The entertainment business started in 2006. It faced many challenges. Sadly, it closed in 2007.

General Information

• Category: Entertainment
• Started: 2006
• Failure Cause: Multiple Reasons
• Closed: 2007

Description

Launched in January 2006, Video Marketplace aimed to rival iTunes for TV show sales. The platform showcased popular series like CSI and classics such as The Brady Bunch, The Twilight Zone, and Star Trek.

Google partnered with the NBA to offer classic games and coverage of new seasons. It featured historical footage from ITN and music videos from SONY BMG. AIncluded were animated classics from Classic Media and kids’ educational programs from CLEARVUE & SVE.

Customers can buy or rent content from various providers.

Cause of Failure

Google did not reveal why the service ended. It may have struggled to make money or faced issues with content providers. The only message sent out was that this move aimed to enhance all Google services.

Customers learned about the change through email. The platform shut down on August 15, 2007. At first, Google offered a $5 bonus for Google Checkout. Customers had to use it within 60 days.

However, refunds for purchased or rented content were not available. Access to that content would end when the service closed.

Many customers were unhappy about this decision. A few weeks later, Google introduced a new shutdown offer.

Users get the bonus and refunds for all credit card purchases. Plus, access to their content would last for more than six months.

FAQs

– What was Google Video Marketplace?

Google Video Marketplace launched in January 2006. It sold and rented TV shows and movies. It aimed to compete with services like iTunes.

– Why did Google Video Marketplace shut down?

The service closed in August 2007. Reasons for the closure were not clear. Some speculated financial issues and challenges with content providers.

– How did customers find out about the closure?

Customers received an email from Google. It explained the shutdown and any offers related to the closure.

– Were customers refunded for their purchases?

At first, Google did not offer refunds. After complaints, they provided a shutdown offer. This included refunds for credit card purchases.

– What happened to purchased or rented content?

Access to content ended on August 15, 2007. Some users got extended access if they qualified for the shutdown offer.