Streaming service HBO Max now available for Roku users
In a significant development for streaming entertainment, Roku and HBO Max have reached an agreement that will make the streaming service available on Roku devices starting December 17. This move comes after months of negotiations, during which Roku users have been using a lesser version of the HBO app.
The prevalence of Roku in big box stores and its numerous partnerships with cable companies have made it challenging to find a home without at least one Roku box. The wickedly low price of a Roku box, combined with its ease of use, has contributed to its popularity.
Warner Bros., the studio behind HBO Max, initially balked at the requested cut from Roku. However, the two parties have now reached a deal, allowing HBO Max to provide access to a variety of shows on Roku devices from December 17.
The release of HBO Max coincides with the premiere of Wonder Woman 1984, which will be available on HBO Max on December 25. This decision to release films on streaming platforms, rather than in theatres, has caused some controversy within the filmmaking community, particularly among directors.
HBO Max offers a range of original programming, including Doom Patrol, The Flight Attendant, and Harley Quinn. The service will provide Roku users with a new platform for entertainment, adding to the already extensive library of content available on Roku.
While the specific percentage of ad inventory and subscription costs requested by Roku has not been disclosed, it is reported to be at Apple-level bargaining. The details of the negotiations between Roku and Warner Bros. have not been made public, leaving the exact terms of the deal unclear.
The decision by Warner Bros. to release all 2021 film releases on HBO Max, including Wonder Woman 1984, has been a response to the pandemic and the closure of movie theaters. This move has been controversial, with some in the film industry expressing concern about the impact on the traditional cinema experience.
Despite these controversies, the arrival of HBO Max on Roku is set to bring a wealth of new content to millions of homes, further solidifying Roku's position as a leading provider of streaming entertainment.
