| Cult of Mac

Second- and third-gen Apple TVs can no longer play HBO Now

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apple tv
Users can no longer access HBO Now in this way.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

HBO discontinued support for its HBO Now app on second- and third-generation Apple TV models. The app allows HBO subscribers to access on-demand content from the cable channel’s library of original movies and shows.

The discontinuation means the HBO Now app will no longer be updated on these older devices. It will be removed entirely — so that it’s not possible to access the content anymore from those Apple TV models.

HBO Go, HBO Now drop support for older Apple TV models this month

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HBO-Now
There is another way to enjoy HBO services on Apple TV, however.
Photo: HBO

HBO on Wednesday confirmed its HBO Go and HBO Now services will drop support for second- and third-generation Apple TV units this month. Users will no longer be able to stream starting April 30.

The change is being made “in order to provide the best streaming experience,” the company said. There are other ways to enjoy these services on older Apple TV boxes, however.

HBO unlocks 500 hours of free content, but not Game of Thrones

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You'll have to subscribe to HBO Now to see Game of Thrones.
You'll have to subscribe to HBO Now to see Game of Thrones.
Photo: HBO

HBO is joining the wave of companies that are offering free access to their content to placate everyone sheltering in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting on April 3, the HBO Now and HBO Go apps will offer freebies to anyone the doesn’t already have a paid subscription. The trove of over 500 hours of free content includes all seasons of The Sopranos, Silicon Valley, The Wire and Ballers. But if you’re hoping to finally catch up Game of Thrones for free, you’ll be sorely disappointed.

Apple TV+ misses out on big COVID-19 surge in streaming demand

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LG UM6X UHD in room
Sorry, Apple.
Photo: LG

It’s a surprise to no one that video streaming services are seeing big surges in demand while everyone is stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. But it seems Apple TV+ is missing out.

While the likes of Netflix, HBO Now, and Disney+ have seen sharp increases in subscribers in recent weeks, according to a new report, the number of people turning to Apple TV+ has hardly risen at all.

Disney+ racks up nearly $100 million in user spending in first 60 days

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Disney+ racked up nearly $100 million in user spending in first 60 days
Disney+ is off to a flying start.
Photo: Disney

Aside from saying that Apple TV+ pulled in “millions of users” in its first week, Apple hasn’t shared any stats about how Apple’s streaming service is doing. Disney+, on the other hand, seems to be blowing away the competition.

Two months after Disney+ launched, its app has been downloaded close to 41 million times on the App Store and Google Play app store. In total, it has generated an estimated $97.2 million in user spending.

Avoid annoying geo-restrictions on streaming services [Deals]

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Getflix
Easily bypass any location-based restrictions on all your favorite streaming content.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Just because you’re in another country shouldn’t mean you can’t watch your favorite shows and movies. So it’s a bummer when Hulu. HBO, or Amazon says the country you’re in doesn’t support their content. With this simple tool, you can avoid that annoyance and get back to binging anywhere in the world.

T-Mobile to launch TV streaming service soon

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t-mobile
T-Mobile CEO John Legere is trying to make is carrier relevant again.
Photo: T-Mobile

T-Mobile is about to launch a new feature as part of its wireless service plans designed to lure in new subscribers: free TV streaming.

The carrier is reportedly planning to enter the streaming wars within the new few weeks with a free, ad-supported video service optimized from mobile streaming. T-Mobile service sounds similar to Verizon’s now-defunct go90 video streaming platform, but T-Mobile is hoping to some extra perks will make it more attractive to customers.

Lose cable, but not your shows, with this cord-cutter megabundle [Deals]

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The Ultimate Cord Cutting Kit Subscriptions
Cutting your cable doesn't have to mean less content, with access to the world's largest entertainment library.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

With the explosion of content over the last few years, cord cutting is sweeping the country. In comparison to wired alternatives, digital options cost less but offer just as much content — along with a few bonuses.

We’ve got a bundle that’s loaded for the cable-weary. And right now, you can get a year of the Ultimate Cord Cutting Kit Subscriptions for just $19.99.

iPhone users spend more than ever on apps

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iPhone 7
App spending is on the rise.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

When it comes to buying apps, iPhone users aren’t afraid to bust out their wallets for good software.

Spending on iOS apps increased during 2016, according to the latest data from app analytics firm SensorTower which claims the average iPhone user spends $27 a year just on games.

HBO Go just got even more distracting

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HBO Go Band of Brothers
You'll hit Play on Normandy in Band of Brothers, and the next thing you know, they'll be in Berlin.
Photo: HBO

An update to HBO Go is a direct assault on your productivity.

The streaming service just added two new features that are sure to send you spiraling into a “just one more” death spin. The new features are Picture-in-Picture (for compatible devices running iOS 9) and autoplay, which is how you sit down to watch a single episode and then look up later to discover the sun has come up, and now you have to go to work.