Vudu Sidesteps the App Store

Following in Amazon's footsteps, who recently released a web app version of Kindle, Vudu has taken its movie store to the iPad, but not via the App Store.

The semi-popular movie delivery service, Vudu, has decided that it doesn't want (or need) to give Apple a 30% cut of their content sales, which would be necessary if they had followed the traditional route of releasing an app. Instead, they are streaming content directly to Mobile Safari via an HTML5 video player. You can rent and purchase movies, all of which are viewable on the iPad.

Due to some restrictions, though, you can only watch your movies in standard definition, even if you pay for an HD (or 1080p "HDX") version. Note, however, that should you watch one of these rentals or purchases on another device, they will be delivered in high definition. Hopefully the HD issue gets sorted out soon.

Still, if you don't want all your money going to Apple (via iTunes purchases), Vudu is offering 20,000 titles (minus Disney movies, for the time being) for your viewing pleasure.