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Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, WatchESPN, Plex and more services launch on Amazon Fire TV (update: full list)
After announcing its new Fire TV set-top box today, Amazon naturally revealed a content lineup to go along with the $99 streaming device. That includes the new Amazon Video series we've been hearing about and TV shows it's signed up as Prime streaming exclusives. Amazon also announced several apps headed to the Fire TV: Showtime Anytime, Flixster, Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, WatchESPN, Plex and many, many more. The Amazon listing has a deeper list on what's available, we'll have more information after we go hands-on. Update: Amazon could not confirm that HBO Go is coming to the Fire TV, only saying "we're working to get more content." We checked with HBO, which said the service is not there and that there are no plans to add it at this time, a quote echoed by Ultraviolet-connected service Vudu. Update 2: We've added the full list of content after the break. Hold on to your hats, it's a long list.
HBO Go joins PlayStation 3 media roster
Nearly a year after its debut on the Xbox 360, the HBO Go app will finally make its PlayStation 3 debut later today. Like the other existing iterations of the app, HBO Go on PlayStation 3 allows HBO subscribers to watch the premium channel's programs without the aid of a cable box, including standout hits like Game of Thrones, True Detective and Girls. While HBO subscriptions are only available by paying additional fees to your cable provider, the HBO Go app can be downloaded from the PlayStation Network Store at no charge. As we reported previously, HBO CEO Richard Plepler has also stated plans to launch HBO Go on the PlayStation 4, though there's still no word on when that might happen. [Image: PlayStation.blog]
HBO Go app coming to PS3 soon, PS4 to follow
PlayStation will soon enter the HBO Go family, with apps for the service coming to the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. Home Box Office CEO Richard Plepler announced the news at the first Buzzfeed Brews event in New York. With the app, HBO cable subscribers can enjoy unlimited on-demand content. According to a post on the official PlayStation Blog, the app is "coming soon" and will arrive first on PS3 before eventually making its way to the PlayStation 4. A timetable was not shared, but the announcement made mention of the impending fourth season of Game of Thrones, which will begin in April. The Xbox 360 is currently the only video game console with HBO Go access, featuring special second-screen content alongside select videos. Update: A prior version of this article noted a specific Xbox One app release date, no date has been finalized.
HBO Go for iOS update adds Google Chromecast support
HBO has some of the best programming around, but sometimes you're not near a cable box when you want to watch a show. Enter HBO Go, the only legal option for watching HBO content online. The service has been a godsend for travelers or college students whose parents have HBO and, thanks to today's iOS app update, it's even easier to use. Version 2.4.0 brings Chromecast support for devices using iOS 6 and above. Utilizing Google's streaming-content dongle, iOS users can now queue up video on their devices to play on their TV. The Chromecast device itself costs $35, making it the most inexpensive streaming content device available on the market. You can find the HBO Go update now in the iTunes Store.
All of the Xbox One launch-window apps, broken down by territory
Microsoft has laid out the media apps available on the Xbox One in each of its 13 launch markets, with the US claiming 19 entertainment options, the most of any territory. Between November 22 and spring 2014, the US will get Amazon Instant Video, CWTV, Crackle, ESPN, FOX NOW, FXNOW, HBO GO, Hulu Plus, Machinima, MUZU TV, Netflix, Redbox Instant, Target Ticket, TED, NFL on Xbox One, Twitch, Univision Deportes, Verizon FiOS TV and VUDU. UK Xbox One owners will see a different mix of 13 apps, including 4oD, Amazon/LOVEFILM, Eurosport, NOW TV and Wuaki.tv. Enjoyment of these apps, and every app on Microsoft's list, requires an Xbox Live Gold account. Xbox One will offer incentives to open its entertainment options, with achievements for watching a certain number of shows or specific content. Check out the complete lineup of Xbox One apps below, along with some clickable pictures of the new dashboard.
Discovery Communications working on a HBO Go-esque streaming service
Discovery Channel, DMAX, 3NET (with Sony and IMAX) and Revision 3 owner Discovery Communications is pondering an HBO Go-style streaming service. In an interview with Reuters, company boss John Hendricks said that shows that are between three and 18 months old can still make money before they're launched on Netflix. His plan is to let subscribers access that programming online for a small additional monthly fee, which, according to Hendricks' autobiography, is between $6 and $8 a month. The boss also said that the company is developing the infrastructure for the platform, but that we won't see such a service arrive for anything up to five years.
Why HBO GO took so long to reach the Apple TV
On Wednesday we reported that HBO GO was finally making its long-awaited debut on the Apple TV. A press release on the matter read, in part: HBO GO users get unlimited access to their favorite HBO shows, including HBO original programming, hit movies, sports, documentaries, comedy specials and more. This includes full seasons of the best of HBO, plus bonus features and special behind-the-scenes extras. HBO GO on Apple TV requires a subscription to HBO through participating television providers. While HBO fans are undoubtedly thrilled that they can now catch up on all of their favorite HBO content via the Apple TV, one has to wonder why it took so long for HBO GO to finally make its way to the Apple TV in the first place. After all, HBO GO has for some time been available on a number of other platforms, including the Xbox 360, Roku and, of course, the iPhone and iPad. So why the long wait for the Apple TV? To help answer that question, The Verge was able to speak with HBO chief technology officer Otto Berkes who was able to provide a little bit of light on the matter. Berkes explains that the app for the Apple TV was the first app HBO developed completely in-house. Previously, Berkes notes that HBO would team up with third parties to help them develop apps. The Verge also adds: Nothing is more time consuming than writing all the code involved and encoding HBO's massive video library, said Otto Berkes, HBO's chief technology officer, in an exclusive interview with The Verge. He said "optimizing the compression formula to deliver the high-quality video to the lowest bandwidth" is a massive undertaking. The company does this so the streaming video looks good even on slow web connections. What's also interesting, and perhaps part of the reason behind the delayed arrival of HBO GO, is that the app's inclusion on the Apple TV must be given the go-ahead by cable and satellite affiliates. The article from The Verge has more on that issue and is well worth checking out if you're curious as to the wheeling and dealing that often accompanies getting content from content providers to the screen.
Daily Update for June 19, 2013
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
HBO GO, WatchESPN come to Apple TV
Apple announced today that HBO GO and WatchESPN are now available on the Apple TV. Eddy Cue, Apple senior vice president of Internet Software and Services said that "HBO GO and WatchESPN are some of the most popular iOS apps and are sure to be huge hits on Apple TV." The two new content providers are joined by Sky News, Crunchyroll and Qello. Sky News on Apple TV will deliver 24/7 news to viewers in the US, UK and Ireland. Crunchyroll is a Japanese anime and Asian media provider, and will let subscribers view the latest HD shows one hour after airing in Japan. Qello is an on-demand streaming service for HD concerts and music documentaries, and offers free or paid subscriptions. Both Qello and Crunchyroll will be available for subscription on Apple TV. The full press release from Apple is included below. Show full PR text HBO GO & WatchESPN Come to Apple TV iTunes Viewers Now Purchasing Over 800,000 TV Episodes & Over 350,000 Movies Per Day CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apple® today announced that HBO GO and WatchESPN are now available directly on Apple TV® joining the great lineup of programming offered to customers. iTunes® users have downloaded more than one billion TV episodes and 380 million movies from iTunes to date, and they are purchasing over 800,000 TV episodes and over 350,000 movies per day. "HBO GO and WatchESPN are some of the most popular iOS apps and are sure to be huge hits on Apple TV" "HBO GO and WatchESPN are some of the most popular iOS apps and are sure to be huge hits on Apple TV," said Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. "We continue to offer Apple TV users great new programming options, combined with access to all of the incredible content they can purchase from the iTunes Store." Apple TV users can choose from an incredible selection of programming including over 60,000 movies and over 230,000 TV episodes, as well as the world's largest collection of music on the iTunes Store®. Apple TV also offers great content from Hulu Plus, Netflix's streaming catalog, live sports from MLB, NBA and NHL as well as Internet content from Vimeo, YouTube and Flickr.* In addition to HBO GO and WatchESPN, three new content providers* are also available today on Apple TV including Sky News, Crunchyroll and Qello offering live news, sports and current TV programming. HBO GO users get unlimited access to their favorite HBO shows, including HBO original programming, hit movies, sports, documentaries, comedy specials and more. This includes full seasons of the best of HBO, plus bonus features and special behind-the-scenes extras. HBO GO on Apple TV requires a subscription to HBO through participating television providers. WatchESPN on Apple TV delivers a one-stop video destination for sports fans with live access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3 and ESPN Buzzer Beater/Goal Line to those who receive ESPN's networks as part of their video subscription from affiliated providers. Popular sports and fan-favorite shows include college football and basketball, Monday Night Football, MLB, NBA, major golf tournaments, all four Grand Slam tennis events, SportsCenter, PTI and more. Additionally, curated on-demand video featuring the most recent and relevant content-including highlights and news clips from ESPN.com as well as short-form segments from programs such as E:60, Outside The Lines, SC Featured, Sport Science and others-will be accessible through WatchESPN for the first time via Apple TV to all users. Sky News on Apple TV delivers a live 24/7 news feed to users in the US, UK and Ireland, including breaking news and headlines from business, politics, entertainment and more. In addition to the live feed, users can catch up on specific stories at any time via the extensive on-demand news library. Crunchyroll, the leading global video service for Japanese Anime and Asian media, will allow subscribers worldwide to watch the latest HD shows one hour after they air in Japan. Qello, a leading on-demand streaming service for HD concerts and music documentaries, offers free or paid subscriptions to music fans worldwide. New users can sign up for Crunchyroll and Qello instantly on Apple TV. Apple TV makes it easy to enjoy iTunes video and music right on your HD TV. Coming this fall, iTunes Radio™ will offer you an incredibly personalized music experience directly on Apple TV based on your listening history and past purchases from iTunes. And with iCloud®, you can buy movies and TV shows on Apple TV and watch them on your iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, Mac® or PC. iCloud also stores photos and pushes them wirelessly to all your devices including your Apple TV. iCloud is an incredibly easy way to get instant access to all of your content, no matter which device is being used. iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users can use AirPlay® to stream music, photos and videos from their devices directly to their HD TV with Apple TV. iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad, iPad mini, fifth generation iPod touch and Mac users can use AirPlay Mirroring to show the screen of their device right on their HD TV, allowing them to stream web pages, spreadsheets or even games.** Pricing & Availability Apple TV requires iTunes 10.5 or later. Apple TV requires an 802.11g/n Wi-Fi network or Ethernet network, a broadband Internet connection and a HD TV capable of 1080p or 720p and an HDMI cable that is sold separately. iTunes movie and TV show availability varies by country. Third generation Apple TV hardware is required to play 1080p video. HBO GO, Watch ESPN, SkyNews, Crunchyroll and Qello require Apple TV software version 5.3 available as a free software update for second and third generation Apple TV users. *Content availability varies by country, may require account subscriptions and may not be available in all territories. **AirPlay requires an iOS device running iOS 4.2 or later. AirPlay Mirroring is not supported on the original iPad. AirPlay Mirroring is supported on the following Mac models: iMac® (Mid 2011 or newer), Mac mini (Mid 2011 or newer), MacBook Air® (Mid 2011 or newer), and MacBook Pro® (Early 2011 or newer). Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.
Apple TV adds HBO Go and WatchESPN to its ranks (updated)
Apple today announced that two more entertainment options will be hitting its set-top offering. HBO Go and WatchESPN have been added to the Apple TV lineup, along with Sky News, Crunchyroll and Qello, joining the ranks of Hulu Plus, Netflix and sports from the MLB, NBA and NHL. Apple also used the opportunity to talk up some download numbers, revealing that iTunes users have downloaded one billion TV episodes and 380 million movies. At present, more than 800,000 episodes and 350,000 movies are purchased per day. Update: As All Things D points out, the new offerings might not be so rosy for Dish and DirecTV subscribers. Update 2: As of today (Thursday, June 20th), DirecTV authorizes HBO Go on Apple TV. Now all we need is Dish to sign-on and we're all set!
Xbox One interface shots show Netflix, Hulu, other streaming apps
While no one explicitly named any streaming media applications during Microsoft's Xbox One reveal ceremony, screenshots have emerged on the new console's official site that give us a hint at what we'll be watching on day one. So far, apps listed include such staples as Netflix, Hulu Plus and HBOgo, in addition to slightly more esoteric offerings such as Crackle and The CW. Microsoft has yet to specifically name any of these apps during today's flurry of announcements, however, so we're keeping an ear to the ground for further confirmation and (hopefully) information on other streaming media apps launching with the system.
HBO Go update for iOS brings AirPlay multitasking support along with Game of Thrones enhancements
HBO on Monday updated its HBO Go app with a few small, yet notable enhancements. First and foremost, version 2.1 of the HBO Go app now supports AirPlay multitasking. Subscribers can use other apps even while HBO content is being streamed to an HDTV via AirPlay. The app includes specific enhancements to the interactive features experience for Game of Thrones. Of course, we have the standard catch-all improvement -- "General performance enhancements." The HBO Go app is a must-have download if you are an HBO subscriber. It's available for both the iPhone and iPad and can be downloaded for free over here. Two final points of interest: 1. There have been whispers that HBO Go may be coming to the Apple TV as its own app sometime in 2013. 2. Game of Thrones fans may not be surprised to hear that the Season 3 premiere from last week set a piracy record with over 1 million torrent downloads in less than 24 hours.
HBO CEO casually mentions standalone HBO Go option for broadband subscribers, but it's not à la carte
HBO's president and COO Erik Kessler stated just last month that having à la carte access to HBO isn't going to happen in the near future, but it seems that the channel's CEO has been mulling a compromise. According to a new Reuters report, Richard Plepler believes that while HBO "has the right model today," HBO Go -- its standalone app -- "could evolve." In what way, you ask? Presently, HBO Go only shows content to folks who subscribe to the channel via their pay-TV provider, but Plepler seems to think that there's potential to sell monthly access to the app itself so long as buyers are also subscribed to a broadband internet connection. In other words, this wouldn't provide HBO access via one's cable box or DVR, but considering that HBO Go just recently gained AirPlay support, an iPad + Apple TV combo could effectively accomplish the same thing. Well, outside of the whole "live viewing" thing. Still, the concept of paying $10 or $15 per month for HBO Go (alongside broadband) could be quite compelling for up-and-coming cord cutters -- after all, these folks are used to watching shows after they air. Now, here comes the part where you wait for these thoughts to translate into reality. If we had to guess, we'd say that HBO's oh-so-friendly cable partners aren't going to be inclined to let such a solid idea actually happen.
Win a custom themed Xbox in 'Swagfest'
The Xbox Live Swagfest is a way to get a free custom Xbox 360 for playing a multiplayer match – but it also illustrates how important non-game entertainment has become to the console. In order to enter the Swagfest, you have to download a special gamer pic and use it on your profile, then play a multiplayer round of Halo 4, Tomb Raider, or Gears of War 3 between now and March 11. Or, you can download HBO Go.At the end of the period, five winners will be chosen to receive a special 4GB Xbox – bearing art from either Tomb Raider, BioShock Infinite, Gears of War: Judgment, Splinter Cell Blacklist ... or Game of Thrones on HBO. In other words, "watching HBO" is presented as equally representative of the Xbox experience as any of these AAA video games. Which is probably fairly true to life for most of us.
Eric Kessler announces AirPlay support for HBO Go and Max Go apps, says à la carte HBO access still isn't economically viable
Eric Kessler, President & COO at HBO, just announced that a long-awaited feature will be going live today during his interview at D:Dive Into Media 2013. HBO Go and Max Go users with Apple products filling the home will now be able to enjoy AirPlay beaming. Straight from the man himself: "Our long-term goal for Go is to be on all platforms and all devices. Effective today, we will be enabling AirPlay -- any device that allows users to watch on the big screen is great. You can play HBO Go on your iPhone or iPad, and then beam that to your HDTV via an Apple TV using AirPlay." It appears that neither app has seen an update in Apple's App Store just yet, but we're guessing it's only a matter of time before both are refreshed. [Update: Looks as if both updates are now live!] Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that HBO will be on Apple TV for some time yet. Host Kara Swisher asked Kessler what the problem was in getting 'em on there. His reply? "We will get on Apple TV -- there is no problem. These things take time." We spoke firsthand with Kessler following his interview, and he affirmed that there's no 30 percent revenue cut to worry about with Apple TV like there is for conventional apps on the App Store. It seemed that HBO simply viewed this as a lower priority now that AirPlay is a reality, and it may go a long way to explaining why so many other video apps are opting for AirPlay inclusion rather than focusing efforts on a dedicated Apple TV app.
Apple TV may get HBO Go in first half of 2013
Could it finally happen? Bloomberg is reporting that Apple is "in negotiations" with HBO to bring HBO Go to the Apple TV in app form during the first half of 2013. As our fearless leader Victor Agreda pointed out upon hearing the news, "Of course they're in negotiations -- they're in them all the time with everyone, and have been forever." (That's paraphrased, but you get the gist.) Still, the prospect that another major streaming app may finally be on our Apple TVs sooner rather than later is enough to get us excited. Unfortunately, it sounds like the dream of getting HBO Go sans a cable and HBO subscription is still just that: a dream. According to Bloomberg's piece, you'll still need to have HBO as part of your cable package in order to use the app on Apple TV.
PSA: Xbox Live issues reported, Cloud files inaccessible
The Xbox Live service is far from optimal right now, as Microsoft reports hiccups in the Xbox Live service and Xbox.com website. Users will notice inconsistencies and certain outages, affecting various apps across the Xbox 360 – our own tests show the Netflix, HBO Go and Hulu Plus apps functioning as normal right now. In addition to the reported outages, Cloud files are also affected. If you're trying to access your Cloud saves, you'll receive an error reading "0x807b0198." Microsoft is working to resolve the issues and will update accordingly.
Roku update adds cross-provider search over Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO, Vudu and Crackle
We've seen web portals that let you search for TV and movies on the internet across different services, but a new update for Roku is bringing that capability directly to its set-top boxes. Whether you're searching by movie, TV show, actor or director it will sniff out related content across some of the higher profile services it offers, including Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Crackle, Vudu and HBO Go. The new Roku Search function is front and center (once your second gen HD or higher player has been updated to the latest version) and in our tests worked quickly, pulling up content wherever it was available and mentioning if it was available in HD. The only downside is navigating the onscreen keyboard via remote, although you can always sub in your mobile device thanks to those recently upgraded remote apps for iOS and Android. All in all Roku says it can reach its tendrils across around 130,000 titles and almost 100,000 actors and directors. Check after the break for a couple of screenshots and a quick demo video, hit the official blog for more info or force an update on your hockey puck to check it out yourself.
Xbox SmartGlass goes live alongside first Windows 8 tablets on October 26 with several supported apps
SmartGlass functionality may already sort of exist on Xbox 360 per the console's latest Dashboard update, but Microsoft's making it a full-on reality on October 26. As it stands, the Xbox 360 allows for SmartGlass support, but without an update to Microsoft's 360 companion app, there's no way to use it -- when Microsoft's Surface RT and other Windows 8 tablets launch on the 26, that functionality will come built in to the "Games" section of the new OS. That of course begs the question: "When will I be able to use SmartGlass with my iOS/Android/Windows Phone 7.5 devices? And how?" The date isn't certain, but functionality will arrive on other platforms "soon" after the October 26 launch of Surface, Microsoft reps tell us. When it does, it'll come in the form of an update to your existing, "My Xbox Live" mobile app (which also renames the app to, "Xbox SmartGlass") or Games tab (per WP7.5), and it'll be more or less identical with the Windows Phone version. The only missing functionality, we're told, are two somewhat basic bulletpoints. "We have deeper integration in the Windows Phone," Microsoft tells us. "That's something we don't have on iOS or Android, it's just within our application. Same on Windows -- the integration in Windows is 'last playing' or 'now playing,' being able to present that information." The other, more interesting item, is the lacking ability to "send" whatever website you're using up to the Xbox 360's Internet Explorer browser. Regardless of which mobile device you're on, SmartGlass can "send" websites from the 360 to said device -- it won't work the other way around, however, if you're using a non-Windows 8 device. Not what we'd call a huge deal, exactly, but a bummer no less. Regardless, you'll soon have the opportunity to put SmartGlass through its paces from the comfort of home when support devices launch on October 26. For a full list of applications available at launch and partners beyond that plus a quick walkthrough video, head past the break.
Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for Android updated with support for closed captions
Sound familiar? Just days after the mobile apps for HBO, Cinemax and Hulu added closed captions support on iOS, a similar slew of upgrades have come to their apps on Android. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be any change in the number of supported devices for any of them at this time. Hulu's upgrade also adds on the option to share videos via Twitter, Facebook and other services, although the 10 second rewind button added on iOS does not appear to have made the cut. As usual you should see the new versions rolling around in the app store, hit the source links for more info.
