What you need to know

• Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. raises consumer concerns about potential price hikes and content quality.
• Critics fear HBO's prestige programming and current shows may be jeopardized under Netflix's ownership.
• Social media buzzes with memes, but regulatory approvals are still pending for the $82.7 billion deal.

Netflix acquired Warner Bros. this morning in a historic $82.7 billion deal, and while it seems like an excellent move for both parties, it has undoubtedly sparked a frenzy among consumers and the broader streaming industry. Although change often comes with some pushback, this particular deal has sparked widespread concern about the subscriber's position in the new streaming landscape.

Several users took to Reddit to share their thoughts about the acquisition, and many comments were critical, focusing on the negative impact on the streaming experience and their wallets.

Among the most common issues discussed were potential price hikes for the streaming service or for HBO's content becoming an "add-on" service for an extra charge, while keeping Netflix's prices intact. One user said, "$40 per month HBOflix incoming," while another said, "Def see another price increase coming soon. They gotta pay for that 83bn somehow."

While sources close to the negotiations told Reuters that "the potential combination of its streaming service with HBO Max would benefit consumers by lowering the cost of a bundled offering," this still doesn't seem to be convincing people at large.

On the other hand, several took to social media to discuss how this major acquisition will affect the kind of content HBO Max offers. While HBO's content may get a new home and possibly a larger viewership base, many users expressed concern, noting that Netflix will "screw up" the high-quality, prestige programming associated with HBO. Meanwhile, others pleaded with Netflix to "let HBO do its thing" and urged Netflix not to "touch HBO."

Speaking of content, one user was also concerned that there could be potential cancellation of existing shows and the "death of traditional film distribution," with some predicting "Rip movies. Rip theatrical releases. Rip theaters." But according to the CBC, Netflix has reportedly assured Warner Bros. Discovery that it will continue to release the studio's movies in theaters.

Furthermore, folks are also talking about how Netflix's content-suggestion algorithm largely relies on content similar to what they've already watched. This keeps them stuck in Netflix's algorithm, so to speak, with the risk of viewers missing out on challenging content that HBO is known for.

That said, while people were getting serious about this deal, others just took it in stride and had fun with the announcement on social media, creating memes and crossover worlds, think Stranger Things x DC or a show just dedicated to Jon Snow's white direwolf companion in "Game of Thrones."

That said, this deal is still subject to regulatory approvals from antitrust and competition regulators in the United States (specifically the Department of Justice, or DOJ) and the European Union (EU), so it remains to be seen how this pans out in the next several months.

What you need to know

• Netflix acquires Warner Bros. content, reshaping the streaming landscape with iconic shows now united under one platform.
• This merger positions Netflix as a dominant force in streaming, challenging smaller competitors in the market.
• Consumers may benefit from bundled offerings, while HBO Max initially operates separately during the transition period.

Netflix announced its $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. earlier today(Dec. 5), acquiring over a century of cinematic legacy by the streaming giant. Netflix was up against other companies, including Paramount Skydance, and Comcast. However, Netflix ultimately secured the deal with Warner Bros. after weeks of negotiations, with its highly competitive, mostly cash offer, according to some reports.

This means iconic content like The Big Bang Theory, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, along the DC Universe will join Netflix’s platform. Meaning, all the content on Warner Bros. (the studio), HBO, and the HBO Max streaming service will now be owned by Netflix.

“Today’s announcement combines two of the greatest storytelling companies in the world to bring to even more people the entertainment they love to watch the most,” said David Zaslav, president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, in a press release.

Industry changing move

This move comes at a time when we witnessed intense content dispute between Disney and YouTube, which resulted in a weeks-long blackout for consumers. Combining the world's largest streaming platform with Hollywood's renowned studios makes Netflix one of the most dominant players in the content market. This could make it really tough on smaller streaming services to keep up with the massive Netflix-Warner entity.

While Netflix and Warner Bros. are optimistic about the acquisition, considering this enhances Netflix’s potential, allowing the company to significantly expand in the U.S. and gain a large foothold in the country.

However, on the flip side, there could be other concerns brewing. Some analysts think that this deal could face intense regulatory scrutiny and anti-trust battles in both the U.S. and Europe, when it comes to one large company essentially trying to monopolize the streaming industry. Critics argue that merging these two could grant Netflix "too much power over Hollywood."

What this means for subscribers

It is highly likely that all of HBO and HBO Max will be pulled into Netflix's already large catalog of entertainment. “By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies—from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends. Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, in a press release.

This also means that users stick to one platform, without having to switch between multiple apps and streaming services, and have all their favorite shows under one roof. They won't have to worry about licensing issues seen when some Warner Bros. shows move to other streaming services.

That said, sources close to the negotiations informed Reuters that the acquisition could actually be good for consumers. They stated that "the potential combination of its streaming service with HBO Max would benefit consumers by lowering the cost of a bundled offering."

Lastly, it is important to note that while the acquisition has been confirmed, Netflix states that HBO Max will likely operate separately for 12 to 18 months while they close the transaction, but this could keep HBO Max's subscribers in limbo, having them decide if they'd want to ditch the service until things move over to Netflix.

We're curious what you think about this acquisition! Sticking with both services, or just one for now? Let us know in the comments!

What you need to know

• HBO Max slid in a pricing hike today (Oct 21), which has already gone into effect for users signing up for the service.
• The company's three plans, Basic with ads, Standard, and Premium have risen to $19.99, $18.49, and $22.99, respectively.
• In 2024, when it was just Max, the service raised prices for its basic plans and its yearly packages.

Another streaming service has started raising prices, and it's a reality that the company was already prepared to bring forward.

It was a little quiet, but 9to5Google spotted a pricing change to HBO Max's available subscriptions earlier today (Oct 21). The streaming platform's "Plans and Prices" page now details a $1 to $2 price hike across its plans for consumers. Viewers with the "Basic with ads" plan will now see a monthly $10.99 bill, while those with the "Standard" subscription find a higher $18.49 monthly bill.

HBO Max is bringing a similar $2 price hike to its "Premium" package, taking things up to $22.99 per month.

Curiously, these changes were reportedly brewing for a while now, as 9to5 reiterates a previous statement by the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, David Zaslav. According to Zaslav in September, the subscription prices of HBO Max were supposedly "way underpriced," and the company was looking into correcting that—à la the changes we're seeing today.

In the process...

These pricing changes have gone into effect today (Oct 21), as the service's landing page now reflects its lower (and slightly higher) Basic with ads plan. Joining this price hike is a report from Deadline, stating that the parent company of HBO Max, Warner Bros. Discovery, is seeking to split sometime around mid-2026 (via Android Police). It's been reported that the company has received "multiple offers" from different buyers for all of Warner Bros/Discovery.

Deadline adds that this split could result in two "standalone public companies" called "Warner Bros." and "Discovery Global."

While HBO Max has flip-flopped between names these past few years, last year, when it was just Max, it raised prices. Last summer was when the hike came through, pushing its Ad-Free plan and 4K plan to $16.99 and $20.99, respectively. The yearly plans reflected those smaller plan changes, too, jumping to $169.99 and $209.99 per year. The streaming service also underwent some changes, like its competitors, cracking down on password sharing.

The company pushed for such a change after its earnings in 2022 and 2023 were reportedly down. It attributed those "losses" to users sharing passwords, instead of those users creating their own accounts with their own subscription plan.

This is Android Central's News Weekly, your go-to source for a concise roundup of the week's most significant tech stories. This is where we delve into the top headlines that provide the latest developments and innovations contributing to the digital landscape.

This week, we dive into all things Android. Google snuck in its future XR tech, the Android Show gets an I/O edition, HBO Max makes a comeback, Nothing's Phone 3 is set to show up this summer, and Samsung quietly unveiled a limited-edition Galaxy ring.

Before we dive in, Google I/O is coming up — starting on May 20th at the Shoreline Amphitheater in California. Android Central will be there live, so if you want all the updates as they happen during the two-day event, keep an eye out for our live coverage right from where it happens.

The Android Show: I/O edition

Read more here

Google wanted to switch things up a bit with this year's I/O. It revealed some of the significant developments much earlier than expected, giving users a full look at what's in store with Gemini, Material 3 Expressive, and its updated safety and privacy tools.

First up, Gemini comes to more devices. Gemini is expanding across the Android ecosystem, replacing Google Assistant on phones and integrating into Wear OS, cars, TVs, and XR.

This integration focuses on providing more intuitive, hands-free, and context-aware AI assistance across various devices. "Like when your hands are covered in flour while cooking, when you’re rushing between meetings, or when you’re in the middle of a bike ride," Google explained in the press release.

As for Material 3 Expressive, Google is modifying its UI experience to be more expressive and interactive with Android 16. Google explains that M3 Expressive is all about design that feels good, makes sense, and helps you do things with ease. It leans on five key components, such as color, shape, size, motion, and containment, to steer the user's attention to the stuff that matters.

Wear OS 6 is also getting a fresh coat of paint, more customization via color options, and a customizable UI. Watch faces will now be able to change the whole color of the OS, giving the wearable a more thematic feel.

During the show, it announced a whole slew of privacy and security tools that will show up on all Android devices with Android 16.

New warning systems will be built into Android's caller and Google Messages, which help prevent fraud by sending you pop-up messages when common scam tactics are used.

For instance, Google Messages is also getting a big security update with AI-based detection that can help stop scammers pretending to be government officials or bank employees, or even"tech support" scams, and several other new categories. These messages will be automatically flagged and filtered as spam if spam detection is enabled.

Google's Find My Device will also evolve into Find Hub with UWB tag support and satellite connectivity for enhanced tracking. The tech giant will partner with airlines to simplify lost luggage recovery using Bluetooth tag location sharing.

Did Google just show us its smart glasses?

Read more here

As The Android Show 2025 drew to a close, Samat put on what appeared to be a pair of Google and Samsung's upcoming smart glasses, with tinted lenses. While putting them on, he pretty much hinted that Google I/O 2025 would be full of more Android announcements, "and maybe even a few more really cool Android demos."

This only means we'd be getting more than just a peek at those highly anticipated wearables this year. These smart glasses look a lot like Meta's and have customizable styles. While we know little to nothing about these glasses, they're said to have a small screen in the lens, similar to the upcoming Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses 3. And would obviously be powered by the latest Gemini smarts.

Surprise, surprise! Max is back to being HBO Max

Read more here

Warner Bros. Discovery announced this week that it will be rebranding Max as HBO Max again. Just two years after ditching the HBO Max name, the company confirmed the switch will happen this summer.

This will be the second time the service has changed its name in just three years —first it launched as HBO Max in May 2020, when it was still under WarnerMedia, replacing HBO Now (its standalone streaming option since 2014) while keeping it separate from HBO Go (its old cable-authenticated VOD service that's since been retired).

Looks like not many users were a fan of this rebranding, and learning from its past mistakes of chasing a "quantity over quality" approach with tons of content. Bringing back the HBO name is a key move in Warner Bros. Discovery, in its plan to grow a global customer base and keep up with other streaming giants.

The company believes that reintroducing the HBO brand on Max will make things more seamless for customers as to the kind of content they can expect to see.

Nothing Phone 3 coming this summer

Read more here

Nothing has been teasing its next flagship model for the past couple of days, be it dropping emojis or outright announcing its price.

During Google's Android Show, Nothing's CEO Carl Pei discussed what consumers can expect next: the Phone 3, and when. Pei announced that the Phone 3 will launch this summer. Pei states the company is "going all in" with the device, granting it "premium materials, major performance upgrades, and software that levels things up."

More importantly, Pei all but confirmed to consumers its price, reportedly "somewhere around" £800 (~$1,062).

Pei adds that users will be given the "secure" and upgraded Android experience within the upcoming Nothing Phone. The video then gets into Nothing's AI efforts, considering they had to postpone the launch of the device last year. Pei states the company has worked with its community to create software that's "not just bolted on, but built in."

Samsung dropped a limited-edition Galaxy Ring

Read more here

Samsung quietly launched an exclusive Galaxy Ring colorway for its Korean customers. It snuck in a quick announcement about the wearable at the end of the Galaxy S25 Edge's press release — something extra for wearable fans.

According to Samsung's Korean website, the new Galaxy Ring is pretty much the same tech-wise as its past versions/ Samsung calls it "Two-Tone Titanium Black," a smooth mix of the classic Titanium Black and Titanium Silver. We weren't able to spot any images of this exclusive smart ring yet, but it's clear the company is going for a premium vibe here.

For now, this color is only for the South Korean audience, and it remains unclear whether it will be available on this side of the globe.

More stories this week

Those are some of the biggest stories from this week. Meanwhile, here are some other stories that are worth catching up on:

• Google's May patch might've tanked its Pixel line battery life, per reports
• YouTube is making playlist listening a bit more democratic
• Galaxy S25 FE rumors advance with talk of a selfie camera upgrade
• Samsung might chase battery tech that's a little 'SUS,' going against old rumors
• Sony, Post Malone partner for the WH-1000XM6 headphones that wrap you in music
• Google's got a new AI image-to-video generator, but Pixels aren't first on the list
• Spotify's DJ takes song requests for music that fits what you want
• Google's refreshed gradient logo is a pop of bright, vivid color
• Qualcomm launches the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 with improved AI performance and connectivity
• These Nothing Phone 3 rumors suggest big upgrades that won't mess around

What you need to know

• Max is ditching the “Max” name and going back to HBO Max this summer—less than two years after switching it up.
• This will be the second time the service has changed its name in just three years—first launched as HBO Max in 2020, replacing HBO Now and separate from HBO Go.
• The company is focusing on high-quality TV over a massive library.

Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that Max is getting its old name back. The streaming service is heading back to being called HBO Max, like it never left.

Just two years after ditching the HBO Max name, it’s coming back. At Wednesday’s Upfront event, the company confirmed the switch will happen this summer.

The upcoming name change marks the platform's second identity crisis in just three years. Back in May 2020, when it was still under WarnerMedia, the streaming service launched as HBO Max, replacing HBO Now (its standalone streaming option since 2014) while keeping it separate from HBO Go (its old cable-authenticated VOD service that's since been retired).

"More content" wasn’t the answer

At launch, WarnerMedia promised HBO Max would deliver everything HBO has to offer and then some.

HBO Max also packed in content from the rest of WarnerMedia’s lineup, including DC Comics, Cartoon Network, and more. Still, the real hook was being able to stream HBO’s top-shelf lineup without needing cable.

When Max ditched the HBO name in 2023, it left everyone scratching their heads. Suddenly, apps on platforms like Google TV showed up as just "Max," confusing subscribers who wondered where their HBO content went.

Warner Bros. Discovery claimed that the goal was to broaden the brand's appeal beyond just HBO's prestige TV crowd. No more HBO in the name meant the service could push reality shows, kids' content, and blockbuster movies without feeling tied to HBO's highbrow reputation.

A lesson in brand loyalty

Turns out, viewers weren’t shy about hating the name change. Despite Warner Bros. Discovery’s grand plans, dropping HBO rubbed fans the wrong way, and many saw it as ditching the prestige that made the platform special in the first place.

Now, the company is course-correcting. Instead of chasing a "quantity over quality" approach with a sprawling library of random content, it's doubling down on high-end, must-watch TV.

Bringing back the HBO name is a key move in Warner Bros. Discovery’s plan to grow its global subscriber base. The company believes that reintroducing the HBO brand on Max will make it crystal clear to subscribers what kind of high-quality content they can expect.

Prime Video recently increased its subscription by $2.99 for an ad-free experience, yet its in-video navigation has been a big issue since its inception. Despite charging ever-increasing prices, many of these platforms still let users deal with their clunky interfaces. So why are streaming platforms forcing customers to pay more while offering an average user experience?

Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Max, etc., have replaced traditional cable subscriptions as a go-to source of entertainment. According to a recent study, Americans spend 20 hours a week on these platforms and pay an average of $46 per month for these services. The reason is the wide variety of content that is constantly refreshed on the platform weekly, sometimes even daily. However, in their pursuit of content acquisition, these streaming giants seem to be neglecting one crucial point—user experience.

According to a recent survey conducted by Forbes Home, Amazon Prime Video has the second-highest number of subscribers in 2024 (200 million). However, only 14 percent of the respondents felt it was easy to navigate through its UI.

The woes of a clunky UI

For many users, fast-forwarding and rewinding or navigating Prime Video’s clunky UI can be bothersome. The interface sort of lags when you try to scrub within the video, making it difficult for users to gauge where they actually left off. 

A Reddit thread showcases the problems users face today on Amazon Prime Video. One user even goes so far as to say that the platform has the worst user interface. 

“Some of the original Amazon content is worth watching, but that’s all they have going for them. It’s truly hilarious that Amazon is one of the biggest corporations in the world. They spent $1 Billion on their ‘Lord of the Rings’ TV show, and yet they can’t even get something as basic as a functional user interface right,” a user added.

Another user comments that “much like Amazon’s product search nowadays, their Prime Video search is hot garbage. And now they’re adding ads; they might as well just give up altogether now.”

Richard Lachman, the director of digital media in the RTA School of Media at Toronto Metropolitan University, says people often don’t find features in common when switching platforms, which can lead to a frustrating experience. “Some features aren’t easily available, some are buggy, and some aren’t available on all platforms,” he added.

Amazon Prime isn’t the only platform that has been criticized for its UI. Hulu and Max (formerly HBO Max) also had users complaining about navigation inconsistency and overall glitchy UI.

Mia Eltiste, a user experience (UX) researcher based in Austin, Texas, reviews streaming platforms and their interfaces on TikTok. In one of her videos, she points out that Hulu’s navigation bar keeps disappearing when returning to the home screen. “Do not put your navigation on the top bar; put it on the side,” Eltiste states.

As users scroll down vertically, the bar keeps disappearing, but when it’s on the side, it’s easier to access. She adds that the platform should ensure the navigation bar is available on all pages—not just the home screen.

Moreover, while everyone feels that Netflix has nailed its UI, many feel the search bar still needs work, and watching the end credits of a series or movie seems impossible because the UI jumps to the next episode or movie you can watch. Android Central’s Jerry Hildenbrand agrees with the sentiment and says that he finds it frustrating to search for things to watch. 

“Netflix looks nice and is easy to use, but it doesn’t show me enough content. Nobody wants to use the search from their phone, so it’s important to show me what ya got.”

Striking a balance between content acquisition and UI

Lachman says the business strategy for several of these platforms isn’t focused on user experience as a differentiator but on content acquisition. It gets to the point where some services are rushed to launch, “spending the bulk of their budget on content without mature tech/UX teams and a priority on understanding and responding to user experiences.”

He feels that user complaints about UX are not a reason people choose to unsubscribe to streaming services, but this is set to change as users start taking UI into consideration when deciding to leave or subscribe to a service. “If there are fewer players, all with high-quality content, then the UX teams may gain some priority in decision-making and budgets.”

According to Ampere Analysis, global streaming services are set to increase their total content spending by 7 percent in 2024 to $46 billion. Netflix will spend $17 billion this year acquiring content, while Amazon’s total video and music expense in 2023 was $18.9 billion.

Back in 2022, Amazon Prime Video redesigned its home page, giving it a modern facelift. The current UI features a simplified navigation menu, a new Live TV page, and redesigned carousels for better content discovery. However, this redesign focused on highlighting their broad selection of content and not on the basics of how the app functions.

How can platforms do better?

According to Eltiste, any platform that wants to improve its user experience should focus on being functional, reliable, and usable. Still, many companies don’t even think about it being a pleasurable experience on their platform.

Lachman says that a better way to approach UI is to focus on usage and content consumption. Companies should also pay attention to user frustrations and track social media complaints about the UX and product features. 

In 2023, Max made some changes to its user experience amid the merger between HBO Max and Discovery Plus into one platform. Following complaints about its glitchy interface, TechCrunch reported that Max was set to gain an updated user interface with various improvements to deliver a seamless transition for existing HBO Max subscribers across most platforms.

Lachman notes that companies need to prioritize UX in budget, hiring, and strategy. “Make sure user experience champions are the key members of decision-making and empower them to dedicate resources to improving the interface.”

As the streaming landscape constantly changes, focusing solely on content acquisition might not be enough to attract or retain subscribers. Platforms also need to prioritize user feedback, which could help them retain their subscribers in the long run.

Once upon a time, otherwise known as 2020, there was an HBO Max free trial that gave users a taste of the streaming service for a full week at no cost to them. That HBO Max deal is long gone, but you can now sign up for the site's ad-supported plan for just $9.99 per month. The ad-free version is obviously still around, and there are a few other ways to save some cash if you're willing to get creative. To learn more, keep reading. 

Can you try HBO Max for free?

If you're looking for an HBO Max free trial though, we have good news and bad news. Sadly, HBO stopped running this option quite some time ago and it doesn't look like it's coming back. On the plus side, you do have cheaper sign-up options than before thanks to that aforementioned ad-supported plan that exists on a rolling contract that you can cancel at any time.

For just five more bucks a month, however, you get resplendent 4K UHD and ad-free streaming, plus the ability to download content for offline viewing (for a limited time). Check out HBOMax.com to learn more about both of those HBO Max prices. 

If you're still not convinced or you'd like a taste of the great TV content available on the service, there is a completely free "Watch for Free" section on HBO Max that you don't even need an account to stream. You'll only get one episode of a select few shows, but as samplers go, it's very generous.

HBO Max is quickly becoming an essential service for streamers and cord-cutters. Along with a myriad of popular films and HBO shows such as Succession, Sex and the City, Euphoria, and Game of Thrones, the service brings in content from brands like Crunchyroll, DC Comics, Studio Ghibli, Sesame Workshop, TCM, Cartoon Network, and Adult Swim. There's also a wide selection of HBO Max originals to discover, including House of the Dragon, And Just Like That..., Westworld, and Peacemaker.

One of the most significant benefits of being an HBO Max subscriber is the chance to stream new movies just 45 days after their theatrical debut. However, these releases also seem to be why the option to sign up for an HBO Max free trial is no longer offered.

Will there be another HBO Max free trial?

HBO Max originally offered a free 7-day trial for new members on its website between its launch in May 2020 and the release of Wonder Woman 1984 in December 2020. It's unlikely we'll see another free trial pop up on its website unless, of course, subscriber numbers don't continue to grow in line with the services' expectations — then anything can happen.

It's worth pointing out that there's still an exception for Hulu subscribers, who can sign up for a free 7-day HBO Max trial by adding HBO Max as a premium add-on channel to their Hulu subscription.

Signing up for HBO Max and other channels through Hulu helps you consolidate monthly bills, so you only worry about one payment rather than several. This is available for members on both the base plans as well as Hulu with Live TV. After the free trial, HBO Max will renew at its regular price of $15.99 per month unless you decide to cancel your subscription. Unfortunately, you can't opt to join the cheaper $9.99 tier of HBO Max via Hulu.

Another way to get into HBO Max for free is through AT&T. Specifically, AT&T gives subscribers a free year of HBO Max when you sign up for a selection of their wireless, internet, and TV plans. These include the AT&T Unlimited Elite wireless plan, the AT&T Fiber Internet 1000 plan, and the DirecTV Stream Premier and Max plans.

What movies are streaming exclusively on HBO Max?

At the end of 2021, HBO Max and Warner Bros. announced that they would no longer be releasing new films on the same day as their theatrical debut. Instead, viewers will have to wait 45 days for the new movies to appear on HBO Max. Here's a list of some of the blockbuster movies that are available to watch now on the streaming service. Be sure to also take a look at the best shows and best movies streaming on HBO Max right now.

• Elvis
• The Batman
• Don't Worry Darling
• Barbarian
• Moonfall
• The Matrix: Resurrections
• Godzilla vs. Kong
• Mortal Kombat
• The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
• In The Heights
• Space Jam: A New Legacy
• The Suicide Squad
• Malignant
• The Many Saints of Newark
• Dune
• King Richard

Update: this offer has now expired.

HBO Max prices have just been cut, making it a fantastic time to hop on board. You can save 20% right now on both the ad-free and ad-supported tiers and enjoy those low prices for the next 12 months.

This is a great time to be joining too as Peacemaker (the John Cena-led Suicide Squad spin-off TV show) has just landed as well as Zendaya's Euphoria season 2 and the Harry Potter reunion. The Matrix Resurrections is still showing for a few more days and new seasons of Search Party and Succession are live right now, so there's plenty to get stuck into.

The ad-supported tier is now $7.99 a month (previously $9.99) and limits streaming to HD and does not come with the day-and date cinema releases, but seeing as it looks like the new Matrix movie is going to be the final one of these, it shouldn't be a deciding factor for you.

The ad-free tier gets our vote as it's now just $11.99 a month (formerly $14.99). Not being interrupted with ads is the biggest selling point for us, but this tier also comes with 4K UHD content. You can also download content for offline viewing on this tier. Act fast and you'll be able to watch Matrix Resurrections online without having to go to the cinema too. As detailed in our HBO Max free trial guide, that offer was cut from the service over a year ago, so this deal is your next best option.

The best HBO Max deal

Sadly, this offer is not open to existing subscribers. But if you're a lapsed subscriber you can indeed take advantage of the lower rates. There's no mention of how long you need to have been a lapsed member in order to qualify as such, but we imagine it's at least a month, so you probably can't cancel your current subscription and rejoin, especially as the deal expires on January 25. But hey, if your next payment is due to kick in before then, it's certainly worth a shot, especially as your watchlist will be saved and ready for you when you rejoin.

Don't have HBO Max on your smart TV's app library? Check out our picks for the best streaming devices to give your TV some extra smarts and all the best apps.

What you need to know

• WarnerMedia is offering a 50% discount on HBO Max subscriptions.
• Both new and existing customers can now get HBO Max for $7.49/month for the first six months.
• You'll have to pay $14.99/month after six months.

As part of WarnerMedia's efforts to have a more direct relationship with its customers, HBO Max disappeared from Amazon Prime Video channels earlier this week. The streaming service is expected to have lost around 5 million subscribers as part of the move. WarnerMedia has now come up with a special offer to lure back customers who were subscribed to HBO Max through Prime Video channels.

You can get a monthly subscription to the HBO Max ad-free plan at a 50% discount. This means you'll only have to pay $7.49/month for the first six months. After that, the subscription rate will go up to $14.99/month, which is what Amazon Prime Video subscribers had been paying to access HBO Max.

Speaking to Bloomberg last month, HBO Max general manager Andy Forssell said that by ensuring all its viewers are in the app, HBO would be able to tailor the home page and also control the billing. WarnerMedia decided to pull HBO Max as a premium add-on on Roku and Apple TV for the same reason.

In addition to a vast majority of the Warner Bros. catalog, HBO Max offers content from DC, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, and more. What sets it apart from its rivals is that the service lets you watch new Warner Bros. Pictures movies the same day they premiere in theaters. Some of the movies that are set to premiere on HBO Max in the coming weeks include The Way Down, The Many Saints of Newark, Dune, 8-Bit Christmas, and The Matrix Resurrections.

The service is available on pretty much all popular platforms — including Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Samsung and LG Smart TVs, as well as the best Android phones and tablets.

HBO Max

HBO Max's premium plan lets you access over 13,000 hours of entertainment without any commercial interruptions. The service also allows you to watch movies at the same time they are released in theaters.

• $7.49/month at HBO Max

Best answer: Yes. As of December 2020, HBO Max supports 4K content and a selection of 4K-compatible devices. If your device doesn't support 4K, HBO Max will play the highest quality audio and video available.

What you need to watch 4K content

To stream in 4K on HBO Max, you need to ensure that your streaming device supports 4K. Here are the 4K streamers currently compatible with HBO Max.

• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
• Fire TV Cube
• Android TVs
• AT&T Streaming Box
• Apple TV 4K
• Apple TV 4K (2021)
• Google Chromecast Ultra
• Chromecast with Google TV
• Roku Ultra 4800x
• Roku 4K TVs
• Roku Premiere
• Roku Streaming Stick+
• Xfinity X1 (Xi6) and Flex

It's worth pointing out that these devices also support HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2, which is necessary to stream in 4K HDR. Additionally, all movies available in 4K HDR are also available in HD on all supported devices.

What you need to stream with Dolby Atmos audio

In addition to using a streaming device that supports 4K content, HBO Max also supports Dolby Atmos. Here's what you'll need to stream in 4K on HBO Max with Dolby Atmos audio.

• 4K HDR TV that displays Dolby Vision or HDR10
• High-speed internet (25 Mbps or higher, 50+ Mbps is recommended)
• Dolby Atmos-capable sound system

If your devices meet the requirements listed above, and the title you want to watch is available in 4K, HBO Max should automatically play the title in 4K HDR based on your network bandwidth and connection speed.

The Amazon Fire TV Stick and other Amazon Fire TV devices are a simple, affordable way to stream content from platforms including Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and — now — HBO Max. With a few button clicks, you'll have access to all of the HBO exclusives, as well as new releases from WarnerMedia. Here's what you need to do to watch HBO Max on Fire TV.

How to download HBO Max on Fire TV

If you haven't already downloaded HBO Max on your Fire TV Stick or Fire TV device, you'll need to do that before you can start streaming more than 10,000 hours of classic and original content on HBO Max. Here are the steps you need to take to download the service so you can watch HBO Max on Fire TV.

1. Navigate to the Fire TV Home page.
2. Open the Menu and select the Search function.
3. Search HBO Max. Source: Keegan Prosser / Android Central and HBO Max

1. Click the Download icon.
2. Open the HBO Max app.
3. Select Sign In.
4. A prompt will appear on the screen with a code to input. Source: Keegan Prosser / Android Central

1. Login to HBO Max on your smartphone or computer using the code.

If you currently have the HBO NOW app, you should delete it before you download HBO Max. If you're not a fan of the traditional search function, you can also search for the HBO Max app by using your Fire TV remote mic button and saying, "Alexa, find HBO Max." Once the HBO Max app is downloaded, you'll be able to access it whenever you use your Fire TV device.

How to watch HBO Max on Fire TV

If you already have HBO Max downloaded on your Fire TV Stick or other Amazon Fire TV device, you should be able to access the app regularly without hassle. Here's what you need to do to watch HBO Max on Fire TV.

1. Go to the Fire TV Home page.
2. Scroll through your apps until you see HBO Max.

1. Open the HBO Max app.
2. If you are not signed in, a prompt will appear on the screen with a code to input. Source: Keegan Prosser / Android Central

1. Login using the code on your smartphone or computer.

Once you're logged in, you should have access to HBO Max's entire streaming library. You also won't have to log in the next time you choose to access the app on your Fire TV device unless you log out each time.

Watch HBO Max on Fire TV

If you already subscribe to HBO through Prime Video Channels, you can sign into HBO Max using your Amazon credentials. And if you don't already have an account, you can now sign up for HBO Max directly in the new HBO Max Fire TV app.

Best answer: Yes. As of December 2020, the HBO Max app is available to download on all Roku devices running Roku OS 9.3 and higher.

How to install HBO Max on Roku

If you already subscribe to HBO or HBO Max but have yet to add either app to your Roku device, these are the steps you need to follow to install HBO Max on Roku:

1. Turn on your Roku device or Roku TV
2. Navigate to the Roku home page.
3. Select Streaming Channels and Search channels. Source: Keegan Prosser / Android Central

1. Search for HBO Max and select Add Channel to pin it to your Roku home page. Source: Keegan Prosser / Android Central

1. Sign in to the HBO Max app using your existing credentials.

If you're not currently subscribed to HBO Max, you should subscribe to the service at HBOMax.com before downloading the app on your Roku. It's also possible to register for HBO Max directly on your Roku and pay via Roku Pay.

My HBO app didn't update to HBO Max

It's worth pointing out that, since the launch of HBO Max on Roku streaming devices, users have reported issues with the app. If you used the HBO app before HBO Max's launch, the app should have automatically updated on your device. If that's not the case, here's what you need to do to get HBO Max on Roku:

1. Use your Roku remote to select the HBO app.
2. Press the Star button on the remote.
3. Select Check for updates.
4. Roku should automatically replace the old HBO channel app with HBO Max.

Once the app has been updated, you should be able to log in and start streaming.

While Roku placed the blame on HBO, and HBO said the problem was resolved with the latest update, some users have continued to experience the app freezing regularly or crashing completely upon opening. If you're still having issues, you might want to check out the troubleshooting tips in our article about how to watch HBO Max on Roku.

HBO Max is the latest and most expansive version of HBO's streaming platforms. In addition to offering a streaming library that includes more than 10,000 hours of premium film and television content from HBO, HBO Max is currently the exclusive home of new WarnerMedia releases. One of the easiest ways to access HBO Max is through your Roku streaming device or Roku TV. Here's what you need to know to watch HBO Max on Roku.

How to download HBO Max on Roku

If you don't already have HBO Max on your Roku streaming device or Roku TV, you'll need to do that first. Here are the steps for downloading the service so that you can watch HBO Max on Roku.

1. Turn on your Roku device or Roku TV.

1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
2. Select Streaming channels and then select Search channels. Source: Keegan Prosser / Android Central

1. Search for HBO Max using the virtual keyboard. Source: Keegan Prosser / Android Central

1. Select HBO Max and choose to Add channel.

If you already subscribed to HBO Now on your Roku device or Roku TV before the HBO Max launched, the channel should have automatically updated to the new service. Similarly, if you subscribed to HBO via The Roku Channel before the launch of HBO Max, your HBO on The Roku Channel subscription automatically became an HBO Max subscription in February 2021, at no additional cost.

How to watch HBO Max on Roku

Whether you own one of Roku's various streaming devices or a Roku TV, the digital media company makes it easy to watch content on HBO Max from the comfort of your couch. Here are the simple steps you need to take to watch HBO Max on Roku.

1. Select Streaming Channels on your home screen.
2. Scroll to the HBO Max app and open it. Source: Keegan Prosser / Android Central

1. Select the show or movie you would like to watch.
2. When prompted, Sign in to HBO Max using your existing credentials. Source: Keegan Prosser / Android Central

1. If prompted, select Access all of HBO Max.

Once you've logged in for the first time, you should be able to access the app repeatedly via Roku without having to sign in each time.

Troubleshooting HBO Max on Roku

Since the launch of HBO Max on Roku streaming devices, several users have reported issues with the app freezing regularly or crashing completely upon opening. While Roku issued a statement saying HBO is responsible for maintaining the app, and HBO claimed the problem was resolved with an update several months ago, some users claim they're still having problems. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of a few different troubleshooting tips. Here they are:

• Restart your Roku device.
• Try logging out of HBO on all devices and log in again.
• Reinstall HBO Max.
• Wait for the HBO Max app home screen to fully load before browsing.
• Search HBO Max content from Roku Search and play the movie from there.
• Start watching HBO Max content on another device and then switch back to your Roku device and resume.

If none of the above troubleshooting tips work, you may want to clear the cache and data on your Roku device or update your Roku device. Here are the steps for doing either of those things:

How to clear Roku's cache and data

1. Select the Home tab is selected from the main menu.
2. Press the Home button of your Roku device five times.
3. Next, tap the Up button and the Rewind button twice.
4. Press the Fast Forward button two times, and your device should start clearing.

How to update your Roku device

1. Navigate to your Roku device's Settings and select System.
2. Scroll down and choose System Update.
3. Press the Check Now button and follow the on-screen prompts to install updates.

It should also be noted that to access HBO Max on Roku, your Roku device must run Roku OS 9.3. If your device is older and doesn't run Roku OS 9.3, you can choose screen mirroring from your smartphone or PC to your Roku device.

What you need to know

• HBO Max has officially launched in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• The launch brings two region-specific streaming tiers; Standard and Mobile.
• New subscribers in these regions can receive 50% off their subscription before July 31.
• HBO Max will roll out in Europe later this year.

HBO Max has finally made its way beyond U.S. shores with a launch in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The streaming platform is launching in 39 territories in the region and expands access to the app between the U.S. and Latin America, so subscribers can continue enjoying content when traveling between the two regions.

The expansion had been teased for some time and came more than a year after the app launched in the United States. The app is available on many of the best streaming devices, giving users many ways to watch HBO Max content. Since its launch, it has amassed a swathe of subscribers, likely due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic leaving people with a desire for more streaming content.

The rollout doesn't offer the new ad-supported tier that recently launched in the U.S., but it does come with a Standard plan and Mobile plan.

The Standard plan includes three simultaneous streams of content in up to 4K resolution. Users can also download up to 30 titles for offline viewing and create up to five personalized profiles. The Mobile plan is a more data-conscious, watered-down version, meant for single-use on smartphones and tablets with up to five downloads and SD streaming.

While pricing will vary depending on the region, WarnerMedia is offering a 50% monthly discount for Latin American subscribers who sign up before July 31. The discount will last as long as their subscription remains uninterrupted and should bring spark "joy and inspiration to the entire community," according to Luis Durán, the general manager of HBO Max for Latin America.

While Latin American subscribers will have access to much of the same content, HBO has also pledged to produce 100 local originals over the next two years.

HBO Max expects to launch in Europe later this year.

What you need to know

• HBO Max has launched its cheaper ad-supported tier.
• The subscription is available for $10 per month but features several limitations, such as no 4K or downloads.
• The new tier should help HBO to better compete with other popular streaming services.

WarnerMedia has launched its more affordable HBO Max subscription plan on Wednesday, roughly a year after the service was initially launched. The new subscription plan costs just $10 per month and features most of the same content from the original $15 tier, although with some differences.

With the cheaper plan, customers will no longer be able to stream 4K content, nor will they have access to same-day theatrical releases, which is one of the main selling points of the pricier plan. That means missing out on upcoming releases like Space Jam: A New Legacy and The Suicide Squad. Customers also won't be able to download movies or shows for offline viewing.

The cheaper plan was teased for some time as a way to offer customers more flexibility and choice. According to HBO Max EVP and General Manager Andy Forssell, the company "worked hard to create an elegant, tasteful ad experience that is respectful of great storytelling for those users who choose it."

Ads will not play during HBO original programs and will be limited to a maximum of four minutes per hour.

The new tier will help the streaming service to better compete with competing services like Disney+ and Netflix. AT&T recently announced that it was selling off WarnerMedia to create an independent streaming giant with Discovery, which could further boost the app. Details about how the companies plan to proceed once the merger is complete remain unknown.

HBO Max is currently available on many of the best streaming devices available, including Chromecast with Google TV.

HBO Max

HBO Max offers plenty of content to keep you occupied while you're stuck at home, including upcoming movie releases like The Suicide Squad. Customers can take advantage of up to three simultaneous 4K streams, and now with a new ad-supported plan, viewers can experience much of the same content and features at a lower price.

• $10/mo. at HBO Max

What you need to know

• HBO Max could charge $9.99 for its upcoming ad-supported tier.
• The company has already announced that the cheaper tier will be available this June.
• The price could undercut other streaming services like Netflix, which doesn't have an ad-supported tier.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has driven more people to streaming services. HBO Max launched at an opportune time to take advantage of this, bringing several theatrical movie releases to the platform. While not cheap at $14.99/month, it does offer more than one simultaneous stream and supports 4K HDR on many of the best streaming devices. WarnerMedia has already announced plans to launch its cheaper, ad-supported tier this June, and now we may have an idea of how much it'll cost.

According to a report from CNBC, WarnerMedia plans to charge just $9.99 for its ad-supported tier. That would challenge rival streaming services like Disney+ and Netflix, the latter of which has a basic plan for $8.99 that only offers one stream and no HD support. Netflix does have a $13.99 plan that offers two simultaneous HD streams, although as it stands, HBO Max already supports 4K and three simultaneous streams. If the service keeps these perks in its new ad-supported tier, it could seriously undercut Netflix.

Apparently, some TV distributors aren't too happy about the cheaper tier since they apparently receive a large share of the HBO subscription charge. According to CNBC, Comcast could take as much as $9 per $15 subscription. AT&T isn't too worried about it, and CEO John Stankey seems eager to embrace more customers with this more affordable subscription:

With June just around the corner, it's only a matter of time before WarnerMedia announces the full details of its upcoming ad-supported tier for HBO Max. Is this something any of our readers would be interested in?

HBO Max

HBO Max offers plenty of content to keep you occupied while you're stuck at home, including new movie releases like Zack Snyder's Justice League. And with up to three simultaneous 4K streams, you can bring your family and friends into the mix.

• $15/mo. at HBO Max

What you need to know

• AT&T has announced that HBO Max will count towards its customer's data limit.
• The change is being made due to California's newly enacted net neutrality law.
• AT&T blames net neutrality while claiming to be committed to an open internet.

Being able to stream movies and shows without using up your data was always a perk of being an AT&T customer, especially while more people are streaming from home these days. Unfortunately, that will soon come to an end, according to AT&T. The company announced in a blog post on Wednesday that it could no longer offer such serves due to California's newly enacted net neutrality law, meaning subscribers will no longer be able to stream HBO Max on phones like the new Samsung Galaxy S21 without it counting towards their data limit.

The blog post takes a hard stance against the law that was passed just last month. In lieu of a federally mandated net neutrality law, which may take some time to become a reality, California decided to take matters into its own hands and implement its own. The law prohibits zero-rating, which is the act of companies subsidizing the cost or use of certain services or exempting only certain data usage from a customer's allowance.

AT&T expresses its strong objection to the state-by-state approach to net neutrality, saying that it confuses the overall effort to enforce net neutrality laws. It also claims that it's committed to an affordable and open internet while having lobbied against net neutrality for years. And given that HBO Max is preparing to launch its cheaper ad-supported tier in a few months, this could lead to a loss of revenue for AT&T now that it's losing leverage to continue offering bundled services, which it currently does as a selling point.

Meanwhile, it's currently unclear how some of the best 5G networks besides AT&T are being affected by this move. Verizon and T-Mobile both cover the cost of Disney+ and Netflix, respectively. The main difference is that T-Mobile is now the only carrier to offer a truly unlimited 5G data plan with its new Magenta Max, which may be the best 5G plan available and a great alternative for heavy data users.

What you need to know

• HBO Max is coming to 60 new markets this year.
• AT&T expects between 120 million and 150 million HBO and HBO Max customers by the end of 2025.
• HBO Max is adding a cheaper ad-supported subscription option.

One of AT&T's biggest successes in its Analyst & Investor Day 2021 is HBO Max. AT&T is seeing great growth in the HBO Max streaming video service and now expects between 120 million and 150 million HBO and HBO Max customers worldwide by the end of 2025. AT&T also expects its Home Box Office business to double its revenue in the next five years.

HBO Max is a movie and TV streaming service owned by AT&T. The Max version of HBO service specifically targets streaming and is sold separately from TV service. HBO Max is available on most streaming platforms including the best Android TVs.

This growth will be driven by 21 new markets in Latin America and the Caribbean in late June. HBO Max will also bring HBO Max to 39 new markets around the world in later 2021. HBO Max ended 2020 with 61 million subscribers and expects to have between 67 million and 70 million by the end of 2021.

Finally, HBO Max will be getting a cheaper ad-supported subscription tier. This is in addition to its full $14.99 subscription level as well as to those that already have access to the service through other services such as customers of AT&T's Unlimited Elite wireless plan. Ad-supported HBO Max is expected to launch in June and does not have an official price yet.

HBO Max is quickly becoming a streaming service that can hold its own amongst powerhouses like Netflix and Disney+. In a late December 2020 announcement, HBO revealed that 15 new films from Warner Brothers would debut on the service at the same time as they're released in theaters, starting with Wonder Woman 1984.

Alongside a myriad of TV shows and films from Cartoon Network, Studio Ghibli, Crunchyroll, and DC Comics, the service offers one of the most robust and affordable ways to keep your family entertained throughout the year. Unlike other streaming services, HBO Max has only one tier allowing you to stream everything with zero commercial interruptions for just $14.99 per month.

How to get HBO Max on TV

There are several ways to watch HBO Max on your TV. HBO Max is available as an app on Fire TV and Roku devices with the latest software update; you can use an Amazon Fire TV Stick or a Roku Stick to add smart functionality to most TVs just by plugging one of these devices into the HDMI port! Apple TV is an option as well.

Alternatively, you can use Chromecast or AirPlay to cast HBO Max from your compatible device to your TV.

When it comes to smart TVs, HBO Max can only be found as an app on Fire TVs, Roku TVs, and Samsung smart TVs made in 2016 and later. If you have any other smart TV, you won't be able to download HBO Max as an app and will instead need to use one of the other methods above or check out the list of other devices that support HBO Max below.

What devices support HBO Max?

Other than Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV devices we named above, other ways you can stream HBO Max include game consoles, iOS and Android tablets, and your smartphone or computer. Along with the latest generation consoles Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5, you can also watch HBO Max using previous generation consoles including Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

Can you get HBO Max on Amazon Prime?

Yes! HBO Max is available as a Prime Video Channel. By signing up at Amazon, it allows you to access HBO Max movies and shows while you're in the Prime Video app and you'll also be able to login to the HBO Max app whenever you'd like. While there's no discount on the service through Amazon, it's definitely helpful if you're a Prime Video user who'd rather not have to switch between apps all the time.

How can I get HBO Max for free?

While HBO Max no longer offers a free trial on its website, there is a section on HBO Max full of free-to-watch content that you don't even need an account to stream. On the other hand, you can sign up through Hulu for a free 7-day trial of the service that gives you just enough time to check what's streaming there and see if you want to stay subscribed.

What movies are coming to HBO Max in 2021?

While various shows and movies are constantly being added to HBO Max multiple times per week, over the course of 2021 HBO Max will also release many of Warner Brothers' latest films on the same day as they debut in theaters. These films are only available for 30 days after the premiere and then will be removed from the service.

Movies being released on HBO Max and in theaters simultaneously include:

• The Little Things: January 21
• Judas and the Black Messiah: February 12
• Tom & Jerry: February 26
• Godzilla vs. Kong: March 31
• Mortal Kombat: April 16
• The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It: June 4
• In The Heights: June 18
• Space Jam: A New Legacy: July 16
• The Suicide Squad: August 6
• Malignant: September 10
• The Many Saints of Newark: September 24
• Dune: October 1
• King Richard: November 19
• The Matrix 4: December 22

What you need to know

• WarnerMedia has announced that HBO Max will be coming to Latin America this June.
• HBO Go subscribers will receive immediate access to the new app, while the old one gets phased out.
• WarnerMedia will divulge more details about the launch such as pricing and support in the coming months.

HBO Max launched last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, adding to the wide variety of streaming services that we have access to while stuck at home. Unfortunately, it was a U.S.-only launch, so regions outside the States were stuck with HBO's older apps that it's trying to phase out. Now, nearly a year after launching in the U.S., WarnerMedia announced that the streaming service will finally make its way outside of the states this June, starting with Latin America.

The benefit of bringing HBO Max to more countries is largely around content. Countries in Latin America currently only have access to HBO Go, which WarnerMedia is trying to phase out. While it may share some content with HBO Max, some of that content doesn't carry over, and there are plenty of HBO Max movies and shows that you won't find on HBO Go. For example, Wonder Woman 1984 was not available on HBO Go when it premiered, although Zack Snyder's Justice League will be available on both apps when it drops next month.

While the experience will largely mirror that of the U.S. app, WarnerMedia highlights that it hopes to make the most out of locally-produced content in Latin America, which could hint at regional-exclusive content.

The countries and territories launching HBO Max in June include:

• Anguilla
• Antigua
• Argentina
• Aruba
• B.V.I.
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• The Cayman Islands
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Curacao
• Dominica
• The Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Grenada
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Jamaica
• Mexico
• Montserrat
• Nicaragua
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Vincent
• Suriname
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turks and Caicos
• Uruguay
• Venezuela

There's no word yet on pricing or support in the region, although WarnerMedia will release more details on its launch as well as promotions and content throughout the coming months. In the U.S., it's available for $15 a month and can be viewed on many of the best streaming devices. There isn't an HBO Max free trial, unfortunately, but there are some deals and ways to get it for free.

WarnerMedia mentions that its European streaming services will be upgraded to HBO Max later this year, but gives no specifics.

What you need to know

• HBO Max is rolling out a new update that will enable 4K HDR streams from the app.
• 4K HDR will only be available on select devices for now.
• Wonder Woman 1984 will be the first movie to be streamed on the app in 4K HDR.

Hold on to your khakis, Kevin, because Wonder Woman 1984 is nearly here and HBO Max has finally updated its app to support 4K HDR streams. The inability to stream in 4K, let alone HDR, was a strange omission for a new streaming service in 2020. With the update, HBO Max brings support for even Dolby Atmos, which should help take things to the next level and put the service more at parity with other competing streaming services.

The update is currently rolling out, but only for users on select devices. The list includes the following:

• Supported Android TV devices
• Chromecast Ultra
• Chromecast with Google TV
• Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
• Amazon Fire TV Cube
• 4K Fire TV Edition smart TVs
• AT&T TV
• Apple TV 4K

Fortunately, the update supports many of the best streaming devices. It doesn't seem like there's 4K support for consoles yet, which is unfortunate for users on PS4 or PS5 since the app was recently made available for the latter. There is also no mention of Roku devices either, which also recently obtained HBO Max.

Wonder Woman 1986 will be available in theaters and on HBO Max on December 25th.

Chromecast with Google TV

Chromecast with Google TV is perhaps the best streaming device you can buy. It offers tons of apps, 4K HDR support, and a cool remote that has buttons for quick access to Google Assistant, Netflix, and Youtube.

• $50 at Best Buy

What you need to know

• The HBO Max app is finally available on the PS5.
• The AT&T and WarnerMedia-owned streaming services boasts over 10,000 hours of curated content, including HBO, the CW, Cartoon Network, CNN, and a lot more!
• It costs $14.99 per month.

When the PS5 launched last month, it boasted a strong slate of launch games that left Microsoft's Xbox brand embarrassed, a marked advantage that has allowed Sony's to dominate the first innings of this console generation, much like it did for the previous one.

Yet, despite an overabundance of gaming content, a rather notable omission from the PS5's slate of supported apps on launch was AT&T's HBO Max streaming service. That omission was even more surprising given that the Xbox Series X|S supported the app at launch and that it's been available on the PS4 for quite some time already.

Well, for those of you waiting to watch Wonder Woman 1984 on your new console, Sony finally has some good news for you:

The AT&T and WarnerMedia-owned streaming service boasts over 10,000 hours of curated content, so if you're ever looking to take a break from all that Demon's Souls and Spider-Man: Miles Morales action, the $14.99/month HBO Max subscription should keep you plenty entertained with access to content from HBO, the CW, Cartoon Network, CNN, TBS, TNT, Turner networks, Studio Ghibli and more.

Not only that, but every Warner Bros. movie launched in the next year will also be available on HBO Max at the same time as their theatrical release, which means you can watch Wonder Woman 1984 on your PS5 right now!

And if you're still using one of the last-gen consoles, you're good too, as HBO Max has been available on both the PS4 and the Xbox One for quite some time already.

We Are Who We Are is a coming-of-age drama that is being released on HBO Max. Similar to other team dramas, it follows life as a teenager and coming to terms with who you are. Two American teenagers are exploring themselves while living on a military base in Chioggia, Italy.

While these two explore life in a different country, they also have to learn what it's like to be an outcast. With the chance to chase sexuality, identity, and so much more, this show truly covers all the bases. It's a great option to search for your inner self on this journey with these characters.

Where can I watch We Are Who We Are?

On Monday, September 14th, at midnight, this show will be released for public viewing. If you are subscribed to HBO Max, you will be able to stream this service-exclusive show. This is the only service it will be available on, so you will have to chip in some cash to check it out.

What else is on HBO Max?

HBO Max is home to tons of content, not only from HBO itself. With options from Studio Ghibli, Cartoon Network, and Adult Swim, there is a whole mixture of shows to choose from. With originals like Sex and the City to new hits like Westworld, you won't run out of fun shows to choose from.

Is there a free trial?

Yes, HBO Max offers a seven-day free trial so you can see if you enjoy the service before investing. That means an entire week of streaming before you have to put anything towards the service. If you don't like it, don't forget to cancel before that week is up.

How much does this service cost?

If you pay for the annual cost of HBO Max, it will cost you about $11 a month. However, with the week free trial, you'll be paying $15 a month for this service. It may be more expensive than other streaming services, but there is also a lot of shows to go around with this one.

HBO's Lovecraft Country is an intense show centered around monsters, both human and ... not so human, and it's been a huge success. Starting Sept. 3, 2020, you can dive into the world of Lovecraft Country through your VR headset. Lovecraft Country: Sanctum is a three-part VR experience that allows fans to interact with content around them. Here's how to et started.

Products used in this guide

• Wireless VR fun: Oculus Quest ($399 at Amazon)

How to watch Lovecraft Country: Sanctum with a VR headset

To experience Lovecraft Country: Sanctum in VR, you need to use an app called VRChat. This app allows people to talk and interact with each other in real-time.

Then, you'll need to go online at the right time. The first experience starts at 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 3, 2020. The second experience is at 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 24, 2020, and the final one kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on Oct. 19, 2020. You can check out more about each experience on the Lovecraft Country: Sanctum website.

Luckily, VRChat is easy to get on a VR headset since it works on both SteamVR and Oculus headsets. You can go to VRChat's website to download the app or go straight to the app's listing on Steam or the Oculus Store.

Once you have VRChat installed on your headset, you'll need to enter the experience. The makers of Lovecraft Country: Sanctum haven't shared exact details on how to join in, but it should appear within the "Worlds" section of the app.

How to watch Lovecraft Country: Sanctum with a VR headset

If you don't have a VR headset, you aren't out of luck. You can still check out Lovecraft Country: Sanctum through YouTube. The YouTube experience is even interactive, even though it isn't within VR like the rest of the experience. We have a complete guide on how to check it out without having to grab a VR headset.

Our top equipment picks

Lovecraft Country: Sanctum was designed as a VR-exclusive experience that Oculus Quest users can take part in. Each event takes place through VRChat, a social VR app that puts players in large environments where social communication and interaction is encouraged. While players will best experience Lovecraft Country: Sanctum in the VR realm, folks who don't have access can still take part in these special events thanks to a YouTube Live stream that's hosted by HBO, featuring 100 VR influencers.

Viewers can head to the Lovecraft Country: Sanctum website for a link to each YouTube Live event before it airs. Each VR influencer will be streaming their experience within Lovecraft Country: Sanctum, which will be filled with escape rooms, puzzles, art installations, immersive theater, and even a live concert. YouTube Live viewers will even be able to interact with each influencer while they're playing Lovecraft Country: Sanctum, helping to solve puzzles, riddles, and even trigger spells that will directly impact the influencer's experience.

How to watch Lovecraft Country: Sanctum without a VR headset

The live events for Lovecraft Country: Sanctum happen at specific dates and times, so you'll need to be sure to follow the steps below at these times:

Event #1: Garden of Eden. Thursday, September 3 at 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

1. Head to this link on your device of choice to watch Event #1 on YouTube Live.

Event #2: An American Dream. Thursday, September 24 at 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

1. We'll update this step once the YouTube Live link is available.

Event #3: Music of the Cosmos. Monday, October 19 at 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

1. We'll update this step once the YouTube Live link is available.

The best part about HBO hosting these events on YouTube Live is that you can take part in the live Lovecraft Country: Sanctum events on any device that has support for YouTube. Given that these are interactive events, you'll want to be sure to have your remote ready for your smart TV, or have your clicky fingers at the ready when using a computer or smartphone for the experience.

Additional Equipment

If you want to experience each event firsthand in a more personal way, the Oculus Quest is the best way to dive right into the VR experience without wires or configuration. The Oculus Quest can be thought of as the console of VR because it's as easy as putting the headset on and being immediately transported into the world of virtual reality. You won't need a PC, separate console, or smartphone in order to get the most out of the experience.

Oculus Quest (From $399 at Amazon)

Once you experience VR, there's no going back. Don't just watch someone else play it, be in the story with the Oculus Quest.

It's easy to talk about accessibility. Actually following through is where it counts. And to that end, there's a surprising feature tucked inside the HBO Max app on Android TV.

Head on to the top and enter into your profile section, and you'll see a section called "Closed Captioning." Scroll on over to it and you're greeted with a bunch of options for changing how captions look. And we're not just talking about size here. We're talking fonts. We're talking colors. We're talking backgrounds and opacity. We're talking about style. So if you want drop shadows on your captions, you can have them. If you want full opacity, it's yours. If you want the window to be green and the text red, have at it. If you want to read things in a script font instead of something more socially acceptable, the world's your oyster.

And you'll get an example of your choices flashed up on the screen, too, so you don't have to exit out and start up a show just to see if what you've changed will work the way you need it to.

Why all the options for something so simple? Because a lot of people rely on the captions to actually see what's being said — and white text on a black background isn't always the best option. Or maybe you just want to do something a little different. No matter. You do you.

The point is this is the sort of thing that should be baked in to every streaming service. Kudos to HBO Max for having it out of the gate on Android TV.

Now let's talk about getting things patched up with Roku and Amazon, shall we?

Read our full HBO Max review

Google's YouTube TV has quickly become one of the top sources for live television. It's most definitely in the Top 3, right alongside Hulu With Live TV (which has been the official No. 1), and Sling TV. In addition to a rather solid stable of channels available for $49.99 a month, there also are a number of premium add-ons available.

And for the first time, those add-ons now include HBO and HBO Max, as well as Cinemax. The former has been available on other streaming services, like AT&T TV (AT&T is the parent company of WarnerMedia, which owns HBO and HBO Max) and Hulu. And while YouTube TV has offered monthly subscriptions to the likes of Showtime, HBO had eluded customers, leaving them to subscribe elsewhere.

Today, that's changed, meaning you can now watch HBO and Cinemax directly from within your YouTube TV account, as well as pay for it via your YouTube TV bill and your Google account. (This actually was one of the first major pieces of news surrounding HBO Max.)

And those probably are the two main benefits of getting HBO Max that way. You shouldn't expect any big technical boosts or anything — there's still no 4K playback. But ease of use isn't anything to turn your nose up at.

What's the big deal about HBO Max? In addition to all of the legacy HBO content you're used to (think movies, Game of Thrones, Westworld and the like), it's also the new home for all kinds of other WarnerMedia content, including movies from Warner Bros. and TCM, shows from TNT, TBS, Comedy Central and truTV, the entire Studio Ghibli catalog, the D.C. Universe, and more. And it also is now the only place you'll find all eight Harry Potter films.

In addition to HBO, HBO Max and Cinemax, other premium offerings inside YouTube TV include:

• Acorn ($6)
• AMC Premiere ($5)
• CuriosityStream ($3)
• EPIX ($6)
• Fox Soccer Plus ($15)
• Showtime ($11)
• Shudder ($6)
• STARZ ($9)
• Sundance Now ($7)
• Urban Movie Channel ($5)

HBO and HBO Max are the usual $14.99 a month (each) if you subscribe through YouTube TV. The latter has a seven-day free trial. Cinemax also has a seven-day free trial and costs $9.99 a month.

The rumors were true. An actual, honest-to-go Justice League Snyder Cut will actually see the light of day. Zack Snyder — director of the original Man of Steel and who first helmed Justice League before having to hand off post-production due to the death of his daughter — confirmed as much today in the middle of a live commentary he was doing with Henry Cavill.

And you'll be able to watch it some time in 2021, on HBO Max.

"I want to thank HBO Max and Warner Brothers for this brave gesture of supporting artists and allowing their true visions to be realized. Also a special thank you to all of those involved in the SnyderCut movement for making this a reality," Snyder said in a press release.

The #ReleaseTheSnyderCut meme has been a thing since Justice League tanked hard in theaters. The movie shifted quite a bit, apparently, and thus the faithful demanded that Snyder to a chance to finish what he started.

Whether that would have happened without HBO Max — which is the new streaming service that encompasses much of the WarnerMedia empire and is looking to compete against the likes of Disney+ and Apple TV+ — is anyone's guess. In reality? It's probably a combination of that, and the fandom.

And WarnerMedia exec Richard Greenblatt said as much.

"Since I got here 14 months ago, the chant to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut has been a daily drumbeat in our offices and inboxes," Greenblatt said in the statement. "Well, the fans have asked, and we are thrilled to finally deliver. At the end of the day, it really is all about them and we are beyond excited to be able to release Zack's ultimate vision for this film in 2021. This could never have happened if it weren't for the hard work and combined efforts of the teams at HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures."

HBO Max launches on May 27. It'll include all the legacy HBO bits, as well as content from across WarnerMedia, including TBS, TNT, Comedy Central, CNN, TCM, Adult Swim and more. It'll cost $14.99 a month — same as the legacy HBO — and a good number of current HBO subscribers will be switched over for free.

What you need to know

• HBO Max launches on May 27.
• You can sign up now and get 12 months for $11.99 a month for the first year.
• After that it'll cost you $14.99 a month.

If you're looking to save a few bucks on HBO Max, here's a rare opportunity to do so. From now until 3 a.m. Eastern on May 27 — which is when HBO Max officially launches — you can pre-order the service for $11.99 a month. That's down $3 from the usual asking price, and it's good for new subscribers as well as those who are returning HBO Now subscribers.

One other piece of fine print that's worth mentioning: Supposedly there are "a limited number of subscriptions" to this digital service, so act now while supplies last ... to this digital service that has no actual physical scarcity.

But no matter. Saving $36 here is $36 you can spend somewhere else. The only question is how that could affect being able to access HBO Max through a third-party service like AT&T TV Now or YouTube TV or Hulu. And HBO Max notes that you're just preordering the service at a lower price — you're not actually going to get it early or anything, or have a free trial.

HBO Max is the upcoming streaming service from WarnerMedia that very much is the HBO you've come to know and love. But it's also full of content from other WarnerMedia properties, including TBS, TNT, truTV, CNN, Cartoon Network, selected works from Turner Classic Movies, and more.

It'll be available pretty much everywhere HBO is currently available. And if you're thinking that HBO Max is replacing the legacy HBO, well, you're right. The WarnerMedia folks very much want you to switch to HBO Max. But the two services will live in parallel for the time being. So it's also not replacing the legacy HBO. Not yet, anyway.

More: What's the difference between HBO and HBO Max?

Here's the full fine print on the pre-order offer:

Otherwise, have at it.

HBO Max will be available across all of Google's platforms, WarnerMedia announced today.

It'd be bigger news if that wasn't actually the case, as the legacy HBO has been available across all of Google's hardware and service offerings for years. (But press releases aren't just going to write themselves, and here we are.) The big deal for Google is that HBO, HBO Max and Cinemax will be available directly through YouTube TV and billed through your Google account, so you won't even need a separate app if that's your streaming service of choice.

"The availability of HBO Max across Android, Android TV, Chromebook and Google Chromecast devices and on Google Play adds to our growing list of distribution options that will be offered to customers at launch," Rich Warren, president of WarnerMedia Distribution, said in a release. "We're pleased to make HBO Max available to the significant base of customers who access content across Google's platforms and devices."

And has has been the case on other platforms, current HBO Now customers who pay through Google Play will automatically get access to HBO Max. (HBO Max also has all of the legacy HBO content, and both cost the same per month — $14.99.)

HBO Max — in addition to also being HBO — will include content from the larger WarnerMedia stable, including shows from TBS, TNT, truTV, CNN, Cartoon Network, and selected works from Turner Classic Movies. It'll still live alongside the traditional HBO, but it's clear that WarnerMedia is shifting folks to the new option.

And you'll be able to watch HBO Max all the places you've been able to watch HBO. That means Android and iOS phones and tablets. It means Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Roku. It means Chromecast. And it means in a web browser and on various gaming platforms.

HBO Max will launch on May 27.

More: What's new in May on HBO

HBO Max will launch on May 27, the company announced today. It'll feature more than 10,000 hours of content on Day 1 (that's more than a year's worth), with more rolling out throughout the year.

The service — which basically will replace HBO, though the two will live in parallel for the time being — will cost the same as they legacy HBO service, at $14.99 a month. It'll have movies and original series, of course, just like you're used to. But with everything under the WarnerMedia umbrella (which itself is under AT&T), HBO Max has access to more content than ever before. And that's going to include a good bit of children's programming, in addition to content from New Line, DC, CNN, TNT, TBS, truTV, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Crunchyroll, Rooster Teeth, and Looney Tunes — and that's just for starters.

"Our number one goal is having extraordinary content for everyone in the family, and the HBO Max programming mix we are so excited to unveil on May 27th will bear that out," Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of Warner Media Entertainment and Direct-To-Consumer, said in a press release. "Even in the midst of this unprecedented pandemic, the all-star teams behind every aspect of HBO Max will deliver a platform and a robust slate of content that is varied, of the highest quality, and second to none. I'm knocked out by the breadth and depth of our new offering, from the Max originals, our Warner Bros library and acquisition titles from around the world, and of course the entirety of HBO."

Here are the HBO Max originals that you can expect to watch on Day 1:

• Craftopia
• Legendary
• Love Life
• Looney Tunes Cartoons
• The Not Too Late Show with Elmo
• On the Record

After the initial slate of new originals, HBO Max will continue to see releases throughout the summer and fall. Those shows will include The Flight Attendant, the Friends reunion special, Doom Patrol, Search Party, Expecting Amy, Raised by Wolves, Close Enough, and Adventure Time: Distant Lands- BMO.

In addition to being a standalone service, HBO Max also will be available inside YouTube TV. (You'll still have to pay for it, of course.)

Netflix and Hulu and all the other recent streaming platforms may have their own shows you can't watch anywhere else, but HBO has been home to the best exclusive shows for decades now. With iconic series like The Wire, The Sopranos, and True Blood, the premium channel made a name for itself not just by showing popular and classic films, but also by premiering shows that are truly unlike any others that have come before them.

Today, with social distancing on the rise and everyone stuck inside their homes, HBO is giving back to the public by unlocking 500 hours of its premium content, from television series to movies and documentaries. Beginning April 3, all of the content below can be streamed for free via HBO Now or HBO Go in the United States without an account. Simply head to the website you wish to use and start watching.

You won't find all of HBO's content for free, and notably, recent series like Westworld, Game of Thrones, Euphoria, and The Leftovers are not included in the offer. You can watch them and keep track of your progress through the series you view by starting an HBO Now account. Alternatively, HBO Max is set to arrive in May and offer all of the content you'll find on HBO Now and more for the same monthly price of $14.99.

According to HBO, the content listed below will also be available to stream for free on participating U.S. distribution partners' platforms within the next several days.

HBO not streaming in your area?

Most will probably be at home right now, though if you happen to be out of the country and still want to stream HBO's free content, consider signing up for ExpressVPN. It makes it appear as if you're back at home in the U.S. and gets you around the location restrictions with just a few simple steps.

Right now, ExpressVPN is offering three months for free when you purchase an annual subscription. Other options start at just $9.99 per month.

ExpressVPN

Want to stream HBO Now or HBO Go but not at home in the US right now? ExpressVPN makes it easy, affordable, and secure to change your IP address and access that content.

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Complete Series

• Ballers: 5 seasons
• Barry: 2 seasons
• Silicon Valley: 6 seasons
• Six Feet Under: 5 seasons
• The Sopranos: 7 seasons
• Succession: 2 seasons
• True Blood: 7 seasons
• Veep: 7 seasons
• The Wire: 5 seasons

Warner Bros. Films

• Arthur
• Arthur 2: On the Rocks
• Blinded By the Light
• The Bridges of Madison County
• Crazy, Stupid, Love
• Empire of the Sun
• Forget Paris
• Happy Feet Two
• Isn't It Romantic?
• The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
• Midnight Special
• My Dog Skip
• Nancy Drew and The Hidden Staircase
• Pan
• Pokémon Detective Pikachu
• Red Riding Hood
• Smallfoot
• Storks
• Sucker Punch
• Unknown

Docuseries and Documentaries

• The Apollo
• The Case Against Adnan Syed
• Elvis Presley: The Searcher
• I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth v. Michelle Carter
• The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley
• Jane Fonda in Five Acts
• McMillion$
• True Justice: Bryan Stevenson's Fight for Equality
• United Skates
• We Are the Dream: The Kids of the MLK Oakland Oratorical Fest

What you need to know

• An exclusive report from THR reveals that a TV show for The Last of Us is in development at HBO.
• The show will be co-written by Chernobyl writer Craig Mazin and Naught Dog director Neil Druckmann.
• The show will be an adaption of the events of the first game.

Updated March 25, 2020 : IGN has confirmed that this project replaces the previously planned movie for The Last of Us.

An exclusive from The Hollywood Reporter has revealed some exciting news. A TV series for Naughty Dog's The Last of Us has been announced by HBO. Craig Mazin, well-known for writing the Chernobyl miniseries on HBO, is co-writing the project with Neil Druckmann, director of both The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II at Naughty Dog.

Evan Wells, president of Naughty Dog, is an executive producer on the project, as is Caroyln Strauss. The series is a collaboration between PlayStation Productions, Sony Pictures and HBO. According to THR, the show will be an adaption of the events of the first game.

"From the first time I sat down to talk with Craig I was equally blown away by his approach to narrative and his love and deep understanding of The Last of Us," said Druckmann. "With Chernobyl, Craig and HBO created a tense, harrowing, emotional masterpiece. I couldn't think of better partners to bring the story of The Last of Us to life as a television show."

The Last of Us Part II, sequel to the 2013 game, is currently scheduled to release on May 29, 2020.

There's nothing better than kicking back on the couch to watch streaming video on your 55-inch flatscreen, but sometimes you just want to catch up on your favorite shows in snack-sized segments and on snack-sized devices. For times like these, smart screens such as the Nest Hub or Lenovo Smart Display are a great solution. We'll show you how you can stream your favorite content on these little devices in just a few short steps.

Products used in this guide

• HBO to the MAX: Nest Hub Max ($230 at Best Buy)
• Steady streamer: Nest Hub ($130 at Best Buy)
• Peak TV: HBO Now ($15/mo. at HBO)

Note: There are a limited number of apps that can be streamed on or cast to a Nest Hub or similar device, and not all services have the same capabilities. The services available for streaming include YouTube, HBO Now, Hulu, and Sling TV, among others. Check in the Videos and photos section of the Google Home app for an updated list.

How to stream services via Google Assistant

1. Make sure that you downloaded and logged into the app you want to stream.
2. Open the Google Home app and + icon in the top left corner.
3. Scroll down to Manage services and click tVideos and photos.
4. Find the app you want to stream (in this case, HBO NOW) and tap on it.Source: Andrew Myrick / Android Central

1. Log in to connect the service to your Google Home app.
2. Ask Google Assistant to play your favorite show from that service, like "Hey Google, play Westworld."Source: Andrew Myrick / Android Central

How awesome is that? Magical!

Remember, not all apps or services will work this seamlessly. Some, like Hulu, only allow you to cast to your Nest Hub. Here's a refresher on how to do that.

How to stream services via Chromecast

1. Make sure that you have downloaded and logged into the app you want to stream, and that you've followed the steps above to connect it to the Google Home app.
2. Open the app (in this case, Hulu) from your phone, find the show you wish to cast.
3. Tap on the cast icon and select the device you want to cast to.Source: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central

1. Select the show or movie you wish to watch, and press play.
2. To stop casting, tap on the cast icon again and then tap STOP CASTING.Source: Jeramy Johnson / Android Central

Chances are you were already familiar with how to cast to another device like a smart TV or Chromecast dongle. If that's the case, then you'll have no trouble here.

Unfortunately, there are still many apps and services that are not supported on a Nest Hub or Google Assistant screened device, such as Amazon Prime Video or Netflix. While there are workarounds for some of these hurdles on other smart displays with on-device browsers (ahem, Echo Show), this kind of development has been slow to come to the Google/Nest devices. Let's hope that these holdouts come to their senses soon so we can enjoy all of our favorite content on all of our favorite devices.

Our top equipment picks

These smart screen speakers with Google Assistant are so useful around the house, that you might want to pick up a second (or third) for your abode. These are our favorites.

One feature that's been sorely missing from YouTube TV is HBO, and its sibling channel Cinemax. That's about to change.

HBO and Cinemax will be coming to YouTube TV soon — and HBOMax when it's available in May — WarnerMedia announced today. We don't have exact dates for when HBO and Cinemax will be available — just "this spring" — but it'll allow you to pay for and watch the premium network channels via your Google account. HBO Max will be available at launch.

From the press release:

YouTube TV earlier this year announced that it now has more than 2 million subscribers, making it either the second- or third-biggest live streaming provider in the United States, behind Hulu With Live TV. Sling TV had some 2.592 million subscribers as of the end of 2019.

Premium networks already available on YouTube TV include NBA League Pass, Showtime, STARZ, CuriosityStream, Fox Soccer Plus, AMC Premiere, Shudder, Sundance Now, EPIX, Urban Movie Channel, and Acorn TV.

YouTube TV itself runs $49.99 a month and includes support for multiple accounts, and has unlimited cloud-based DVR.

HBO Max, meanwhile, will be a new streaming service from Warner Media that encapsulates more than just HBO content. (In fact, the plan is to migrate current HBO subscribers to HBO Max for free.) It'll also include movies, television shows and new original content owned by Warner Media.

WarnerMedia and YouTube TV Announce Comprehensive Distribution Agreement

New Deal Expands Relationship to Include HBO and Cinemax for the First Time and HBO Max at Launch

February 20, 2020 – WarnerMedia, a division of AT&T Inc., and YouTube TV announced today a comprehensive distribution relationship that will deliver the media company's entertainment, sports and news network portfolio to YouTube TV members. The pact expands upon the existing carriage agreement between the two companies for WarnerMedia networks TBS, TNT, truTV, CNN, HLN, Turner Classic Movies, Adult Swim and Cartoon Network to add access to the HBO and Cinemax services to the YouTube TV for the first time. As part of a new deal, YouTube TV has also committed to distributing WarnerMedia's upcoming HBO Max streaming platform when it launches this spring.

"As consumers' media consumption habits continually evolve and the landscape becomes more and more dynamic, our goal remains constant, and that is to make the portfolio of WarnerMedia networks available as widely as possible," said Rich Warren, president of WarnerMedia Distribution. "YouTube has been a valued partner for a number of years, and we're pleased to not only extend our existing agreement, but also make HBO and Cinemax - and soon HBO Max - available to YouTube TV customers for the first time."

"Our commitment at YouTube TV is to deliver TV to our members how and when they want it," said Lori Conkling, Global Head of Partnerships at YouTube TV. "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with WarnerMedia to deliver their family of networks that are popular among our members, as well as introduce HBO, Cinemax and HBO Max to our growing line-up of premium content."

Both linear and on-demand HBO and Cinemax content will debut on YouTube TV this spring, providing instant access to the service's customers for the first time. Included will be HBO's extensive array of programming, which features iconic and award-winning titles such as Watchmen, Big Little Lies and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, current and returning hit dramas Succession, Westworld and The Outsider, comedy series Barry, Insecure and Curb Your Enthusiasm, and classic favorites like Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, The Wire and Sex and the City. Upcoming HBO releases this spring include returning favorites High Maintenance and My Brilliant Friend and upcoming limited series The Plot Against America, The Undoing and I Know This Much Is True. Cinemax will offer its slate of original series including Strike Back, which recently began its seventh season, along with Trackers and Gangs of London. Theatrical hits debuting on the network this spring include Boy Erased, First Man and Bad Times at the El Royale.

WarnerMedia's TBS, TNT, truTV, CNN, HLN, Turner Classic Movies, Adult Swim and Cartoon Network have been available to YouTube TV customers since 2018 and will continue to be available on the service.

HBO Max, the company's upcoming direct-to-consumer offering debuting in May 2020 with 10,000 hours of curated content, will also be available to YouTube TV customers at launch. HBO Max will offer programming for everyone in the home, bundling the entire HBO service, a robust slate of new original series, key third-party licensed programs and movies, and fan favorites from across WarnerMedia's rich library.

YouTube TV is a subscription streaming service that lets you watch live and on-demand TV from 70+ top networks through a simple and award-winning experience. It offers live & local sports, news, shows, movies, and more, and can be watched on any screen (phone, tablet, TV, computer). Membership comes with free unlimited cloud DVR storage space to record all your favorites, personalized watch recommendations, and a family plan with 6 accounts per household so the whole family can enjoy.

WarnerMedia ended its HBO Max investor's call with a bang on Tuesday, announcing the House of the Dragon, a Game of Thrones prequel set 300 years before the events of the hit show. The company also announced a number of other originals from high profile franchises and filmmakers that'll hit the new streaming service next year.

House of the Dragon, as you can tell from the name, will tell the story of House Targaryen. It'll be helmed by Miguel Sapochnik (director of "Battle of the Bastards") and Ryan Condal (co-creator of Colony), who also created the series along with Song of Ice and Fire author George R.R. Martin.

"The 'Game of Thrones' universe is so rich with stories," Casey Bloys, president, HBO programming, said during the presentation. "We look forward to exploring the origins of House Targaryen and the earlier days of Westeros."

The Game of Thrones news comes on the same day that the network scrapped another prequel that starred Naomi Watts and was supposedly about the Long Night.

More: HBO Max: Everything we know

Greg Berlanti, the executive producer behind the CW Arrowverse, will be working on two new DC Universe-based projects. The first is a Strange Adventures anthology series. The other is referred to as a "Green Lantern inspired series" in an official press release.

Related is another series from Elizabeth Banks — DC Super Hero High, which will be a half-hour comedy series that follows the hijinks of teens at a boarding school for gifted kids as they grapple with maybe becoming superheroes one day. It would be X-Men if it didn't take place within the DC Universe.

Another huge name, Ridley Scott, will be helming Raised by Wolves, a 10-episode sci-fi series that'll debut on the streaming service. It follows two androids that are raising human children, who are threatened by a new colony of humans. Scott will be executive producing and directing, with Aaron Guzikowski (Prisoners) writing.

The company also announced two projects from two other big names: Issa Rae (Insecure) and Mindy Kaling (The Mindy Project).

You can check out the full list of HBO Max originals announcements below.

• DC Super Hero High - A half-hour comedy from Elizabeth Banks that follows students who will one day become "legendary DC Super Heroes."
• Rap Shit - The half-hour comedy (working title) from Issa Rae is about a female rap group from Florida trying to make it.
• College Girls - Mindy Kaling is the brains behind this 13-episode sitcom, which follows freshman college roommates in Vermont.
• Strange Adventures - This DC superhero anthology series will feature characters from across the canon.
• Untitled Green Lantern Series - Few details were revealed about this series, except that it's a "Green Lantern inspired series." No word if this ties into the movie that's been in the works for years at Warner Bros.
• Raised by Wolves - This sci-fi series follows two androids that are raising human children and the conflicts they run into with a human colony on a distant planet.
• The Fungies! - This comedy from Cartoon Network Studios explores the fictitious Fungietown. It's called a "prehistoric comedy."
• Tig N' Seek - Another Cartoon Network Studios series, this one follows an 8-year-old named Tiggy and his gadget-building cat.
• Tooned Out - This live-action/cartoon hybrid comedy is executive produced by Robert Zemeckis and is about Mac, who sees animated characters that help him through his problems.
• Looney Tunes Cartoons - HBO announced 80 (count 'em, 80!) 11-minute episodes starring those classic characters.
• Jellystone - This new children's comedy series takes place in Jellystone, where Hanna-Barbera characters live.
• Bobbie Sue - This film stars Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin) and is about a lawyer who realizes she's been hired only for the optics and not for her knowledge.
• Conan O'Brien-presented stand-up specials - Five new specials are set to hit HBO Max, including two hosted by O'Brien and one from comedian James Veitch.

The service also announced that it's acquired a number of titles, including some classics, Cartoon Network series, and more. Here's the full list:

• South Park
• Rick & Morty
• The O.C.
• Aqua Teen Hunger Force
• Robot Chicken
• Space Ghost Coast to Coast
• The Bachelor
• Impractical Jokers
• The Closer
• Rizzolli and Isles
• Major Crimes
• The Alienist
• The West Wing
• United Shades of America with Kamau Bell
• This is Life with Lisa Ling
• Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
• Looney Tunes
• Merrie Melodies
• Hannah Barbara

HBO Max will cost $14.99 per month at launch. If you're an existing HBO, AT&T TV or a mobile & broadband bundle subscriber, though, you'll get HBO Max for free. A year after launch, the company plans to add an advertisement-supported tier that lowers the subscription price.

What you need to know

• HBO Max will launch in May 2020.
• It will cost $14.99 per month.
• There will be over 10,000 hours of content at launch, with 38 new and original series on HBO alone in the next year.

WarnerMedia is launching HBO Max with a bang in May of next year for a price of $14.99 per month, with over 10,000 hours of content, including the entire HBO library, a slate of original content and a "choice slate of acquired and library programming."

If you were hoping to have access to all of WarnerMedia's content's different brands, that bit of marketing speak means you'll probably be disappointed, but the company believes its highly curated content, even if less voluminous than competitors initially, will provide enough value to justify its $14.99 per month asking price. Quality over quantity seems to be HBO Max's driving philosophy.

That's especially true if you're a woman or below 40, as the company hopes to use its original content to balance out the demographic appeal of its varied and disparate stack of media properties. If you're even younger, you might relish The Not-so-late Show with Elmo that's also launching with the subscription service.

So, exactly what will the 10,000 hours of content comprise of? The entire HBO library, of course. HBO will be boasting 38 new and returning series on HBO Max in the next year, including new shows like The Gilded Age and The Nevers. There'll be 31 Max Originals in the same year. This will total 69 original in 2020, with the number rising to 88 the next year.

For young adults and anime lovers, there's also a curated offering of Adult Swim and Crunchyroll content. And HBO Max will have exclusive streaming rights for Studio Ghibli's movies, of course.

Coming to exclusives, there's a lot to talk about. HBO and Max Originals will be exclusive to HBO Max — naturally — but the streaming service will also have exclusive streaming rights to South Park and Rick and Morty. If you're a fan of sitcoms, HBO Max will also be the sole home of Friends and The Big Bang Theory. And, of course, you can't talk about HBO today without Game of Thrones. The company is commissioning a direct-to-series order for House of the Dragon, which will serve as a prequel to HBO's most acclaimed show to date.

More: HBO Max: Everything we know

On the silver screen, there will be 1,800 movies available at launch, including Todd Phillips' seminal Joker, which just became the highest-grossing R-rated movie of all time. Also included are the last 10 years of DC's movie releases. Superman and Batman get special love in the DC universe, along with 40 years worth of their cinema history available to stream on HBO Max.

To recap, HBO Max will cost $14.99 per month at launch. If you're an existing HBO, AT&T TV or a mobile & broadband bundle subscriber, though, you'll get HBO Max for free, with the company aiming for a 'seamless' transition. A year after launch, the company plans to add an advertisement-supported tier that lowers the subscription price.

By that time, WarnerMedia will also have turned its attention to the rest of the world, with localized versions of the service launching in Latin America and Europe by 2021. The company hopes to have as many as 75-90 million subscribers worldwide within five years of launch, thanks to its 4 billion dollar investment in the product over the coming years.

"We will mobilize our entire company," said one of the execs on stage. That is undoubtedly evident given the scale of what WarnerMedia is trying to do. Whether customers will receive its efforts with as much enthusiasm remains to be seen.

Now through September 14, Amazon has a special offer just for Prime members to help get the Fire TV Stick into your hands at a discounted price. The Fire TV Stick is a streaming device that can turn nearly any TV with an HDMI port into one with smart functionality, while offering access to services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. It can stream HBO too, and through the next two weeks, Prime members can score two free months of HBO via Prime Video Channels with the purchase of a Fire TV Stick at its regular price of $39.99. This is a deal we last saw during the huge Prime Day sales event.

Having a subscription to HBO is generally $14.99 each month, which is what you'll be charged each month once two months have passed if you haven't turned off auto-renew in your account settings beforehand. Your HBO subscription will begin immediately after your purchase has been completed, so you can begin watching tonight using the Prime Video app on compatible devices such as your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Not a Prime member just yet? You can start a free 30-day trial to make your account instantly eligible for this deal and all the rest of Amazon Prime's exclusive offers. You'll score free two-day shipping on the Fire TV Stick too.

The Fire TV Stick is more than just a streaming device to watch HBO and Netflix on; it can also control smart home devices like Philips Hue lights and access the web with browsers like Silk and Firefox. With its included Alexa Voice Remote, you can even control it using your voice.

If you're looking to purchase two Fire TV Stick devices at once, Amazon offers a $20 promo credit with the purchase of two Fire TV Stick or Fire TV Stick 4K devices when you activate one before September 13. However, it doesn't look as if the two offers are stackable.

Since its debut last year, Google Assistant has grown into something truly special. Between using the AI to control your home security cameras, check the weather, send text messages, and way more than we have time to talk about, the list of supported actions goes on and on.

One of Google Assistant's neatest features is the ability to start playing videos on your TV by simply using your voice, and even though the Assistant can already do this for a number of different apps, it's now expanding to HBO NOW, CBS All Access, and The CW.

As long as you've got a Google Home and a TV with Chromecast built-in, you'll be able to watch Game Of Thrones, Star Trek: Discovery, and all of your other favorite shows by using just your voice. You'll have to link your HBO NOW and CBS All Access account to start using them with Assistant, but you can start using The CW without any account linking required.

Google Assistant is rolling out to these apps now in the United States.

How to set up and customize Google Assistant

Amazon has announced that HBO GO will now be streaming to Amazon Fire TV customers. Customers with HBO's subscription can now bring that experience to the Fire TV set-top box starting today and Amazon's more affordably priced Fire TV Stick will also gain HBO GO streaming capabilities in spring.

And Amazon is celebrating the launch of HBO GO on Fire TV by offering a special discount on the set-top box. Fire TV is now priced at $79 through Amazon's promotion, which lasts through December 28.

Source: Amazon

HBO GO and MAX GO have gotten updates tonight, both of which bring support for Android Lollipop. Perhaps even cooler, the updates also bring support for higher resolution video playback.

It's unclear how high this "higher resolution" streaming goes, but its addition is sure to be a boon to newer devices sporting those nifty QHD displays.

It's also nice to see a couple of major apps receive Lollipop support, and we're sure to see the floodgates open on these these app updates as Google's newest trickles its way to peoples' devices.

If you want to check these updates out, you can grab HBO GO by clicking on the Play Store badge above, and you'll find MAX GO here. If you pick up either of the updates and you have a capable device, let us know how the higher resolution streaming works out for you in the comments below.

HBO will finally give many people what they have been requesting for years; a way to access their movies and TV shows like Game of Thrones without a cable TV subscription. That's the word from HBO CEO Richard Plepler, who revealed today at an investor conference that it will offer a "stand alone, over the top" streaming service sometime in 2015.

Details about how this will work are still unknown, although Plepler did say HBO will work with its "current partners" and may bring in new partners as well. HBO already offers a way to stream its many past and present TV shows and its library of movies via HBO Go but it requires a paid subscription to the user's local cable TV provider.

It's way too early to tell how successful this venture will be, but if HBO offers the right amount of features for the right price, it could be a big game changer for TV networks in general. Would you pay for a stand alone HBO streaming service?

Source: Re/code

HBO and Amazon have struck up a multi-year agreement which makes Instant Video the exclusive online-only subscription service for HBO's shows. As a part of the deal, the recently-launched Fire TV will get HBO Go by the end of the year.

On-demand streaming for select HBO shows kicks in on May 21st. A few shows — including Girls, The Newsroom, and Veep — will be made available over the course of the agreement. The Wire, The Sopranos, and Boardwalk Empire are just some of the shows which will be made available to Amazon Instant Video subscribers. This is a major push on Amazon's part to acquire some high-quality original programming, and is likely to put some heat on competing streaming service, Netflix.

What are your favorite HBO shows? How many of you guys are Instant Video Subscribers? Anyone already have their hands on a Fire TV?

Source: Amazon

Press release:

Amazon and HBO Ink Exclusive Multi-Year Deal to Bring Award-Winning HBO Programming to Prime Members

For the first time ever, favorite HBO series like The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, The Wire, Big Love, Eastbound & Down, Oz, Band of Brothers and Deadwood, as well as early seasons of Boardwalk Empire and True Blood, will become available on Amazon Prime Instant Video

HBO GO coming to Amazon's Fire TV

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 23, 2014-- (NASDAQ:AMZN)—Amazon.com, Inc. today announced a content licensing agreement with HBO, making Prime Instant Video the exclusive online-only subscription home for select HBO programming. The collection includes award-winning shows such as The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, The Wire, Big Love, Deadwood, Eastbound & Down, Family Tree, Enlightened, Treme, early seasons of Boardwalk Empire and True Blood, as well as mini-series like Band of Brothers, John Adams and more. Previous seasons of other HBO shows, such as Girls, The Newsroom and Veep will become available over the course of the multi-year agreement, approximately three years after airing on HBO. The first wave of content will arrive on Prime Instant Video May 21. This is the first time that HBO programming has been licensed to an online-only subscription streaming service. This programming will remain on all HBO platforms.

In addition, HBO GO will become available on Fire TV, targeting a launch by year-end. HBO GO is HBO's authenticated streaming service offering subscribers instant access to over 1,700 titles online including every episode of new and classic HBO series, as well as HBO original films, miniseries, sports, documentaries, specials and a wide selection of blockbuster movies.

"HBO has produced some of the most groundbreaking, beloved and award-winning shows in television history, with more than 115 Emmys amongst the assortment of shows coming to Prime members next month," said Brad Beale, Director of Content Acquisition for Amazon. "HBO original content is some of the most-popular across Amazon Instant Video—our customers love watching these shows. Now Prime members can enjoy a collection of great HBO shows on an unlimited basis, at no additional cost to their Prime membership."

"Amazon has built a wonderful service—we are excited to have our programming made available to their vast customer base and believe the exposure will create new HBO subscribers," said Charles Schreger, President of Programming Sales for HBO.

"As owners of our original programming, we have always sought to capitalize on that investment. Given our longstanding relationship with Amazon, we couldn't think of a better partner to entrust with this valuable collection," said Glenn Whitehead, Executive Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs, who along with Schreger headed up HBO's negotiating team. "We're also excited to bring HBO GO to Amazon's Fire TV. The features like unified voice search will provide a compelling experience for HBO customers."

Beginning May 21, Amazon Prime members will have unlimited streaming access to: All seasons of revered classics such as The Sopranos, The Wire, Deadwood, Rome and Six Feet Under, and of recent favorites such as Eastbound & Down, Enlightened and Flight of the Conchords; Epic miniseries, including Angels in America, Band of Brothers, John Adams, The Pacific and Parade's End; Select seasons of current series such as Boardwalk Empire, Treme and True Blood; Hit original movies like Game Change, Too Big To Fail and You Don't Know Jack; Pedigreed documentaries including the Autopsy and Iceman series, Ghosts of Abu Ghraib and When the Levees Broke; Hilarious original comedy specials from Lewis Black, Ellen DeGeneres, Louis CK and Bill Maher

The multi-year deal will bring additional seasons of the current series named above, along with early seasons of other series like Girls, The Newsroom and Veep to Prime members over the life of the deal.

Earlier this month, Amazon introduced Fire TV, a tiny box that plugs into your HDTV for easy and instant access to Netflix, Prime Instant Video, Hulu Plus, WatchESPN, SHOWTIME, low-cost video rentals, and much more. Fire TV also brings photos, music, and games to the living room. Meet Amazon Fire TV at www.amazon.com/FireTV.

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Google Play's library of TV content continues to expand, with the arrival of five HBO shows for British audiences. Game of Thrones, True Blood, Boardwalk Empire, Girls and Veep are now available in the UK through Google Play Movies & TV on the web and on Android devices. Episodes are priced at the usual levels — £1.89 for SD, £2.49 for HD, with season costs varying per show.

All three seasons of Game of Thrones are available, as are all episodes of Girls and True Blood aired to date. Also included are the first three seasons of Boardwalk Empire and the first season of Veep. The shows' arrival on Google Play in the UK comes a couple of months after a slightly different lineup of HBO broadcasting landed on the service in the U.S.

If you're in the UK, hit the source link to browse the available HBO content.

Source: Google Play

Google Play has added several HBO programs to its library, filling one of the larger gaps in its offerings up to this point. Starting today, you can purchase individual episodes or entire seasons of the most popular HBO shows such as Game of Thrones, True Blood, Boardwalk Empire, The Newsroom, Veep, Girls and The Wire. Prices seem to land in the range of $2.99 per episode and $34.99 for a complete season down to $1.99 per episode and $14.99 per season.

Although it has hit many of the big names in this initial release, Google Play says that it has even more TV, movie and documentary content coming from HBO in the future. For now, you can go get your hands on all of the newly released content at the source link below.

Source: +Google Play; Google Play Store

When Google Fiber first launched, there were some glaring omissions in its TV offerings, but one of the huge ones is being addressed today with the addition of HBO and Cinemax to its lineup. As additional packages added onto your current TV service, you can now grab HBO for $20 per month which includes 7 different HBO channels, and Cinemax at $10 per month for 8 channels. Those wanting the whole deal can get STARZ, Showtime, HBO and Cinemax together as a "premium package" for $40 per month.

If you're lucky enough to have access to Google Fiber, head to the source link below and see the details for having one of the new packages added to your service. If you're like most of us and don't have it yet, here's yet another reason to salivate uncontrollably waiting for availability to expand.

Source: Google

The long-awaited feature of HDMI video out is finally making its way to both the HBO Go and MAX Go Android apps. Users that have a a cable subscription including HBO or Cinemax can now connect their phones to TV's and monitors for video playback from the apps on the larger screen, without any restriction. This is a big deal for such a large content provider to offer the functionality, which really shouldn't have been left out in the first place.

You can grab a download of the latest version of HBO Go a the Play Store link above, and you can find MAX Go right here as well.

Thanks, CarlD!

HBO Go and MAX Go, streaming video-on-demand services from Home Box Office, have both been updated to support Ice Cream Sandwich devices. It's been a long time coming, and subscribers to the pay channels who want to stream video to their Android devices can finally do so with the latest phones, but only phones. It seems that HBO has decided not to include tablets in this update, nor any Google TV devices. 

To be fair, we're not sure if this is an oversight, a technical issue, or something else. We are sure that it works on the iPad, and if coded correctly, any app that runs on ICS on our phones should run on our tablets as well. I've reached out to Home Box Office, so maybe they will have the answers. In the meantime, you can grab the apps at the links below and enjoy them on your phones.

download HBO Go | download MAX Go

It's been just 10 days since HBO teased that its HBO Go streaming service would be coming to Android -- and today's the day.

It's a simple premise: If you're an HBO subscriber, you sign in (I used my Cox Cable log-in) and have access to movies, series -- all the content HBO has to offer, really -- and it's served up to your Android phone. Hopefully we'll see it on Honeycomb tablets in the near future. But for now, that's not an option.

The user interface is simple enough. Browse programs and watch them. You can dive through the extensive list of movies, series, comedy, sports, documentaries and (of course), late-night.

The streaming quality was pretty good, though you're a bit let down because the preview images on the app are nicer than what you'll actually be watching. It'll work on either 3G or Wifi. And if the buffering drops off, the stream will revert to audio-only while it catches up.

Anyhoo, if you're looking to get your HBO fix while you're on the go, the aptly named HBO will get it done.

We've got video of it in action, as well as download links, after the break.

Youtube link for mobile viewing