Verizon, Redbox Begin Testing New Video Service

Verizon and Redbox have started testing their forthcoming joint video service, which will offer DVD rentals and streaming video, according to a report.

At this point, the service just entered internal "alpha" testing, and is expected to launch later this year, according to FastCompany. While details are scant, the new service is slowly moving towards becoming a reality. It has been dubbed "Redbox Instant by Verizon," and Shawn Strickland, who previously worked as a vice president in Verizon's FiOS business, will lead the effort as its as newly appointed CEO.

A landing page for the new service that went live today says it will offer "DVDs at the kiosk + instant streaming hits, all in one fist-pumping package." Those who are interested can provide their email to receive updates about the service.

No details have yet been released about subscription rates or content.

Verizon and Redbox owner Coinstar first announced plans for the joint venture back in February, which will combine Redbox DVD and Blu-ray rentals with an on-demand streaming and download service from Verizon. When it finally launches, the service will compete with alternatives from the likes of Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and HBO GO.

"All consumers have immediate access to new-release DVD and Blu-ray Disc movie rentals through more than 36,800 Redbox kiosks nationwide and can instantly view popular entertainment content anywhere, anytime, using the devices they prefer with a Redbox Instant by Verizon subscription and video on-demand streaming service," according to the landing page.

Redbox has DVD kiosks in supermarkets, drug stores, and other locations nationwide. Customers can reserve movies or games on their computers or smartphones, pick them up from a nearby location, and return them when finished. According to an NPD survey from earlier this year, Redbox is the most popular source of DVD and Blu-ray disc rentals.

Meanwhile, Verizon's cable service offers on-demand content, while FiOS customers can also tap into Flex View, which lets users buy or rent movies and watch them on portable devices.

About Our Expert

Angela Moscaritolo

Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics

My Experience

I'm PCMag's managing editor for consumer electronics, overseeing an experienced team of analysts covering smart home, home entertainment, wearables, fitness and health tech, and various other product categories. I have been with PCMag for more than 10 years, and in that time have written more than 6,000 articles and reviews for the site. I previously served as an analyst focused on smart home and wearable devices, and before that I was a reporter covering consumer tech news. I'm also a yoga instructor, and have been actively teaching group and private classes for nearly a decade.

Prior to joining PCMag, I was a reporter for SC Magazine, focusing on hackers and computer security. I earned a BS in journalism from West Virginia University, and started my career writing for newspapers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

The Technology I Use

My little Florida beach bungalow is brimming with smart home tech. I have a smart speaker or display in every room, allowing me to control other connected devices by voice. The Nest Hub on my bedside table lets me set wake-up alarms, control my smart light bulbs, and set the temperature on my smart thermostat. I use the Amazon Echo Show 8 on my kitchen counter to browse recipes, reorder protein powder, check the weather, and watch the news while I do dishes.

Because I suffer from allergies, air purifiers are essential. My favorite model is the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07, which doubles as a fan and continuously sends indoor pollution data to its companion mobile app.

My pitbull Bradley sheds, so a good robot vacuum is a must. I currently use a premium Ecovacs Deebot that can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash its own mop cloth.

For fitness, I like to mix up my routine with cycling, indoor rowing, running, and strength training in addition to yoga. I take classes on the Tonal 2 smart strength training machine, I row indoors on an Aviron machine, and track my beach runs with an Apple Watch while listening to music on my Apple AirPods Pro. On the weekends, I love riding e-bikes like the rugged, beach-friendly Aventon Aventure for fun and fitness.

My job involves a lot of virtual meetings, so a quality webcam, microphone, and ring light are important. I use the Jabra PanaCast 20 webcam, the Elgato Wave: 3 microphone, and a Yesker tripod ring light.

As for my preferred phone platform, I'm an iPhone person, but I've also extensively used Android for product testing.

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