Amazon and Google are finally playing nicely together after years of stalemate. The US companies have made good on a promise to bring their streaming video services to hardware developed by the rival firm, which means that Google's Chromecast and Amazon's Fire TV devices just got a sweet update.
Now Prime Video subscribers will be able to wirelessly beam their favourite show or movie to a Chromecast to watch on the big screen, and an official YouTube app will appear on Amazon's Fire TV-branded set-top boxes and HDMI dongles.
- Amazon Prime: what do you get with your subscription, and is it worth £79 a year?
- Best video streamer
- Best TV under £1000
Additionally, if you own an Android TV device with access to the Google Play Store, you'll be able to download the Prime Video app to watch exclusive shows like The Grand Tour, Jack Ryan, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Good Omens, and Bosch to name a few. Prime Video is a part of the Prime membership scheme, which is essential to take part in the Prime Day sales... luckily, there is a free trial.
Likewise, Fire TV owners will now be able to download a dedicated YouTube app to enjoy everything the hugely-popular platform is known for, including YouTube Originals, video essays, viral hits, music videos, tutorials, movies trailers and more.
The company has also promised to create a Fire TV-specific version of its YouTube Kids application before the end of the year.
The iOS and Android app updates are rolling-out worldwide at the moment, although it could take a little while to reach you. As for the Amazon-built streaming products, YouTube will be available on the Fire TV Stick (second generation only), Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube, Fire TV Stick Basic Edition, as well as Toshiba, Insignia, Element, and Westinghouse-branded Fire TV Edition Smart TVs in the United States.
The latest move ends a stand-off that started back in 2015 when Amazon refused to sell Chromecast streaming dongles in its online store as it was in direct competition with its own Fire TV-branded devices. The bitter dispute escalated in 2017 when Google pulled its YouTube app from Amazon Echo Show – the first Alexa-powered device launched by the company with a touchscreen and an emphasis on video.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
So if you already own a Chromecast or Amazon Fire device, look out for those updates arriving with you soon. And if you want to buy one, the current best prices are below. With Amazon Prime Day just around the corner – it starts on Monday July 15 – prices are already getting slashed ahead of the sale and may even fall further during the Prime Day period.
As a former Staff Writer for T3, Aaron writes about almost anything shiny and techie. When he’s not barking orders at Alexa-powered microwaves or gawping at 5G speed tests, Aaron covers everything from smartphones, tablets and laptops, to speakers, TVs and smart home gadgets. Prior to joining T3, Aaron worked at the Daily Express and and MailOnline.
-
Groundbreaking 165Hz technology brings a refreshing change for artists and animators
XPPen’s Artist Pro 24 (Gen 2) series offers a world-first 165Hz drawing display for smoother creative experience
By T3.com Published
-
Apple promises “exciting announcements” next week
The coming week is going to be a big week for Apple
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
3 best Amazon Prime Video shows to watch after The Boys
If you've been loving The Boys, here's a trio of other "Supes" shows to watch next
By Brian Comber Published
-
Amazon's biggest games adaptation back on track with sci-fi master on board
Prime Video's God of War TV series is back on after a few bumps in the road
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Amazon Prime just got a great upgrade option that sci-fi fans will love
Amazon is making Apple TV+ available as an add-on, which is ideal for fans of quality content
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Prime Video to get Slow Horses, Severance and Apple TV+'s best sci-fi shows
Amazon and Apple agree streaming partnership
By Rik Henderson Last updated
-
Amazon Prime Video's next big hit is looking every bit as good as Fallout
A new big budget video game adaptation is on its way
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Google TV Streamer first impressions are good, but it needs a speedy update
Here are my initial thoughts on Google's new streaming box
By Rik Henderson Published
-
James Cameron confirms return for his biggest sci-fi franchise, but with a twist
It'll be back
By Rik Henderson Published
-
3 hidden Amazon Prime Video shows that must go on your playlist
We've dug out three top notch TV series you might have missed
By Brian Comber Published