Many HBO fans were thrilled when the cable channel announced that it would be launching a standalone, premium streaming service for those who don't feel like paying for an entire cable TV package just to watch Game of Thrones. Now, it seems like the service is quickly nearing release, as an internal HBO memo mentions an April 2015 target launch.
TMNT Is Planning The Return Of Bebop And Rocksteady
The internal HBO memo that talked about plans for Maui, the service's codename, was published over on Fortune. The content of the memo is actually about how HBO has chosen to halt in-house work on the streaming service and begin outsourcing the actual development of the service to MLB Advanced, a company that already has plenty of experience running similar streaming platforms.
The decision to cancel the in-house development was, according to the memo, made to keep the service's planned April release date without having to compromise on the scope of the project. The April launch corresponds with the debut of the fifth season of Game of Thrones, which makes the whole timeline make sense. There's no better way to convince customers to sign up for your new streaming service than by giving them new episodes to stream of your most popular program.
Sony Leaks Reveal That Marvel Is Trying To Get Spider-Man Into The MCU
Because of the decision to stop the work being done at HBO on the Maui project, HBO's chief technology officer Otto Berkes has since resigned. Not all work from Maui will be wasted, though. HBO's internal memo mentions that as much work as possible from Maui will be folded into HBO's current streaming service for cable subscribers, HBO GO.
(Thanks, Engadget)
