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