HBO has finally added an offline mode to its video streaming service. The feature is rolling out with the latest version of the HBO application for Android users. The version 3.7.0 of the app adds a new arrow icon next to episodes or below the posters in the detail view of shows and movies that are available for download. Tapping that arrow icon saves the content for offline viewing.
HBO is a bit late to the party compared to other streaming services. The likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ already offer a download feature, allowing you to enjoy content on the go, even if you don’t have an active internet connection. Well, it’s better late than never.
HBO offline mode still has plenty of limitations
The latest development in the Home Box Office’s video streaming app still comes with some restrictions, though. Firstly, not all titles can be downloaded.
Only shows and movies that are marked with the arrow icon will be available for download.
Further, you can only save up to 25 titles for offline viewing at a time. Also, downloaded content will be removed from your device 2 days after viewing, irrespective of whether you’ve finished watching it or not, according to Spanish publication One-Tech.
Other platforms also have such measures in place, but they let you store shows for a longer duration. The WarnerMedia-owned company will surely be improving things from here on.
Downloaded content will be available in a new “Downloads” tab at the bottom of the screen. It shows the number of episodes saved and how many more titles you’re allowed to save. Here you can also view the storage amount a content takes up.
Other features include the ability to manually remove a downloaded content from the device and enabling a setting to download content over Wi-Fi only.
HBO offers two separate streaming services, HBO Go and HBO Now. While the former is a part of a cable TV subscription, the latter competes against the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ internationally.
HBO also has a third streaming service called HBO Max coming up this May. This new direct-to-consumer platform will cost $14.99 per month.
However, the new service will be free to those who subscribe to HBO via WarnerMedia parent company AT&T.
You can subscribe to HBO via any of AT&T-owned satellite broadcasters including AT&T TV, AT&T TV Now, DirecTV, and U-verse and score HBO Max at no extra charge. Select AT&T wireless plans also bundle HBO’s services.
