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Alibaba rolls out Netflix-style TBO streaming video service in China

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Alibaba's new premium streaming service TBO is now available for users of its smart TVs and set-top boxes in China. Photo: Tech in Asia

Alibaba has launched a movie streaming service for users in China as the e-commerce giant seeks to further expand into entertainment.

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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.

While the service has not been officially announced, Tech in Asia reported that it has become available to users of Alibaba smart TVs and set-top boxes following an update pushed to those devices on Tuesday.

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.

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“Our mission, the mission of all of Alibaba, is to redefine home entertainment,” Patrick Liu, Alibaba head of digital entertainment said in June.

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