It's been a busy few weeks for both ITV, the UK terrestrial channel, and Amazon. Amazon of course just announced new Fire TV devices including an updated Fire TV Stick that now comes with voice remote and an Ultra HD-capable new Amazon Fire TV. ITV, on the other hand, just announced that it was consolidating its digital services ITV.com and ITV Player under one new ITV Hub brand. The two companies have now come together to announce that ITV Player is coming to Amazon Fire TV devices.
Amazon's new Fire TV box will be launching with ITV Player when it is released on October 5th. First generation Fire TV owners aren't left out in the dark, however, as ITV Player is available to install from today, meaning you can instantly catch up on Downton Abbey. Owners of the diminutive Fire TV Stick will have to wait a little longer, though, as Amazon promises ITV Player support will be coming later in October.
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Paul Kanareck, ITV’s Director of Online, said: “We are delighted to have launched our VOD service on Amazon Fire TV devices. At ITV, we are witnessing a clear surge in viewing on connected TV platforms, so we have worked hard to improve our product and content offering viewed on larger screens. Amazon Fire TV devices showcase our content brilliantly, and gives our users another great way to access their favourite shows, so we are happy to extend our reach onto this new platform”.
Now that ITV Player is becoming available, this rounds out the stable of UK terrestrial catch-up services, which, when combined with video on-demand services such as Amazon's own Instant Video and Netflix, makes the Fire TV streaming devices a more compelling offer for those wanting a catch-all streaming device under their television. Fortunately, the ITV Player app will also get updated to ITV Hub later in the year once the re-brand happens.