Max, the highly anticipated streaming platform resulting from the merger of HBO Max and Discovery+, launched on May, 23. Offering a wealth of new features and an extensive content library, Max promises an enhanced viewing experience for subscribers.
The Max update will automatically roll out to the apps of the majority of HBO Max subscribers, while some users may receive a prompt to download the updated Max app. The new platform seamlessly migrates existing plan information, profiles, avatars, and settings, including personalized content lists and viewing progress.
Warner Bros. Discovery has established “war rooms” across various locations to closely monitor the launch and ensure a smooth transition for users. Regular app updates are scheduled to roll out in the coming weeks based on customer feedback, with the aim of prioritizing new features and resolving any issues.
Let’s explore the key changes in Max that are reshaping the streaming landscape.
Expanded Content Library
Max, the new streaming service, has made a grand entrance with a massive library of over 35,000 hours of content. This vast content offering surpasses HBO Max’s previous collection and is largely attributed to the addition of hundreds of shows from popular networks such as HGTV, Food Network, Discovery Channel, TLC, ID, and Magnolia Network. Users can now enjoy beloved series like “House Hunters,” “Property Brothers,” “Chopped,” “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” “Say Yes to the Dress,” “Deadliest Catch,” “Fixer Upper,” “Magnolia Table With Joanna Gaines,” and many more.
Enhanced Stability and Video Playback
To ensure a consistent and stable performance across all devices, Max has undergone a complete rebuild of its code base. This new code combines the best elements of both HBO Max and Discovery+, resulting in improved reliability. About 50% of the code is inherited from the predecessor platforms, while the remaining 50% is newly developed. Furthermore, Max introduces an enhanced video playback experience designed to deliver smooth and cinematic video quality.
Streamlined Navigation
Max aims to provide a streamlined user experience with simplified navigation and improved content details. The category organization has been optimized, and users can now discover new TV shows and movies more quickly and effortlessly. While the service no longer carries “HBO” in its name, it features a dedicated HBO tab at the top of the connected TV menu to emphasize its continued inclusion of HBO content. The user interface on TVs has also been streamlined, reducing the number of items in the left-hand rail from 45 to just four (search, home, My Stuff, and settings).
Personalized Recommendations
Max takes personalization to a new level. It introduces a new feature that extend beyond the home screen. Each user profile now receives personalized content recommendations based on their viewing activity. After completing a show or TV season, users will be presented with end-card recommendations, suggesting other content they might enjoy.
New 4K Plan
Max presents three subscription tiers, including a new premium option. The Max Ultimate Ad Free plan ($19.99/month or $199.99/year) offers 4K Ultra HD resolution content, up to four concurrent streams, 100 offline downloads, and immersive audio with Dolby Atmos. Subscribers can enjoy an extensive catalog of over 1,000 movies and TV episodes in stunning 4K quality.
Improved Kids Experience
Max introduces a default kids profile for new subscribers, along with robust parental controls. Parents can limit content by ratings, lock access to adult profiles, and prevent kids from exiting the designated kids’ profile. The default setting allows access only to content with PG and TV-PG ratings or lower.
Improved Download Experience and Expanded Profile Avatars
Max introduces a new download experience to address previous issues with HBO Max’s download functionality, aiming to ensure a reliable and seamless offline viewing experience. Furthermore, Max expands its profile avatar options, offering users over 350 avatars to choose from. These include popular characters from franchises like Harry Potter, The Last of Us, The White Lotus, Peacemaker. As well as avatars from Discovery shows such as Fixer Upper, Diners, Drive-ins & Dives, Beat Bobby Flay, and more.
New Ad Formats and Accessibility Features
The Max With Ads plan continues to offer one of the industry’s lightest ad loads, with a combination of ad formats from HBO Max and Discovery+. These formats include pre-roll ads, mid-roll ads, takeovers, brand blocks, interactive ads, and pause ads. Additionally, Max focuses on accessibility, featuring 6,500 hours of audio descriptive content at launch and supporting screen reader technology on various platforms.
Conclusion
These features solidify Max’s commitment to delivering diverse and inclusive entertainment options for subscribers. During the highly anticipated debut of Max, Warner Bros. Discovery’s new streaming service, a number of users experienced technical glitches, including log-in errors and system crashes. These launch day glitches were reported across multiple platforms, including the Max.com website, mobile apps like iOS, and connected-TV apps on Roku and Samsung TV.