Alibaba rolls out Netflix-style TBO streaming video service in China
Alibaba has launched a movie streaming service for users in China as the e-commerce giant seeks to further expand into entertainment.
Tmall Box Office, or TBO, will offer a mix of third-party and in-house produced content, as well as domestic and foreign films and TV shows through a partnership with Lionsgate, including Mad Men and the Twilight series.
The service will cost 39 yuan (US$6) per month for unlimited viewing, or 365 yuan (US$57) for 12 months. By comparison, Netflix costs US$7.99 per month for customers in North America.
Users can pay for the TBO service via their smartphone, using their Alipay wallet.
“Our mission, the mission of all of Alibaba, is to redefine home entertainment,” Patrick Liu, Alibaba head of digital entertainment said in June.