Amazon is upping the ante in the streaming-video competition with downloadable videos. The e-commerce powerhouse will now let members of its $99 annual Prime loyalty program download some shows and movies on its streaming video service to watch offline, or when there is no Internet connection available, for free. To watch the content users can download the Amazon Video app for iOS or Android.

Users will be able to download shows like "Downton Abbey" and "The Good Wife," HBO shows including "Girls" and "Veep" and movies including "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" and "The Wolf of Wall Street." Shows will be downloadable to Apple and Android phones and tablets, including Amazon's Fire devices — but not desktops or laptops. Other streaming services like Netflix and Hulu offer streaming-content only.

Amazon has been expanding services for Prime members, including its Prime Instant Video service, to attract more subscribers to the annual program.

-- Associated Press