Amazon's Freevee Gets the GoldenEye Treatment: Discontinued!

Licence to Stream: Revoked!

Right seems Amazon's been playing a little game of 'hide the streaming service'. Word is they're giving Freevee the old heave ho next month. Launched back in '19 under the IMDb banner – a bit like using a Walther PPK when you really need a sniper rifle. Apparently it offered free ad supported viewing. A bit like those cut price casinos – always a catch isn't there? The name's Bond James Bond and I prefer my streaming without commercial interruptions thank you very much.

The World Is Not Enough... For Two Streaming Apps

The Freevee app is set to vanish in August much like a villain's lair after a well placed explosive. But fear not civilians! Amazon claims users can still watch the content on Prime Video even without a Prime membership. Free viewing. As if Blofeld himself decided to give away gold bars. Still always pays to be careful. 'Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. Three times is enemy action.' And Amazon has made its move.

For Your Eyes Only: Prime Video

Apparently Prime Video is the new exclusive home for Freevee's content. A bit like taking a fancy sports car off road. It may work but isn't quite the same. Amazon signaled last November that this was coming claiming they want a 'simpler viewing experience'. Simpler for whom I wonder? Perhaps for the accountants. After all they introduced ads on Prime Video in January and we all know what that means. More money for the suits.

Diamonds Are Forever... But Freeview Isn't

Prime Video comes bundled with a $15 a month Prime membership or you can get it solo for $9. Want to ditch the ads? That'll be an extra $2. Always a price to pay isn't there? Much like a martini – shaken not stirred and definitely not free. At this rate they'll be charging us to breathe.

The Spy Who Loved Me... Prime?

So what does this all mean? Amazon's consolidating its streaming efforts hoping to create a streamlined experience. Or perhaps just a more profitable one. One thing's for sure: in the world of streaming much like espionage you can never say never.

GoldenEye: On the Bottom Line

Ultimately this move seems to be about cleaning house and focusing on the core service. Less clutter more subscribers. Will it work? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Amazon is playing to win. Just hope they don't start charging extra for HD. I can see the headlines now. 'Bond James Bond with a pay per view Licence to Kill... my data bill!'