HBO Max is finally here. The highly anticipated platform; the HBO-plus-other stuff streaming service launched on 27th May 2020.
The service – at $14.99 per month is initially available to subscribers in the United States. However, it is more expensive than competing offerings like Netflix and Disney+. But if you look at it from a different perspective then it’s quite a good deal because you’re getting HBO, plus a whole bunch of extra content, in HBO’s subscription price.
Why launch HBO Max when it’s the same price as HBO and includes a lot of the same content?
Executives at WarnerMedia and it’s corporate parent AT&T has made it very clear that they are hoping to compete with players like Netflix. This means that they are building a broader audience than HBO. However, they are also trying to leverage HBO’s reputation for prestige TV and its early success with streaming- and expanding globally. This will probably be involving the introduction of cheaper, ad-supported plans in the future.
Has WarnerMedia successfully translated these corporate imperatives into a compelling offering for consumers?
Let’s just break this down. For once and for all. There’s definitely a rich library of content. HBO Max is launching with 10,000 hours of movies and TV, including existing shows like “Friends”, “The Big Bang Theory”, the new version of “Doctor Who”, “Rick and Morty”, “The Boondocks”, “The Bachelor”, “Sesame Street”, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” etc, said WarnerMedia.
The lineup is inclusive of newer movies like “Crazy Rich Asians”, “A Star Is Born”, “Aquaman” and “Joker”, as well as classics like “Casablanca” etc.
For superhero fans, it has every DC film from the last decade, including “Wonder Woman” and “Justice League”. It has also got every Batman and Superman movie from the last 40 years.
What about HBO Max Originals?
Things get a little bit sparser when it comes to the original content. Originals available at launch include a kids reality TV series called “Craftopia”, and a new set of “Looney Tunes” cartoons, “The Not Too Late Show with Elmo”, another reality show called “Legendary” etc.
What are the Screen Limit Details?
WarnerStudio’s new streaming service is available to stream on a variety of different devices. However, only a certain number of devices can be streamed simultaneously using the same login.
HBO Max can be streamed up to three different devices at the same time. That being said, you can share your account with friends and family members. It also allows the creation of multiple user profiles, with options for “Kid” profiles where parents have the option of setting a content rating limit.
HBO Max is currently available on Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Samsung Smart TV platforms.