HBO Streaming is the stand alone streaming service that would allow fans of HBO shows, like True Detective and Game of Thrones, to stream HBO programming without needing to have a cable and HBO subscription. HBO recently announced launch of HBO stand alone streaming, but it was only due to a leaked memo that we discovered that HBO wants to have their streaming service up and running in time for the April Season 5 premiere of the Game of Thrones. Finally, Game of Thrones fan’s prayers have been answered!
In an internal memo it was discovered that HBO has decided to scrap their initial idea of creating their own internal stand alone streaming service that was called Maui. They have instead decided to partner with MLB Advanced, who works with the WWE Network to offer their streaming service. What has yet to be clarified is exactly what the HBO stand alone streaming service means for HBO Go, their current streaming service for cable and HBO subscribers. Regardless of what HBO Go’s future holds, the inclusion of a cable free streaming service is exciting news for Game of Thrones, Curb Your Enthusiasm, True Detective and Silicon Valley fans who have had to resort to some, erm, less than legal means in order to enjoy HBO programming.
What does seem evident, however, is that HBO wants a clear distinction made that they are a media company first and not a technology company like Netflix. It seems that the company holds some resentment to any chatter alluding that HBO is actually trying to play catch up to Netflix. This is a particularly prickly comparison, since Netflix has pushed studios to offer more streaming content in order to remain competitive since more consumers have moved away from cable subscriptions in favor of streaming services like Netflix. Perhaps HBO shouldn’t look at following in Netflix’s footsteps as a negative thing as Netflix has been responsible for streaming hugely popular original content like Orange is the New Black and The House of Cards without any interruption. Especially since HBO’s current streaming service, HBO Go, endured some embarrassment when it experienced some outages during airings of True Detective and the Game of Thrones earlier this year.