HBO has posted a new YouTube video that teases an upgrade to its HBO Go service, which will allow subscribers to stream HBO shows and movies to their iPad, laptops, and smartphones.
The service will provide "instant and unlimited access to the best that HBO has to offer. Get every episode of every season of your favorite HBO shows, plus hit movies and much more," according to the video (below).
The video says the service will be free to all subscribers and provide streaming to the iPad, as well as laptops and smartphones. An HBO spokeswoman said the app will support iOS and most devices running Android 2.1 and higher. BlackBerry and Windows Phone 7 will not be supported at this time, but "we are actively looking at all platforms," the spokeswoman said.
The clip also says access will be available "wherever you are," and HBO confirmed that subscribers can access content over 3G and Wi-Fi, so viewing is not restricted to the home. The end of the video also flashes 5.02.11, so keep an eye on the Apple App Store and Android app stores come May 2.
HBO has an iOS app, though it currently only provides access to clips, more information about the channel's shows and scheduling, as well as the ability to purchase HBO shows via iTunes.
HBO Go, meanwhile, first launched in February 2010 with Verizon FiOS. It allowed subscribers to watch HBO content via the Internet, and has since expanded to AT&T U-Verse and DirecTV, as well as beta versions for Cox Communications and Suddenlink.
HBO first announced plans to stream its content to portable devices in August, and said it would have it available within six months.
HBO has thus far refused to allow its content on Netflix's streaming service, which offers access to its Watch Instantly library on iOS devices. Netflix has expanded its streaming library of late, and in March, it announced plans for its own original series, which will start airing in 2012. In announcing the series, Netflix took a dig at HBO, noting that "gripping, serialized one-hour drama, such as 'Heroes,' 'Lost,' 'Dexter,' and 'Weeds,' has become a very important part of the Netflix experience and over the years, we've been able to add these shows from many different channels, with the notable exception of HBO."
In the wake of that announcement, Showtime said it would no longer provide some of its original programming to Netflix. Starz also delayed the Netflix debut of "Camelot" for 90 days.
Editor's Note: This story was updated at 2:15pm Eastern with comment from HBO.