Does anyone actually use Google for movies?

[steve_dave]

Google Play is a bit of a different animal that some find difficult to use...

Some things about Google Play:

1. Cost - Google Play always lists the lowest price on the product page. However, when you click on the button to buy or rent, it'll tell you the price for both SD and HD. Also, because of this, rental pricing is the first listed. Actually SD rental pricing is the first thing you see.

2. Device Playback - This is where Google dropped the ball, in my opinion. Yes, the Chromecast is amazing for a $35 stick/puck dongle. It's pretty simple to use and that's its problem. It is a simplified solution using your phone/iPod Touch/tablet/computer to start the playback on the Chromecast then the Chromecast takes over. However, you only have basic controls through the device you started playback on. Unless your TV remote has controls for the streaming services (I.E. Play, Pause, Rewind, etc). Even then you can't tell Chromecast which audio stream you want. Some receivers are not capable of 5.1 output from a Chromecast even it's plugged directly into it.

You can use the YouTube app on gaming consoles for playback after signing in. However, again, limited controls and without 5.1 audio sound.

3. Purchase Playback - This is where Google does beat UV and iTunes (to some extent): anywhere Google Play is available and the movie/show itself, you can stream it without issues. Like iTunes, you can download an offline copy for when internet isn't available. The caveat is you have to use the Play Movies & TV apps, not YouTube.

4. Library Control - This is where Google absolutely crushes the competition. When you remove content from your Google Play account, not remove the download. It is deleted from your cloud library completely. Got a free TV episode from a cancelled show? No problem, remove it from your library. Got a free movie from Google Play you don't want or didn't like? Again, remove it from your library. You don't have to call, request a refund, or hide it. It is just gone.

Personally?

I do have a lot of movies on Google Play because the prices were fantastic: from free to under $10. Google Play has also been kind enough to have a freebie at least once a year. Disney Movies Anywhere also is Google Play compatible so as long as you link the GP account to DMA, any code redemption will give you a GP copy too.

I also have a lot more television shows because Google Play does offer free TV episodes like iTunes, Amazon, and Vudu. Since I can delete these completely, I have no problem getting nearly every freebie available. Now, because I have a Chromecast and had an Android phone... I bought The Librarians Season 1 on GP followed by Season 2.

Another thing... although Warner Television is pushing for it on all their digital TV products, GP is a tad slow at offering extras with TV show purchases. Some come with extras others don't. On the movie side, it is actually worse. While Amazon has begun added extras while Vudu and iTunes already offer them; very few GP movies have extras.