HBO Max exec admits to the app’s early flaws

Viewers have long complained about the early HBO Max app’s tendency to crash, and its lack of discoverability features. There have been a number of overhauls and fixes since then. Now we know why. Turns out that HBO Max launched its apps before they were ready in order to keep up with its competitors. The app was “never intended to go global” or to suit the needs of a direct-to-consumer market, according to an interview that Sarah Lyons, HBO Max’s head of product experience, gave Protocol. The network wanted to build an audience first, and then fix the app’s flaws as the service scaled up.While Lyons admits that the early days of HBO Max were rocky, she thinks the company made the right decision. We’ve been changing out the engine of the plane while we’re flying the plane,” she said. “I do think it was the right decision to try to balance both,” said Lyons.HBO Max first released its app in May 2020, to join an already saturated streaming ecosystem that included Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV+ and others. At the time, both HBO Go (the network’s on-demand app for cable subscribers) and HBO Now (the standalone app for cord-cutters) were still available, a fact that confused many subscribers. The network has since retired both apps.Viewers have flocked to Reddit since the app’s initial launch with complaints that spanned platforms and devices. “We’ve been trying to watch the Harry Potter movies and literally every 15 min or so we get an ERROR message and have to force close... Continue reading at 'Engadget'

[ Engadget | 2022-04-14 23:32:58 UTC ]

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J.K. Rowling: Dumbledore 'was the ... hardest to leave'

In a video on 'Good Morning America' celebrating the 15th anniversary of the release of the 'Harry Potter' books in the US, Rowling singles out Dumbledore as the 'Potter' character she misses the most.  Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2013-08-29 00:00:00 UTC ]
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'The Bone Season': the new book earning 'Harry Potter' comparisons

Debut author Samantha Shannon has received plenty of pre-release buzz for her novel 'The Bone Season,' which comes out today. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2013-08-21 00:00:00 UTC ]
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'Harry Potter' fans share many political views, says survey

A new book by a University of Vermont professor found that 'Harry Potter' fans have similar views on political topics – with a large majority in opposition to the George W. Bush administration. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2013-08-17 00:00:00 UTC ]
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'Harry Potter' new covers will grace trade paperback versions as of Aug. 27

The new 'Harry Potter' covers, by artist and writer Kazu Kibuishi, were created to honor the 15th anniversary of the US publication of 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.' Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2013-08-15 00:00:00 UTC ]
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'Harry Potter' celebration at Universal Orlando will include cast Q&As, wand lessons

'A Celebration of Harry Potter' is scheduled for this January. Will it include a look at the new portion of the 'Wizarding World' park? Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2013-08-14 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Happy birthday, Harry Potter! A look back at Harry's special days

The birthday of Harry Potter falls on July 31 (which also happens to be the birthday of J.K Rowling). In the Potter universe, the days are usually eventful ones. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2013-08-01 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Bing updates autosuggest categories, gussies up your vague search parameters

Having a hard time finding something on the internet? You're probably doing it wrong -- at least that seems to be Microsoft's supposition. The company has recently revised its Bing autosuggest categories to help users find the correct search parameters for the content they're looking for. The... Continue reading at Engadget

[ Engadget | 2013-07-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Harry Potter's Diagon Alley: visit on Google Street View

Google has added images of the Diagon Alley set from the 'Harry Potter' movies to its Street View function, allowing users to virtually walk through the magical shopping center. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2013-07-18 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Record price for Harry Potter book

A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone with annotations and drawings by JK Rowling sells for a record £150,000. Continue reading at BBC News

[ BBC News | 2013-05-22 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Capturing More User Info in a Less Creepy Way

Given today’s digital privacy minefield, publishers and advertisers must find ways to get information from their audiences without creeping them out. Many have turned to social login tools, like Facebook Connect and more recently Google+ Sign-In, that let users easily consent to port their... Continue reading at AdWeek

[ AdWeek | 2013-05-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Harry Potter to flatten Gibson Amphitheatre, Curious George playland

Universal Studios in Hollywood will raze the 41-year-old Gibson Amphitheatre to make way for its coming Harry Potter attraction, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Studios in Hollywood will raze the 41-year-old Gibson Amphitheatre to make way for its coming Harry Potter attraction,... Continue reading at Los Angeles Times

[ Los Angeles Times | 2013-04-25 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Harry Potter gets all-new covers for paperback anniversary editions

Kazu Kibuishi, writer and illustrator of the 'Amulet' graphic novel series, created seven new covers for paperback editions of the 'Harry Potter' novels, to be released on the 15th anniversary of the series. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2013-02-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Is a new 'Harry Potter' short film in the works?

'Harry Potter' cast members are reportedly filming a short movie that will be screened at the franchise's theme parks. What will the new film show? Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2012-12-13 00:00:00 UTC ]
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You Can’t Wrap an E-Book

It used to be easy to give your loved ones books for the holidays. You went to a bookstore, browsed the shelves , and picked out something thoughtful: Jodi Picoult’s latest for your mom, Harry Potter for your niece, maybe a Bill O’Reilly rant for that uncle who never shuts up at Thanksgiving.  ... Continue reading at Slate

[ Slate | 2012-11-29 00:00:00 UTC ]
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The Casual Vacancy: a radical departure for Rowling

First, this is not Harry Potter. Those hoping for a dusting of Dumbledore, a sprinkling of Snape... Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2012-09-27 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Will J.K. Rowling return to Harry Potter?

J. K. Rowling says she'd need a 'fabulous idea' to go back to the world of Harry Potter. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2012-09-26 00:00:00 UTC ]
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J.K. Rowling is 'Casual,' yet not

Her first post-Harry Potter book is a work of adult fiction, but its release follows an earlier playbook: It's been kept from prying eyes. Mystery ensues.J.K. Rowling wrote "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" as a single mum on the dole. Seven books, 4,100 pages and a blockbuster film... Continue reading at Los Angeles Times

[ Los Angeles Times | 2012-09-26 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Children's literature is a fast-growing genre thanks to 'Potter' & Co.

The success of 'Harry Potter, 'Twilight' and other has created a halo effect for the entire genre. And kids aren't the only ones doing it.For years, the book industry has been mired in debates about the plight of independent booksellers, the rise of Amazon and the fate of print as it struggles... Continue reading at Los Angeles Times

[ Los Angeles Times | 2012-08-26 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Sony Reader gets a new design, Evernote integration and a free Harry Potter book for $129

In the market for a new e-reader? One could certainly do worse than Sony's Reader line. The company's been packing features onto its devices, and the already leaked latest entry is no different, with upgrades over its predecessor, packed into a newly redesigned body with bigger, better looking... Continue reading at Engadget

[ Engadget | 2012-08-16 00:00:00 UTC ]
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'Fifty Shades of Grey' is bestselling book ever in Britain

'Fifty Shades of Grey' has passed the 'Harry Potter' books and 'The Da Vinci Code' to become the country's bestselling book. Continue reading at The Christian Science Monitor

[ The Christian Science Monitor | 2012-08-10 00:00:00 UTC ]
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