Report: HBO GO application is headed to the Apple TV

By Mike Flacy January 31, 2013

apple tv HBO GO — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Covered by Bloomberg earlier today, Apple and Time Warner have been reported to be taking part in closed negotiations in regards to the addition of HBO’s streaming video application on Apple’s set-top box. While the negotiations are currently private, the addition of the HBO GO application on Apple TV hardware will mean subscribers of premium television programming will be able to access HBO’s large library of content on all versions of the Apple TV. Assuming the application does become available during mid-2013, that would be the first Apple TV application that requires authentication through a cable or satellite service.

Apple has been particularly slow in adding new applications to the Apple TV device in comparison to other competitors. For instance, Roku added support for the HBO GO streaming video app more than a year ago and Microsoft added the HBO application to the Xbox 360 during March 2012.

Apple also lagged behind many competitors in adding the Hulu Plus streaming video application to the set-top box. While apps for HBO GO, Hulu Plus and other streaming video applications launch fairly expediently for Apple’s line of mobile devices, development for the Apple TV continues to take a back seat to support for other products.

However, Apple has had more success in selling the Apple TV set-top box over competitors selling a similar product. For instance, Apple has sold over ten million Apple TV devices over the past few years. Comparatively, Roku is getting close to five million devices sold according to a recent post on the official company blog. It’s likely that both companies will launch updated versions of the set-top box during 2013. According to recent FCC filings, the new version of the Apple TV will contain component changes. Apple hasn’t specified what hardware will be upgraded within the set-top box, but the company could announce changes to the device during a press event later this year.

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Fire TV sticks are up to 40% off in Amazon’s Big Spring sale

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2023) and Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023).

Amazon is hosting a Big Spring sale and with it comes some huge discounts on Amazon Fire TV devices. There’s up to 40% on some of the best ways to stream through your TV so there’s something for every budget and need here. With five different models on sale from the basic Amazon Fire TV Stick right up to the Amazon Fire TV Cube, we suggest you click the button below to see the full wealth of items on sale for yourself. If you’re not sure which Amazon Fire TV Stick is for you though, keep reading and we’ll take you through our recommendations.

What to buy in the Amazon Fire TV devices sale
The Amazon Fire TV stick range features heavily in our look at the best streaming devices. One of the highlights in the Big Spring sale is the . It usually costs $60 but it’s down to $40 for a limited time. The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max makes it super simple to stream shows in 4K via compatible apps. There’s support for Dolby Vision, HDR10, and also Dolby Atmos sound. However, it’s also designed to provide a great experience away from watching TV. That’s thanks to Fire TV Ambient Experience which allows you to display over 2,000 pieces of museum-quality art and photography. Alongside that, it’s also simple to control all your smart devices through it as you’d expect from one of the best Amazon Fire TV devices while Alexa voice controls are always useful to have.

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Apple (and Messi) offering a monthlong trial of MLS Season Pass

A Lionel Messi promo for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

If you're a soccer fan who hasn't yet taken advantage of MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, now's the time. Apple — and Lionel Messi — are offering a free one-month trial to the service that gets you every MLS game this season and then some. There are no blackouts, no out-of-market messes, just every minute of every game.

The deal takes you to (and through) Messi's Instagram account, where you'll do the ol' link in bio trick. Which, conveniently, takes you to this link.

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Best Apple TV deals: Save on the Apple TV 4K and more

An Apple TV 4K sits on a media stand.

One of the best ways to go about watching the best new movies to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Max (HBO) and more is with an Apple TV. It’s an external device that can connect to any modern TV with an HDMI connection, and with it comes access to all sorts of streaming services and apps. Apple has several models on the market, with the 4K version being the newest and some older HD versions of the Apple TV still available to purchase. We found some Apple TV deals out there, and have rounded them all up here for some easy savings. Read onward for a little information on which Apple TV model may be best for your home theater, and for a rundown of the best Apple TV deals taking place right now.
Best Apple TV deals

The latest Apple TV 4K (2022) is potentially overpowered for what it is. Most people will simply want an easy way to stream content but this system also has a reasonable processor that means you can play games on it too. It won’t be an essential feature for everyone but being able to add on a controller and enjoy some gaming without the need for a dedicated console is a neat touch. For AV enthusiasts, there’s HDR10+ support which is useful for Samsung TV owners. The older Apple TV from 2021 lacks HDR10+ support but is still pretty speedy for everything else you might wish to do. If that all sounds good to you, take a look at the best Apple TV deals below.