A cloud storage startup which started off as a platform to stream and share original photos and videos has added a new feature to its site that could potentially "ruffle the feathers of a few entities in the entertainment industry," Slash Gear reported.
Streamnation, which launched earlier this year as a cloud storage and streaming site, will now allow users to upload and share copies of their favorite films and TV shows.
The new lending feature let users upload videos to their storage as long as they are "DRM-free." It also makes it possible for users to grant their family or friends to a video for a period of 24 hours. During those 24 hours, the viewer can not view the media they are sharing.
"Given how very few, if not none, of the popular TV shows and movies offer DRM-free copies, these videos will most likely come from ripped or unofficial sources," Slash Gear reported.
The video file cannot be downloaded by anyone other than the original owner, and can only be accessed when streamed to a device. The new feature is similar to borrowing them a DVD or Blu-ray, according to technology site Engadget.
According to Engaget, the new feature is similar to Steam's sharing program - a platform where users can share games, however the difference is that Hollywood operate differently than the game industry when it comes to passing content around.
This could pose a legal risk on both the service and its users. The content uploaded can be accessed from the cloud storage site on various apps and platforms, including iPhones, iPads and web browsers.
All of the users' content is stored on Streamnation's private cloud and on Amazon cloud storage, and all files can be retrieved and downloaded at any time, in their original format or at reduced sizes.
According to CNet, that movies and TV shows are just the beginning for this Streamnation, it hopes to add storage support for music and book collections.
The startup site hopes to become a complete streaming digital media hub.
