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29 March 2024

Vudu sets launch date for Apple TV App

Published
By Reuters

Vudu, Walmart's streaming entertainment service, is finally about to get resident status on Apple TV.

The native Vudu app for Apple TV devices will become widely available on Aug. 22. Previously, customers have been able to use Apple's AirPlay feature to play Vudu movies and TV shows on the Apple TV.

Vudu, which offers a selection of more than 100,000 titles for rent or purchase, is already supported across 179 platforms and devices -- with Apple TV the notable exception. Vudu announced in June that it was developing its first app for Apple TV, timed for Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference.

At WWDC, Apple announced that Amazon Prime Video will be available for Apple TV later this year. The addition of native apps for Vudu and Prime Video promise to enhance Apple TV's appeal by expanding the premium-entertainment options on the platform, as the tech giant battles for market share against rivals including Roku, Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV.

Apple TV will join the laundry list of other platforms Vudu supports. Those include Roku, Google Chromecast, Sony PlayStation 3 and 4, Microsoft Xbox One and Xbox 360, iOS and Android mobile devices, PCs, Macs and various connected TVs and Blu-ray Disc players.

Vudu supports the entertainment industry's UltraViolet standard, and the service lets customers share movies and TV shows they've purchased with up to five people for free. In addition, Vudu users can stream or download any UltraViolet titles regardless of where they were purchased (as long as Vudu has a licensing deal for the content).

The lineup on Vudu's service, available only in the U.S., currently offers new releases like "Guardians of the Galaxy 2," "Boss Baby," "Baywatch," "Kong: Skull Island." In addition, Vudu last fall launched Movies on Us, with thousands of free, ad-supported titles available.

Founded in 2004, Vudu was acquired by Walmart in 2010. Vudu is based in Sunnyvale, Calif., while the retailer's Walmart.com and e-commerce teams are based in San Bruno.