The apps for HBO Now, HBO’s over-the-top streaming service on both iOS and Android platforms have been updated with support for Google’s Chromecast. For the dummies, Chromecast is Google’s streaming stick, retails for a mere $35, and with the right phone model, has the capability to stream the screen straight to your TV – support or no support from an app. So phones like the Nexus 5 and OnePlus One were casting their screens to TV even without HBO Now’s support.
Initially, HBO Now, which is a $14.99 streaming service, was exclusive to Apple. Not too far back, the only devices supporting the app were the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple TV. With the exclusivity window coming to an end, however, the app was introduced on the Android platform, and now gets Chromecast compatibility to allow TV streaming.
The latest update of the app also gets push notifications, probably to alert its users about new content, for e.g. the upcoming episodes of their favourite shows. HBO Now, apart from Android and iOS platform, is also available for the Amazon’s Fire tablets and will soon be available on the Fire TV boxes also.
The company first announced its intent to bring the app to Google Play at Google I/O in May, while also making clear that the support for Chromecast will be included.
Get streaming, then, though those with screencasting feature for Chromecast on their phones would likely not even care.