14 DAY TRIAL // The premium cable television network owned by Time Warner Cable, HBO has announced plans to release a free iOS application capable of streaming the network’s shows and movies.
Via a teaser video of the upcoming app, HBO offers a quick glimpse at the app’s key features, including the ability to easily browse all your favorite shows and movies and instantly watch any episode or any title you like, anywhere you are.
While it isn’t clear whether the app will also stream content over 3G, the launch date is a certainty - May 2, 2011.
The date is flashed briefly at the end of the teaser video (embedded below), which means that Apple’s App Review board should have approved the app by then.
The video also offers this brief description:
“HBO GO. It’s HBO. Anywhere. You’re just a click away from instant access to over 1400 HBO programs including HBO original series, blockbuster hits, sports, specials and more. Coming soon to iPad, iPhone, and Android. Free with your HBO subscription through participating TV providers.”
The voiceover in the video says, "Get every episode of every season of your favorite HBO shows, plus hit movies and much more. All free to HBO subscribers and all streaming on your iPad, laptop, or smartphone wherever you are."
The service (HBO Go) has been available since February 2010, and allows Comcast and DirecTV subscribers (and others) to stream 1,400 HBO shows, documentaries, and movies over the Internet.
The video-centric application will undoubtedly harness the graphical output power of the iPad 2, but it will most likely work with the original tablet too.
The iPhone is also supported, according to the description, though no particular models are referenced.
It is reasonable to assume that only the most recent device iterations will be supported, and that includes the newest iPod touch players.