Amazon has quietly discontinued its Prime Video Watch Party feature, leaving many users surprised and disappointed, Android Authority reports.
This feature, introduced in 2020, allowed Amazon Prime members to watch movies and TV shows together remotely, providing a much-needed social connection during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, it appears that the feature has been phased out over the past few months, and many users have only recently noticed its absence.
Amazon quietly discontinues Prime Video Watch Party feature without official notice, disappointing users who used it to watch content together remotely.MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images
Prime Video's Watch Party Feature
The Prime Video Watch Party feature was a popular addition when it launched in 2020.
It allowed users to create virtual viewing parties, synchronizing playback and providing a chat function so viewers could interact in real-time while watching their favorite content.
This was especially valuable during the pandemic when people were looking for ways to stay connected while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
However, in recent months, the feature has quietly disappeared. Android Authority reports that it has been nearly five months since the feature was last available, based on user comments on Reddit.
Despite its quiet removal, many users did not notice immediately, likely because the feature was not widely used outside of pandemic lockdowns.
One of the most surprising aspects of the discontinuation is Amazon's silence on the matter. The company has not issued any official statements or announcements regarding the removal of Watch Party.
In their report, Android Authority finds it unusual that Amazon did not officially acknowledge the removal, especially considering the related support pages have been taken down. This lack of communication has led to confusion among some users.
What This Means for Users
While the feature may not have been a daily necessity for most users, its removal is disappointing for those who used it to start watch parties with loved ones far away.
The removal of Prime Video Watch Party may be part of a broader trend where companies are retiring less-used features to streamline their services.
For example, Google has recently announced the retirement of several features, including Stack: PDF Scanner and a VPN feature in Google One. Additionally, Google Podcasts is being phased out, with users encouraged to migrate to YouTube Music or other podcast apps by July 29, 2024.
For those who still wish to watch movies and shows together remotely, there are alternatives. Android Authority tells us that Teleparty, formerly known as Netflix Party, offers a similar service.
In Other News
In other news, YouTube Music is testing a new generative AI feature that will create personalized radio stations based on user prompts. This feature aims to deliver a tailored listening experience, showcasing songs that match the user's request.
