HBO Now's Apple Exclusivity Not As Exclusive As You Might Think
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A deal between HBO and Apple for exclusive access to its new HBO Now service may not be as exclusive as it looks.
The service, which provides customers with HBO without a cable or satellite subscription, was touted as an exclusive for Apple devices, including the Apple TV, iPhone and iPad during Apple's press conference on Monday.
However, a press release from HBO tells a slightly different story.
HBO continues to be in discussions with its existing network of distributors and new digital partners to offer HBO NOW. At launch, HBO NOW will be available on iOS devices and on PCs.
This means users who want to watch HBO Now on their computers will still be able to. The wording also leaves open the possibility of devices such as Roku or Chromecast to potentially get the service in the future.
No release date was announced, but the deal is likely to coincide with the fifth season premiere of HBO's "Game of Thrones." It will cost $15 a month.
HBO in the past has relied heavily on promotion through cable and satellite providers to increase its subscription base. Now it's trying to strike out on its own.