Goodbye, HBO. Hello, Max.
The popular streaming service HBO Max was officially reborn as “Max” on Tuesday. Discover Warner Bros announced the new name last monthwith plans to integrate the existing HBO Max library with content from Discovery+.
as CNBC reported in April, the name change is designed to signal that Max is a family-friendly streaming service with more offerings than prestige dramas like “Succession” and “The Sopranos.”
The removal of HBO from the name was also intended to protect the HBO brand from potential dilution by association with less prestigious TLC reality shows such as “Dr. Pimple Popper” and “My 600-Lb. Life.”
“HBO is not TV. HBO is HBO,” Warner Bros. Discovery head of streaming JB Perrette said last month. “We’re not going to push it to the breaking point by forcing it to get the full width of the new content.”
But there’s more to rebranding than a shorter name. Here’s what you need to know about switching to Max.
Has the price changed?
For now, HBO Max subscribers won’t see any price increases. Their rates will remain the same: $9.99 for the ad-supported tier and $15.99 for commercial-free streaming.
What’s new is “Max Ultimate Ad Free” tier, which costs $19.99 per month. It will offer subscribers more films and shows in 4K UHD, as well as the ability to stream on four devices at once and download 100 movies or episodes for offline viewing.
Learn more about changing your subscription level HERE.
How do you upgrade from HBO Max to Max?
In this photo illustration, the Max logo can be seen displayed on a smartphone, the HBO Max and Discovery+ logos in the background.
Rafael Henrique | Lightrocket | Getty Images
For many customers, the process of switching to Max will be as simple as updating their app software on their streaming device. Others, however, will require a new app.
If you need to download the new Max app, you’ll be prompted to do so when you open HBO Max. Your login information will remain the same, and you will not need to create a new account.
Max will also remember all your settings, and you can pick up the latest episode of “Barry” right where you left off.
What new shows are on Max?
“Property Brothers” Jonathan and Drew Scott
Slaven Vlasic | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images
The first thing subscribers will notice when they log into their rebranded Max app is the expanded content library. In fact, Max has more than double the amount of content as its predecessor thanks to the addition of shows from Discovery-owned networks like TLC, HGTV and Food Network.
This means that in addition to shows like “House of the Dragon,” “Watchmen” and “Sex Lives of College Girls,” users can also tune in to “Property Brothers,” “House Hunters” and “Diners , Drive. -Ins and Dives.”
The wide range of content led Warner Bros. Discovery to give Max the slogan “The one to watch.”
“This is one to watch because it’s the place every member of the household can go to see exactly what they want at any given time,” CEO David Zaslav said last month.
You can see a complete list of what’s coming to Max HERE.
Max has a revamped streaming experience
When HBO Max first launched, it was notoriously glitch-prone. Its reputation as a buggy, difficult to browse app nothing has been better since. Warner Bros. Discovery promises that Max will provide a smoother streaming experience.
Perrette said in April that the new app will make video load 20% to 30% faster. Users will also receive personalized recommendations for shows and movies to watch based on their viewing habits.
The new Max app has simplified navigation, which Warner Bros. Discovery makes it easy to explore the app and discover new things to watch.
Max has a more dedicated kids experience than HBO Max, with more parental controls so parents can make sure their kids only see age-appropriate content.
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