HBO Max is planning to launch its services in Southeast Asia and India, but when will the streaming platform release and how much will it cost?
The streaming industry is dominated by a handful of platforms, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and Disney Plus most notably.
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| HBO Max Test Prices Leaked Online, Ahead of Launch in India |
However, one of the biggest streaming launches of the past few years was the incredibly popular service from Warner Media, HBO Max.
The platform was launched in North America in May 2020, before being made available in Latin America and the Caribbean in June 2021.
Now, new reports are circulating on social media that HBO Max will be launching in Southeast Asia and India, with the platform’s subscription packages and test prices being ‘leaked’ online.
#HBOMax launch in India:
— BINGED (@Binged_) September 9, 2021
When it does happen, will popular #HBO shows such as #GameOfThrones & #TheSopranos be available in dubbed versions of Indian languages?
A feature not available for these shows on #DisneyPlusHotstar...
Our take 👇https://t.co/nEzGlBwwdp
HBO MAX MAKES PLANS TO LAUNCH ACROSS ASIA…
In June 2021, Warner Media announced that plans had been made for HBO Max to launch across Southeast Asia and India.
The press release detailed that Amit Malhotra would be joining the company as Managing Director for HBO Max in the region, who had previously been the regional lead for Disney’s expansion in Southeast Asia.
Warner Media also shared the locations where HBO Max is planned to be accessible from: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and India – with future developments also being planned for Vietnam.
“I am delighted to be part of the incredible team at WarnerMedia in Asia as we look at bringing HBO Max to this region. With a focus on consumers our goal will be to bring all of these brands [DC Universe, HBO and Cartoon Network] and content together in an exciting new world class streaming experience as we move into the future with HBO Max.” – Amit Malhotra, via Warner Media.
WHEN WILL HBO MAX LAUNCH IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND INDIA?
According to reports, HBO Max is targeting a launch window for Southeast Asia and India for May 2022.
However, fans patiently waiting for the streaming service should note that this has not been officially confirmed by either HBO Max or Warner Media.
It should also be noted that the service may not launch in all the targeted territories at the same time, with HBO Max likely releasing the platform over a number of months in order to maintain a positive launch.
Interestingly, 2022 could be a massive year for the platform if HBO Max as the service already has plans to launch in the Nordic nations and Spain, followed by Portugal, Central and Eastern Europe.
HOW MUCH WILL HBO MAX INDIA COST?
At the time of writing, HBO Max has not officially confirmed either the subscription plans that will be available or how much they will cost when the platform launches in India.
However, on September 7th, reports started to circulate online that HBO Max would launch with three subscription plans (Ad-supported, Mobile and Standard) starting at just Rs 69 per month.
The ‘Ad-supported’ package would provide content in standard definition across all devices and cost only Rs 69 each month. This package would not disable advertisement when using the platform and content would be a “late release” i.e. only launching series after the whole season concluded and one year after a movies theatrical debut.
The ‘mobile’ plan would be advertisement free but would only be available through mobile and tablet devices for Rs 139 per month. Similarly, episodes would only be launched two to three weeks after their international broadcast, with cinema titles premiering six months after the theatrical debut.
Finally, the ‘standard’ plan would provide the complete package: Ultra HD quality, advertisement free, the early release of content across all devices for Rs 329 a month.
However, HBO Max would then respond to these ‘leaks’ and explain that these packages/prices were not official, originating from in-house testing.
“We routinely conduct market research with consumers in countries around the world that test a wide range of possible offers and price points for our services. Those being reported that suggest a future launch of HBO Max in India are amongst many being tested and evaluated and do not reflect any current plans.” HBO Max statement, via The Indian Express.
This article will be updated with the official package plans and prices as soon as Warner Media or HBO Max confirm their details.
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