NBC Runs From iTunes Into The Arms Of Amazon

Last week a lot of drama developed between Apple and NBC over who broke up with who. All we really know is that the pair allegedly split over conflicts around DRM and pricing control. It was quite a hit for Apple, with NBC making up 40% or iTune’s digital video downloads.

Today NBC found a friend in Amazon, announcing a deal to sell the network’s digital TV content. Amazon already sells NBC Universal’s movies. NBC shows available on Amazon Unbox will include The Office, Heroes, and 30 Rock. They will also be selling content from their subsidiaries: USA Network, SCI FI Channel, Bravo, Telemundo, mun2, NBC Sports, and NBC News.

Beginning on September 10, Amazon Unbox customers will download for free — in advance of their network premieres — the pilot episodes of NBC’s new shows Bionic Woman, Chuck, Journeyman and Life. New episodes will be available for purchase on Amazon Unbox the day after they air on TV. Complete seasons may be purchased as soon as the season concludes.

The deal is yet another twist in NBC’s ongoing plans to monetize their content online. NBC has already announced plans to release the same content on their new site Hulu, with no word on how the new deal will affect the offering. (Bit Torrent, however, is still up and running)

Amazon Fresh Shopping Bag Spotted In The Wild

Finally, pictures are starting to come in of Amazon Fresh, the new Webvan-like grocery delivery service that launched in Seattle last month. What I’d really like to see is a review of the service by someone who lives in Seattle. And a picture of the delivery van everyone keeps spotting. Or even better, just video the whole delivery experience. I have very fond memories of Webvan and I can’t wait until this thing hits silicon valley. I’ll never have to leave my computer again.

Update: Here’s the truck - photo credit to Jeff Sandquist:

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