Apple TV may start carrying HBO shows in 2013
Apple is reportedly in talks with HBO to carry the cable content provider's shows on the Apple TV through the "HBO Go" app, with service said to start in the first half of this year.
According to people familiar with the negotiations, Apple plans to roll out the HBO Go app on its set-top streaming device by mid-2013, reports Bloomberg.
If the two companies reach an agreement, the launch of HBO's service would be the first Apple TV app to require pay-TV authentication. While Apple's device has a few subscription-based apps like Hulu Plus and Netflix, HBO Go would be the first offering from a major cable provider.
From what little is known about the supposed deal, HBO subscribers who also own an Apple TV will be able to access over 600 hours of on-demand films and television shows, though the exact nature of the content was not divulged. In its online iteration, HBO Go offers a range of movies, original TV series and special content like behind the scenes footage.
The internet-based HBO Go is already available to iTunes users as a universal iOS app, meaning any iPhone, iPad or iPod touch can take advantage of the service.
Apple's so-called "hobby" has become the topic of much discussion as of late, with a new model expected to launch imminently after the FCC outed specs for the unannounced device earlier this week. Apple CEO Tim Cook said in the company's quarterly conference call last week that some two million Apple TVs were sold over the quarter ending in December, a 60 percent increase from a year ago.
Most recently, a new device identifier was discovered in the latest Apple TV software update, which brought enhanced iCloud integration and the ability to connect a Bluetooth keyboard.
According to people familiar with the negotiations, Apple plans to roll out the HBO Go app on its set-top streaming device by mid-2013, reports Bloomberg.
If the two companies reach an agreement, the launch of HBO's service would be the first Apple TV app to require pay-TV authentication. While Apple's device has a few subscription-based apps like Hulu Plus and Netflix, HBO Go would be the first offering from a major cable provider.
From what little is known about the supposed deal, HBO subscribers who also own an Apple TV will be able to access over 600 hours of on-demand films and television shows, though the exact nature of the content was not divulged. In its online iteration, HBO Go offers a range of movies, original TV series and special content like behind the scenes footage.
The internet-based HBO Go is already available to iTunes users as a universal iOS app, meaning any iPhone, iPad or iPod touch can take advantage of the service.
Apple's so-called "hobby" has become the topic of much discussion as of late, with a new model expected to launch imminently after the FCC outed specs for the unannounced device earlier this week. Apple CEO Tim Cook said in the company's quarterly conference call last week that some two million Apple TVs were sold over the quarter ending in December, a 60 percent increase from a year ago.
Most recently, a new device identifier was discovered in the latest Apple TV software update, which brought enhanced iCloud integration and the ability to connect a Bluetooth keyboard.
Comments
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich
Isn't HBO Go already available through iOS?
Yes it is. And it's on OS X also.
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich
Isn't HBO Go already available through iOS?
I don't think it allows AirPlay, for whatever magical reason.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich
Isn't HBO Go already available through iOS?
Yup, For a couple years now.
http://www.tuaw.com/2011/05/03/hbo-go-for-ios-lets-you-play-over-1400-programs-from-just-about/
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
I can't imagine what leverage Apple would have in a deal with HBO. Promise not to make any of their own original programming?
My son is streaming it via his Xbox over FiOS. He's also got Epix delivered the same way. Good move on MS part.
EDIT: I see it's also on GoogleTV (which we don't have). Kinda surprised it wasn't already on AppleTV
There is no HBO Go only subscription.
Maybe that's what Apple is trying to get them to agree to.
Now you can watch season 2 of GoT
That would be a surprising turn of events. There are quite a few online petitions asking HBO for a subscription based service.
I just don't understand HBO's position on this. Obviously I'm not alone. But why, why, why would they not want me to pay them to watch HBO shows online?
Correct. I'm able to get the audio to work but not the video. Fairly poor way to get my Bill Maher fix.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dasanman69
There is no HBO Go only subscription.
In the US there's not yet, but there is HBO Nordic, which is subscription and which recently launched.
I have an HBO Go only subscription. It costs me a cup of Starbucks here and there. Sharing friends are good to have ;-)
But yes, you are correct.
It's not quite the same without the facial expressions.
HD programming is only available on Samsung SmartTVs, and they only get SD on anything else.
http://www.arcticstartup.com/2013/01/08/hbo-nordics-underwhelms-early-adopters
Quote:
Originally Posted by SolipsismX
Quote:
Originally Posted by dasanman69
There is no HBO Go only subscription.
Maybe that's what Apple is trying to get them to agree to.
Yeah, this all falls under the category of "meh".
Now, if Apple and HBO could come together to swing a "stand-alone" HBO GO service on ATV, then Apple (and HBO) would rule the universe.
They would RULE the FRICKN UNIVERSE. And that would only be the start.
HBO is a major part of expensive cable packages. Cable operators undoubtedly pay them a lot not to offer HBO Go separately online.