HBO Max to offer at least 6,000 hours of described content by March 2023
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HBO Max has big plans for 2021, as the streaming giant is ready to implement lots of major enhancements to its service. One of the first important changes coming to HBO Max this week is aimed at visually impaired users.
Starting this week, HBO Max will roll out newly 1,500 hours of audio described content on the web and mobile platforms including select HBO originals, Max Originals, Warner Bros movies, and some acquired content, WarnerMedia announced earlier today.
The new feature will run as a separate audio track that offers a verbal description of visual elements on the screen. Apart from that, HBO Max will include a new Audio Description category in the navigation menu.
HBO Max also announced that other improvements to the accessibility will be added this week to the Android and iOS apps for visually impaired users that take advantage of the screen reader software to browse the service’s digital content.
Finally, HBO Max revealed that it will make audio descriptions available across all supported Internet-connected TVs later this year. Also, by March 2022, HBO Max users should expect to get 3,000 hours of described content and at least 6,000 hours by the end of March 2023.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which specific platforms will receive the initial 1,500 hours of audio-described content this week?
Which specific platforms will receive the initial 1,500 hours of audio-described content this week?
The initial 1,500 hours of audio-described content will be rolled out this week on web and mobile platforms. This includes a selection of HBO originals, Max Originals, Warner Bros movies, and some acquired content.
Q.What improvements are planned for accessibility on the Android and iOS apps this week?
What improvements are planned for accessibility on the Android and iOS apps this week?
This week, HBO Max will add improvements to the accessibility features on its Android and iOS apps. These enhancements are specifically for visually impaired users who utilise screen reader software to browse the digital content.
Q.When can users expect audio descriptions to be available on Internet-connected TVs?
When can users expect audio descriptions to be available on Internet-connected TVs?
Audio descriptions will be made available across all supported Internet-connected TVs later this year. This will expand the accessibility feature beyond web and mobile platforms to a wider range of devices.
Q.What is the target for total hours of described content by March 2022?
What is the target for total hours of described content by March 2022?
By March 2022, HBO Max users should expect to have 3,000 hours of described content available. This represents an interim target towards their larger goal for the following year.
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