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Google announced it would be expanding its Google Fiber service to those lucky folks down in Austin, Texas by 2014, but today they’re announcing an even more important milestone for its customers: Google Fiber is getting HBO and Cinemax.

That’s right, Google Fiber users – you can now watch Game of Thrones straight from your TV instead of pirating it at blazing-fast speeds now that you can add an HBO package for an additional $20 per month. The package will not only get you HBO, but it also includes HBO2, HBO Signature, HBO Family, HBO Latino, HBO Comedy, and HBO Zone. Cinemax will also be launching today and will offer a similar set of packages for only $10 more per month. For you hardcore cable TV watchers who want every premium channel possible, you could get all of the mentioned additions as well as Starz and Showtime for $40 more per month. (more…)

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: LG Roboking Vacuum Cleaner Is Voice Activated, Flixster App Launched On Xbox 360 With Support For UltraViolet Videos,

While it seems like every network is rolling out its own personal second screen app for tablets and / or phones, over in the UK zeebox has been trying to corner the experience across channels and providers with its app. Available as an app for iOS and Android and also on the web, it brings a customized TV guide, live chat, social network sharing and remote control features to the TV experience, and now it’s come to the US. Other than the typical second screen experience, its main hook is an “OpenBox” API and tags that allow content providers to customize the experience for their viewers… and then sell them stuff like video on-demand or related merchandise.

On this side of the Atlantic zeebox has secured backing from Comcast / NBC Universal, giving it financial and promotional support as well as covering more than 30 networks right away. It also means it can eventually act as a remote control for Comcast users, which may be an advantage over competition like Miso, GetGlue and IntoNow, and can flex its muscles paired with hundreds of shows like The Voice, Notre Dame football and HBO content like True Blood. Out of the box, the app’s social ties and careful metering may be a programmer’s dream as it monitors who is watching what live, but we’ll have to see more of the second screen content come to life if it’s going to catch on socially. A customizable guide (yes, you can hide or reorder channels at will) is a nice touch and so is being able to see what your friends are viewing with Facebook Open Graph and Twitter hooks — but only if they’re actually using it. If you want to check it out, the free apps are linked below and the full press release follows after the break.

Continue reading Zeebox second screen TV companion app crosses over to the US, with a boost from Comcast and HBO

Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Tablets, Software, HD

Zeebox second screen TV companion app crosses over to the US, with a boost from Comcast and HBO originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In a move that should please the hard of hearing and anyone trying to watch a video quietly sans-headphones, the Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for iOS devices have all recently been updated with support for closed captions. The portable apps for HBO and Cinemax got their refresh yesterday along some unspecified enhancements and bug fixes. For Hulu Plus, the update to version 2.6 not only brings a subtitle toggle for English and other languages, where available (on iOS 4.3 and higher), but also sharing via Twitter, Facebook and email, a 10 second rewind button and the usual unspecified other tweaks. Due to its market share Netflix has gotten most of the pressure when it comes to offering captions, but its good to see other streaming options getting on board as well. All the apps are free, even though the services aren’t, hit the source links below to grab the latest versions.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, HD, Mobile

Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for iOS updated with support for closed captions originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 20:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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