HBO recently introduced HBO Max, its new premium streaming service that promises all of HBO programming together in one place, plus exclusive movies and TV. Show
But if you've been scratching your head wondering how HBO Max fits with the rest of HBO's streaming services, you're not alone. There are three distinct versions of HBO: HBO Go, HBO Now, and HBO Max, and the differences aren't immediately obvious:
What with the different versions and timelines, it's okay to still be confused. The point is, It's entirely possible that you already have HBO Max even if you didn't explicitly sign up for it. And if you don't yet, it's possible you will in the near future. Here's what you need to know. How to access HBO Max if you are an HBO channel subscriberIf you subscribe to HBO through a participating cable or digital provider, you automatically have access to HBO Max and no longer need to use HBO Go, which HBO Max effectively replaces with a larger library of content. To get HBO Max, simply go to play.hbomax.com, or install the HBO Max app on your iPhone via the App Store, Android using Google Play, or on a compatible smart TV (use your TV or media player's channel store to find and install HBO Max). Then sign in using your provider's credentials. If you are subscribed to HBO through any of these providers, you have HBO Max access:
How to access HBO Max if you are an HBO Now subscriberIf you subscribe to HBO Now, you have been automatically upgraded to HBO Max if you subscribed to HBO Now directly through HBO or are billed though one of these providers:
You don't need to do anything to take advantage of HBO Max – even the app will be replaced with HBO Max for you automatically when your device performs its regular automatic updates. If your provider isn't in that list, it means that HBO hasn't yet established a deal with your provider to carry HBO Max. If you want HBO Max, you can choose to subscribe to HBO Max on your own (it costs $15 per month after a seven-day free trial), or wait for your provider to get added to the list. Related coverage from Tech Reference:
Dave Johnson Freelance Writer Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider. Read more Read less |