HBO’s new streaming video service, HBO Now, has launched for Apple TV, iPad, and iPhone, in addition to any Mac or PC web browser. The service is $14.99 a month, which delivers the month’s latest new content as well as access to HBO’s library of content.
Better yet, you can sign up for HBO Now via a new HBO Now iOS app, and all your billing is done through the app, too, with your iTunes account. You can also get HBO Now through Cablevision, and will likely be able to gain service via an Android app and other service providers in the future — but hey, if you’re an Apple tech enthusiast, the iOS app will be the way to go.
30-Day Introductory Free Trial
To jumpstart interest — and maybe work out a few delivery kinks — HBO is offering a free 30-day trial of the service — in time for the insanely popular Game of Thrones season five kickoff Sunday night.
HBO Now does not provide a live stream of content, but you can stream a show immediately after it begins to air on HBO during its regular schedule. Expect a short delay for live sporting events.
HBO isn’t putting a limit on the number of iOS devices that can sign into an HBO Now video stream, but it does appear to be capping simultaneous streams to three. The HBO Now service is essentially identical to the HBO Go service that was previously available only to cable or satellite TV subscribers.
Key HBO Movies and Shows
HBO, of course, offers a lot of newer blockbuster movie hits each month — like X-Men: Days of Future Past or Edge of Tomorrow — but it also offers its own television show programming like True Detective, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, and Game of Thrones. Completed shows are still available, like The Sopranos or Entourage.
If you want to binge out on a TV series but not subscribe for the entire year, it’s possible to start a subscription, watch what you want, and cancel it later via your iTunes account.
