One of iOS 9’s most useful features on modern iPads is the ability to playback videos from the Home screen or other apps using picture-in-picture. Video services have to opt-in to supporting PIP, though, so it means App Store apps must be updated before the feature works.
HBO has done just that with their iOS 9 update for iPad, supporting picture-in-picture when you leave the HBO Now app while you’re watching a movie or TV show. The feature is only mentioned in the update for the standalone HBO Now service, however, so the HBO Go version which requires a cable subscription may not support it.
Other apps including Hulu and MLB have also released support for picture-in-picture for iPads on iOS 9; other players like YouTube and Netflix have not.
Both HBO Now and Go do add support for Spotlight search from the Home screen though. This means you can search for a series or film by swiping down from any screen or to the left of your first Home screen and type in title that you want to view.
HBO Go:
HBO Now:
What’s New in Version 3.1.0
• Seamlessly search and engage with premium HBO content using iOS Spotlight Search (compatible with iOS 9 and above). • Enjoy full screen video playback on your iPad. • Experience improved Chromecast User Experience along with better error handling.
HBO Now requires a $14.99/month subscription while HBO Go is available for subscribers using a cable package.
What’s New in Version 1.3.0
– Released compatibility support for iOS 9 – Optimized for accessibility of HBO content in Apple universal spotlight search – Introduced Picture in Picture functionality – Miscellaneous bug fixes and stability improvements
