sign into the services. Then, you have the key to all of your movies between them. It lets you shop movie sales or take advantage of special offers but manage your library in one spot.
Netflix: Netflix is the most widespread streaming service out there. It's available in most nations, has various titles, excellent original series content, and support for 4K, Miracast, Chromecast, HDR10, most smart TVs and game consoles, and Dolby Vision. It makes both flawless for regular stuff and forward-thinking. Netflix isn't the apparent recommendation it was years ago, but it's still a solid option with some of the better original content.
Sling TV: Sling TV was the top live TV streaming app. It has many essential features, like local sports channels, popular news channels, and other stuff. The primary package is reasonably priced, the app helps Chromecast, and more channels are available for a nominal fee. It's the authentic live TV streaming service and a la carte channel pick. It is still unique in this space.
Twitch: Twitch is a video streaming assistance for gamers. There are multiple video streaming apps for gamers. However, Twitch is pretty much the best. You watch individuals play video games, live e-sports, and news coverage. In addition, companies often make important notifications on Twitch, and events like E3 get heavy Twitch streaming.
YouTube and YouTube TV: YouTube is fast evolving into a for-real streaming service. Its regular content is getting more reasonable all the time. Besides, its YouTube Originals are entertaining for some individuals. It rounds out the understanding with YouTube Gaming and YouTube Kids. It has tutorial videos, music videos, and other stuff. YouTube TV is the company stretching into the live TV arena.
Individual Network Apps: Networks have pulled much of their content off more extensive streaming services like Netflix and Hulu in favor of starting their streaming service. Network streaming services like HBO Max, Peacock, Paramount+, and others have some benefits. For example, you'll usually get the latest episodes of popular TV shows as they air instead of a year later like they used to when they were on Netflix or Hulu.