If you launched the Google Play Store this morning, you’re likely to be greeted by a new terms of service pop-up and there’s a good reason for that. Google Play Movies has finally landed in Malaysia, offering users the option to rent or purchase movie content.
In terms of cost, renting a movie starts at RM10 for Standard Definition and we noticed it can go up to RM17 for HD. Once you’ve started playing your rented movies, it will expire after 48 hours but take note that it will sit on your library unplayed for up to 30 days. If you prefer keeping your movies, it will cost anything from RM29 for SD and up to RM67 for HD. Of course the price varies depending on content but do expect an average of RM10-13 for a standard rental and an average of RM50 to purchase.
The selection of movies is not too bad as you get new releases including Kingsman, Taken 3, Chappie and Interstellar. Browsing through the list, you can expect more titles in future as they source movie titles from Warner Bros, 20th Century Fox, Disney, Sony, Paramount and Universal. In terms of payment, it is done through your linked credit or debit card on your Google Play Store account, so it is similar to buying apps.
For iPhone and iPad users, you are able to enjoy the movies as well by downloading the Google Play Movies app from the appstore.
What’s interesting to point out is that the HD content can be viewed on Chromecast, Chrome browser, Roku and of course Android devices with a HD screen. Now probably is a good time to consider a Chromecast for your home HD TV.
Hopefully Google would roll out TV Shows in our market next. For the time being, you might want to check out iflix that costs RM10/month or RM96 for an annual subscription.
Thanks @HikkiBoA for the tip!