HBO Now launches on Apple just in time for ‘Game of Thrones’

Apple TV continues to step up its game by adding several new app channels to its lineup, including HBO Now – a new, separate service from HBO Go.

Apple recently announced that, in addition to adding new, exclusive streaming services, the price of Apple TV has dropped from $99 to $69, paving the way for a new model to come on the market. The device will also offer live TV service and a developer’s kit.

According to the Associated Press, about 2,000 titles will be available to stream through HBO Now, which is being offered for $14.99 per month. The apps – which also include CNNGo, Tastemade, TED, and Young Hollywood – will be free to download, but most require a subscription service.

The HBO Now package is considered an “over-the-top” (OTT) service, which does not require users to sign up for a service provider or a long-term contract. In creating HBO Now, the network hopes to tap a new market of an estimated 10 million households that have broadband but not pay-TV. However, they have tried to price the new service in a comparable way to traditional pay-TV, so existing subscribers choose not to drop their current bundles.

HBO Now can be accessed through iTunes on the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Apple TV. The company is also offering a free 30-day trial to customers who sign up during the month of April.

The launch of the new service comes just in time for the long-anticipated premier of the fifth season of “Game of Thrones” on Sunday. HBO stated that the network is in negotiations with further distributors and digital partners in order to offer HBO Now on a wider scale.

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