Amazon Nixes Apple/Google Video Streaming Device Sales

If a device does not “interact well” with Prime Video, it is no longer welcome in Amazon’s marketplace.

At least that’s what the online retailer said in an email alerting its sellers that Apple TV and Google Chromecast device inventories would be removed on Oct. 29, and no new listings for the products will be allowed, Bloomberg reported yesterday (Oct. 1).

The move shows how far Amazon is willing to go to promote its own streaming services and devices, even if that means sacrificing potential revenue from the sale of competing products.

But some see the company taking such a firm stance against products that don’t fit in with its own retail strategy as a damaging move.

“This has the potential to hurt Amazon as much as it does Apple and Google,” Barbara Kraus, an analyst at Parks Associates, told Bloomberg.

“As a retailer, I want to give people a reason to come to me. When I take out best-selling brands, I take away those reasons.”

According to Amazon’s email, Roku’s set-top device, Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony’s PlayStation will not be affected since they are compatible with Amazon’s video service, Bloomberg reported.

[bctt tweet=”Amazon is giving Apple TV and Google Chromecast the boot from its marketplace.”]

Amazon’s focus and investment when it comes to its online content and streaming service seems to be paying off.

Just last week it proved it was much more than just an eCommerce giant or online marketplace by nabbing 12 nominations and five Primetime Emmy wins. And to celebrate the success, Amazon offered up its Amazon Prime memberships for $67 for a full 24 hours on Friday, Sept. 25.

Amazon is known for boosting services and benefits in order to draw in even more consumers to its Prime membership program.

It recently added new features to the Prime service, including expansions focused on bringing more consumer choices to the Prime subscriber base. In addition to launching hyperlocal delivery services in metropolitan areas, the company has also been boosting the roster of merchants and shipping from independent warehouses.

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