Google has announced the HBO Now standalone subscription streaming service will soon available on Android devices in the United States.
The $15 a month platform will arrive on the Google Play Store at the end of Apple’s three month period of exclusivity, which will expire in early July.
Google also confirmed HBO Now will support Chromecast, which means Android device owners will be able to access live and on demand content from HBO either on their mobile device directly or by beaming it to the television.
Of course, Android owners already have access to the HBO Go app, but the new service promises a very different proposition.
It represents the first time HBO, one of the crown jewels of American television, has been available in full without the need for a cable television subscription.
It has been heralded as a dream launch for would-be cord cutters who wish to be free from the shackles of paying expensive monthly tariffs for tons of content they don’t watch.
Speaking at the I/O 2015 keynote, Google executive Sundar Pichai said: ”
Related: Android M outlined at Google I/O
Earlier this week, there were hints from HBO that it may consider lowing the subscription fee as a one-time offer to those who have sampled the service, but did not chose to join once their trial had ended.
In a survey sent out to trial users, the company floated the idea of a $99 for 12 months offer, which would reduce the monthly fee to around $8.33.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
