Crackle video streaming app launches on Xbox

February 2nd, 2012

Crackle, Sony Pictures Entertainment's multi-platform video entertainment network, has launched an Xbox Live app that provides access to a free online video service.

Xbox Live Gold subscribers in the UK, US, Canada and Australia will be able to download the video streaming app to the Xbox 360 and watch a host of television shows, animated series and full-length Hollywood films through the gaming platform.

The Crackle library is stocked with around 200 films including Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby; The International; Groundhog Day and Donnie Brasco. There are also 1,500 episodes of popular TV shows including Seinfeld and Married…with Children, plus animated series such as Samurai X and Astro Boy. Sony has said it will continue adding titles to the list.

Crackle is not a direct competitor of the paid-for video-on-demand services such as Lovefilm and Netflix which are already available on the Xbox Live hub, because it supports itself through advertising and its content is older. Other video streaming apps on Xbox Live include Sky, 4oD, blinkbox and YouTube, and Microsoft plans to rollout more throughout 2012.

As an added bonus, Crackle viewers can find the content they want quickly on Xbox with Microsoft's Kinect voice and motion controls.

Phil Lynch, vice president of Digital Networks and Games at Sony Pictures Television, claims Crackle offers an "unparalleled viewing experience" to its target audience of men aged between 18 and 34.

He said, "Crackle is the single best multi-platform source of free, ad-supported Hollywood films and television series. By our continued emphasis on cross-platform distribution, we are bringing an unparalleled viewing experience directly to Crackle's target demographic of 18-34 males through their internet-enabled devices. We are thrilled to be a part of Xbox LIVE's entertainment expansion."