Finally, the Amazon Prime Video app is available on the Mac App Store as a native macOS app. Prime Video subscribers who previously used the streaming TV service on their Macbook browsers can now use a dedicated desktop app instead, either to stream content or download it for offline use.
The Amazon Prime Video app for macOS has all of its standard features, including native Picture-in-Picture and AirPlay support. It allows in-app payments for rentals as well as on-demand content. This means that users do not need to switch to the browser to make payments.
Other features of the app include tracking what users are watching and where they are in a TV series or movie so it can be watched on one device and then seamlessly continued on another, meaning your Amazon Prime Video app will be kept up to date. with your viewing habits elsewhere (for example, on a Fire TV Stick or smart TV) and vice versa. It also supports Spatial Audio for AirPods Pro and Airpods Max.
Examining the responses to the new app, it can be seen that most people who have used the app feel that the download options and streaming quality are welcome. But there have been some complaints about the user interface, which isn't exactly surprising, nor is it limited to the service's desktop app.
However, the arrival of a macOS desktop app for Amazon Prime Video marks a clear departure from Netflix, which has yet to offer a desktop app on Macbook in the same vein as its mobile/tablet apps for iPhone and iPad.
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Watching in the app is a great option for those who want a standalone app for their streaming needs, meaning you won't get lost between tabs or be distracted by a browser notification. Desktop apps also tend to offer a higher streaming resolution than those offered in streaming service browsers; The Netflix Windows 10 app can stream in 4K resolution, if your PC monitor supports it.
So it's a shame we don't see Netflix (or Disney Plus, for that matter) offering the same on the Macbook just yet.
The same is true in the world of smart displays. Netflix is pretty rare in this area, with its arrival on the Google Nest Hub Max last year making headlines. Amazon, with its various lines of Echo Show smart displays, has made sure its own streaming service is more prevalent there.
Amazon Prime Video for macOS is available on the Mac App Store as a free download. It is compatible with macOS Big Sur 11.4 and later. Naturally, an Amazon Prime subscription is required to watch streaming content.
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