Amazon adds streaming video to Prime subscriptions in a bid to rival Netflix, Hulu

Amazon has officially jumped into the fray of subscription video-streaming services, charging into competition with Netflix and Hulu Plus, among others.

However, Amazon is taking a different route than Netflix and Hulu. Whereas both of those services charge a monthly fee of $7.99, Amazon has added its streaming video to its Amazon Prime membership. Until Feb 22, Amazon Prime was a $79-a-year offer that gave subscribers free two-day shipping as its main enticement. Now, US Amazon Prime members can download about 5,000 movies and TV shows at no added cost. Amazon Prime's instant video can be watched via the Web browsers on computers, smart phones and tablets, as well as certain Blu-ray players and some set-top boxes such as the Roku.