Samsung bets on 4K Amazon and Netflix streaming to make UHD TV more tempting

House of Cards was the first Netflix show shown in 4K. Video screenshot by Michael Franco/CNET

Samsung is doubling down on 4K films and TV. The Korean company is adding 4K Amazon streaming and bringing 4K Netflix to Europe, so you can enjoy eye-scorching detail on your Ultra High Definition television.

UHD, also known as 4K, is the next step after high definition, with a resolution of 3,840x2,160 pixels -- four times that of full HD. It's still new enough that not only are the TVs expensive, but if you do invest there's precious little to watch that takes advantage of the whopping resolution. That means it's in the interests of manufacturers such as Samsung and Sony to help provide stuff for you to watch in order to persuade you to fork out for the TV.

As such, Samsung TVs will be able to stream movies and TV in UHD from Amazon's video streaming on-demand service from October. That will be available "globally", although Samsung hasn't confirmed exactly which countries that includes.

What else is on? 'Breaking Bad' gets the 4K treatment on Netflix 'Maison of Cards'? Netflix greenlights first French original show Netflix CEO: Sorry, we're not making a streaming device BBC to trial 4K at World Cup, but you can't watch it Why Ultra HD 4K TVs are still stupid

And having launched UHD Netflix in April across the US and other countries -- starting with smash hit political potboiler "House of Cards" -- Samsung will now show Netflix UHD streaming for viewers in Europe.

4K movies and TV will also be available from German service Maxdome, Italian service Chili, and Wuaki.tv, which is available in the UK and Spain.

Samsung has dipped its toes into UHD content with the 4K broadcast of World Cup warm-up matches from Portugese broadcaster Meo, and opera from Austria, live-streaming Placido Domingo belting out "Nabucco" through the Vienna Opera App. In the next year, 10 more performances are planned in UHD, including a performance of "Die Fledermaus" on New Year's Eve.

In its home country Korea, Samsung began UHD broadcasts in April with cable provider CJ Hello Vision. That will extend to CNM and T-Broad before the end of the year.

Tags: TVs 4K TVs Amazon Netflix Samsung About the author

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Spotify opens up free streaming on Windows Phone

9.99 or AU$11.99 per month. Now, Windows Phone streams free via the shuffle play option.

Like the free subscription tiers for Android and iOS, Windows Phone users can access existing playlists and shuffle tracks rather than listen to songs on-demand.

Spotify also offers the ability to shuffle play artist catalogues and browse for playlists based on mood or genre.

"We're excited to see Spotify made available for free on Windows Phone," said Steve Guggenheimer, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Corp. "This puts a much-loved listening experience in the hands of Windows Phone fans across the world, and beautifully showcases both our platform and the Spotify service."

Spotify is available in 57 markets across the globe, with the company announcing a total paid subscriber base of 10 million users worldwide.

Other tweaks to the app for Windows Phone users include improved presentation of search results and easier music discovery options. The update is available to download now from the Windows Phone Store.

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Netflix streaming service hit by partial outage

Message many Netflix customers are seeing Tuesday night. Screenshot by Steven Musil/CNET

Netflix's streaming service is experiencing a partial outage this Tuesday evening, preventing customers from watching some movies and TV programs.

The company said in a tweet that customers in all areas with the exception of Europe were experiencing streaming issues and it was looking into the matter.

We're aware of the streaming issues on all devices in all regions except Europe. We're investigating the issue. Thank you for your patience!

-- Netflix CS (

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