Press Release: No internet? No problem. Showmax adds download feature

14 December 2015

Press Release: No internet? No problem. Showmax adds download feature

No whimpering here – we’re seeing 2015 out with a bang. Today’s big news is that we’ve added download functionality to the Showmax Android app. At the risk of using hackneyed PR buzzwords, it’s a game-changer for those with limited internet access. Also pretty cool for anyone travelling and looking to keep entertained.

– Richard

Richard Boorman is the head of communications for Showmax

No internet? No problem. Showmax adds download feature

A new download feature has been added to the Showmax Android app, making it possible to save TV shows and movies to tablets and smartphones for viewing offline. This development means that potential viewers won’t be excluded due to having limited internet access. 

14 December 2015

A new feature that allows TV shows and movies to be downloaded and watched while offline has been added to the Showmax Android app. This development is of immediate benefit to commuters and people looking for entertainment while travelling, but it also has the potential to have a much wider impact. Those without access to a suitable internet connection at home, which is a significant barrier to the adoption of streaming video services in Africa, will now be able to store content using WiFi hotspots or other out-of-home connectivity options and then watch at a later point.

Speaking about this development, John Kotsaftis, General Manager of Showmax South Africa said:

“Adding downloads is a bigger deal than it might appear at first glance. Yes, it’s a great way to keep people entertained while travelling to their hometown or to the coast for the summer holidays, but we think the potential impact is much wider.

“Many South Africans are still internet have-nots, and have been excluded from using services like Showmax. While there may not be suitable internet access at home, more and more public WiFi services and other connectivity options are popping up. By adding download functionality we’re enabling people to take advantage of these connections and fill up on some great shows to watch later.”

Up to 25 TV shows and movies in total can be stored at any one point using the app on Android tablets and smartphones, depending on the available storage capacity on the device. The content will be visible for 30 days and once viewing of a particular show or movie has started, it will be available for completion over the next 48 hours. The same content can be downloaded again if needed.

The addition of downloads also gives consumers a way to use data allocated for night-time usage, which is often discounted or given away free with the purchase of data bundles.

“South Africa isn’t the USA or Europe – we have our own unique needs. I’m proud that we’ve developed a home-grown solution that caters for the connectivity challenges in this country. Importantly, I think this is a case that local developments have the potential to open up access to other African markets where internet connectivity is also an issue,” concludes Kotsaftis.

Showmax is also adding download capability to its iOS apps. This is due for release early next year.

To register for Showmax, visit www.showmax.com. A risk-free seven-day trial is available to test the service, which has the largest subscription video catalogue in Africa with more than 20,000 episodes of TV shows and movies. Showmax costs R99 per month. No special equipment is needed to use the service; Showmax is accessible by dedicated apps for Samsung and LG smart TVs, by computer using a web browser, and through dedicated Android and iOS apps for tablets and smartphones.

ENDS

About Showmax

Showmax is an internet-based subscription video on demand service supplying an extensive catalogue of TV shows and movies. By leveraging relationships with major production studios from across the globe, Showmax delivers both world-class international content as well as the best of specialised local content.

Showmax is accessible across a wide range of devices from smart TVs and computers to smartphones and tablets. To experience Showmax, visit www.showmax.com.

For more information contact:

Richard Boorman, Head of Communications
Richard.boorman@showmax.com
+27 82 990 4080
+971 56 477 9627

Original African stories by local talent

Tollie en Manila

Die Tollie & Manila Show

A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Landing 4 November.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
The Station Strangler on Showmax

The Station Strangler

The Station Strangler is a true-crime documentary investigating the serial killer who is believed to have killed 21 young boys and one adult from the late 80s to the mid-90s on the Cape Flats. Stream from 6 November.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Black & Blue on Showmax

Black & Blue S1

Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, lands on 6 November, with new episode every Wednesday.

Original
/images/ke.svgMade in Kenya
Ubuthe Uzobuya on Showmax

Ubuthe Uzobuya

Ubuthe Uzobuya delves into the lives of couples torn apart when one partner abruptly disappears without explanation. Stream from 29 October.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Princess on a Hill is on Showmax

Princess on a Hill

Princess on a Hill is a compelling drama series that explores themes of power, ambition, and the cost of success. Stream from 7 November 2024 on Showmax.

Original
/images/ng.svgMade in Nigeria
Brasse Vannie Kaap on Showmax

Brasse Vannie Kaap

Brasse Vannie Kaap is a documentary about the iconic, game-changing 90s group who helped make hip hop South African. Stream now on Showmax.

Original
/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Soft Life on Showmax

Soft Life

Soft Life follows Owami who enters into the secretive world of high-society companionship. Landing on Showmax soon!

/images/za.svgMade in South Africa
Style Magnate on Showmax

Style Magnate

Style Magnate is a Nigerian Showmax Original following 20 designers vying for a life-changing prize. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.

Original
/images/ng.svgMade in Nigeria
Soft Life, coming to Showmax
My Brother’s Keeper S1 on Showmax