Warner Bros Discovery launches Max streaming: 10 key updates and changes for HBO Max subscribers

The streaming service of the newly formed Warner Bros Discovery, titled Max, launched in the USA on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Regular users are aware that this is the new version of the much-loved HBO Max.

So, what will the new streaming service have that is better than HBO Max? What will the existing subscribers of HBO Max have to do? Here’s what we know of the new Max app.

What will happen to existing subscribers of HBO Max?

A majority of subscribers of HBO Max will automatically get an update in their mobile application, which will be updated to Max. If your app does not automatically switch to the new Max app, you will be asked to download the new Max app, which will be an updated version of HBO Max. The Max app may also automatically transfer the HBO Max subscribers' data, search, profile, avatars, etc. for each subscriber.

Key changes to Max over HBO Max:

Double Content: The Max app will have 35,000-plus hours of programming, more than double of HBO Max.

Video Playback Experience: According to the company’s CTO Avi Saxena, Max will run on a new code base for a consistent and stable performance across all devices for viewers.

Better Navigation: Considering its huge content, the Max app will provide a better and well-thought-out navigational experience.

Enhanced Personalized Content Options and End-card: In Max, the personalized content recommendations will not only be featured on the home screen for each user profile, but across the entire app, based on viewing activity. There will be a new end-card recommendation for other content.

4K Ultra HD Plan: Max will be available in three tiers – two at the regular price like HBO Max's plans and a new premium one, which will include 4K Ultra HD content and four concurrent streams. There will be three options — Max With Ads ($9.99/month or $99.99/year); Max Ad Free ($15.99/month or $149.99/year); and Max Ultimate Ad Free ($19.99/month or $199.99/year).

Good Experience for Kids: Max will offer a default Kids profile for new subscribers, with PG and TV-PG ratings or lower. There will be parental control to limit content by ratings, lock access to adult profiles, and prevent kids from exiting a profile.

New Download Experience for Offline Viewing: Max will have fixed the bugs in the HBO Max download experience.

New Profile Avatars / Icons: Max has over 350 profile icons for users, including Harry Potter characters. Existing HBO Max avatars will also be available.

New Ads Experience: The ads experience on the Max with Ads plan will have among the lightest ad loads in the industry at 3-4 minutes per hour.

Accessibility Features: Max will feature 6,500 hours of audio descriptive content.

FAQs

Q1:What is HBO Max called now?
HBO Max is simply called Max now.

Q2:Will Max be available in India?
The Max app may be launched in India in 2024.