Apple TV gets HBO GO, WatchESPN
Apple announced Wednesday that its video streaming device, Apple TV, will be getting HBO GO and Watch ESPN. Apple senior vice president Eddy Cue said in a press release that the two video streaming apps were some of the most popular Apple's mobile devices and is confident it will translate to the set-top box.
HBO's blockbuster hit "Game of Thrones" is one of the most pirated shows on the Internet. The move to Apple TV could curb some of the temptation for fans to cut the cord on cable. Those who want HBO will still have to purchase a subscription to the premium cable channel, but they are now able to access videos from within the Apple TV ecosystem. Previously, HBO GO was only available online and on mobile devices.
Sports fans will be able to watch ESPN channels live from within Apple TV. Curated content and on-demand videos will also be available on the WatchESPN app.
Not all Apple TV owners will have access to the new video services. AllThingsD reports that HBO GO is not available to DirecTV or Charter subscribers. And WatchESPN won't be available to DirecTV or Dish subscribers.
Apple TV is also getting video streaming apps like Sky News, Crunchyroll and Qello. The set-top box offers several other video streaming services, like Netflix, Hulu Plus, MLB.TV and NBA.