Google Play and Chromecast Users Can Now Get HBO Without Cable

Apple will soon lose its exclusivity to streaming HBO content. Are you more likely to subscribe?
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Lindsay Sakraida
BY:
DealNews Contributing Writer
HBO Now

During an Apple conference earlier this year, HBO announced its long-awaited standalone streaming service, HBO Now. Debuting right before the Game of Thrones premiere, the service allows users to have access to the premium channel's programming without subscribing to cable or having a cable login.

Despite being priced at $15 per month — which is higher than what more robust services like Hulu Plus and Netflix charge — media fans were excited by the prospect of getting HBO without cable. The only catch, however, was that the service was only available for streaming on an iOS device.

As of today, that's no longer the case.

HBO Now Available Via Google Play and Chromecast

During today's Google I/O event, the search engine behemoth announced that HBO Now will soon be compatible with Android devices, which includes Google's streaming dongle, the Chromecast.

SEE ALSO: A Cord-Cutter's Guide to Going Cable Free in 2015

That means users who want to watch HBO on their TV without paying for a cable subscription (or "borrowing" their friends' cable login) will be able to use HBO Now via Chromecast, Android TV, or the Apple TV. Roku is notably still excluded.

HBO Now will be available to purchase in the Google Play store, so users can stream via any Android device as well. Previously, HBO Now was only available for iOS devices via iTunes.

There is no hard release date yet for Android access, but Google says sometime this summer, perhaps in time for the True Detective premiere.

Readers, are you more likely to subscribe to HBO Now if it's available for Android devices?

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Lindsay Sakraida
DealNews Contributing Writer

Lindsay Sakraida specializes in writing about retail trends and lifestyle subjects. She's also obsessed with music, movies, and tennis. Follow her on Twitter at @LinSakraida.
DealNews may be compensated by companies mentioned in this article. Please note that, although prices sometimes fluctuate or expire unexpectedly, all products and deals mentioned in this feature were available at the lowest total price we could find at the time of publication (unless otherwise specified).

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6 comments
jacksj3
Doesn't sell*
May 29, 2015
jacksj3
@nimer: Google doesn't see your personal information. It uses your information to show you ads that may be of interest to you. Advertisers receive no personal information.
May 29, 2015
nimer
@snoonw: And google doesn't have any 'taxes'? In addition to selling your personal info to advertisers, google play prices don't seem to be that much lower than iTunes prices.
May 28, 2015
Lindsay Sakraida (DealNews)
@snoonw (Unfortunately)
May 28, 2015
Lindsay Sakraida (DealNews)
@snoonw I don't think that's likely to happen...
May 28, 2015
snoonw
hopefully it will also be cheaper on chromecast too. There is no apple gauging or apple tax needed
May 28, 2015