HBO Asia announced that its streaming service, HBO GO, will launch in Malaysia exclusively on Astro in May. Available complimentary to Astro Movies Pack, customers can access HBO GO via the HBO GO App, Astro GO or Astro set top box.
HBO GO is an internet-based service that allows subscribers unlimited access to stream HBO’s complete library of original versions of all HBO Original content (series, movies and documentaries) from the U.S. and Asia, Hollywood blockbusters as well as all-time favourite kids programmes anytime, anywhere. The latest series will premiere on HBO GO the same time as the U.S. and subscribers will also have access to additional HBO Original content such as behind-the-scenes featurettes and trailers.
Mr. Jonathan Spink, CEO of HBO Asia said, “We are excited to expand HBO GO to more markets in Asia with the launch of HBO GO in Malaysia. The launch of the online streaming service also extends our long partnership with Astro and brings our vast library of content closer to subscribers who can watch it anytime, anywhere, through their digital and mobile devices.” He adds, “Subscribers can now enjoy thousands of hours of HBO Original programmes from the U.S. and Asia, Hollywood blockbusters, documentaries, stand-up comedies, kids content and animated shows on HBO GO by streaming or downloading their favourite programmes, or watching the HBO channel live on HBO GO.”
Ms. Agnes Rozario, Astro’s Director of Content said, “We’re thrilled about expanding our exclusive partnership with HBO who has brought us the most watched show on the planet, GAME OF THRONES, and a string of hits and talked about originals, like BIG LITTLE LIES and WESTWORLD, in addition to Hollywood blockbusters.”
Rozario also said, “Astro Movies Pack customers currently enjoy HBO and Max channels as well HBO Originals on demand. Being amongst the earliest supporters of Astro, HBO content has helped drive engagement for on demand viewing amongst our connected customers. The latest collaboration further enables Astro to unlock thousands of assets comprising both Hollywood movies and HBO Originals from around the world across all Astro platforms and soon on HBO GO.”
In Asia, HBO GO is currently available in Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore and will be launching in more Asian territories soon.
HBO GO Features And Upcoming Programme Highlights
HBO GO is also enabled with download capabilities, allowing subscribers to have the flexibility of catching their favourite HBO Original programmes (from the U.S. and Asia) and movies, on-the-go, without an internet connection. HBO GO also includes the Live TV streaming capability where the HBO channel, will be available live and in simulcast as the broadcast channel.
The new platform’s arrival is timely for fans of GAME OF THRONES, who will be able to stream and watch episodes from the last and final season same time as the U.S. every Monday morning at 9am in May. Other upcoming HBO Original content streamed same time as the U.S. include CHERNOBYL (premiering 7 May at 9am) and BIG LITTLE LIES 2 (premiering 10 June 9am). Subscribers will also get to watch other series such as GENTLEMAN JACK and THE HANDMAID’S TALE, shown exclusively on HBO GO.
Besides carrying full seasons of previous HBO Originals such as THE SOPRANOS, BAND OF BROTHERS, ENTOURAGE, THE NEWSROOM and SEX AND THE CITY, blockbuster hits such as READY PLAYER ONE, RAMPAGE, WONDER WOMAN, JUSTICE LEAGUE, JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM and MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT are also available on HBO GO. For families and kids, a vast library of popular and beloved family-friendly series including WE BARE BEARS, THE POWERPUFF GIRLS and SESAME STREET can be found on HBO GO.
Technical Specifications and Other Features of HBO GO
The HBO GO App can be downloaded from App Store or Google Play and can be used on any mobile and tablet devices running on iOS and Android. On computers, users can access HBO GO on their web browsers via the URL, https://www.hbogoasia.com/. HBO GO also has Airplay and Chromecast functionalities.
Other features available on HBO GO include:
- Improved content discovery with the Watchlist feature where users can create a personalised list of shows or movies to watch while they are available on HBO GO.
- Parental Control feature that enables parents to restrict their children’s access to certain types of content depending on the selected age guidance.
- To ensure an optimal viewing experience on HBO GO, all content on HBO GO will be offered in true HD quality where available (subject to available bandwidth).
- The Video Continuity feature allows users to continue where they left off even when they switch between registered devices.
- Multi-language subtitles and audio tracks are available for selected series and movies.