Introducing Max’s SharePlay: A Revolutionary Way to Watch Content Together
In the age of digital streaming, the joy of watching movies and TV shows with loved ones has taken a hit. Whether it’s the desire to rewatch childhood classics like Barbie or indulge in the latest episodes of House of Dragon, sharing these moments with friends and family members has become challenging, especially if you’re not in the US. However, Max, the popular streaming service, is here to grant your wish.
Max has now rolled out global support for SharePlay, a groundbreaking feature that allows you to watch content in sync with others over FaceTime or within Messages. This exciting addition to Max’s repertoire comes as no surprise, as it was one of the features missing from the platform since its inception. Other streaming services, such as Disney Plus, have already incorporated similar group-watching capabilities, giving Max a run for its money.
Initially, SharePlay was introduced on HBO Max after a significant redesign in 2022 – one of the platform’s most substantial updates to date. Now, Max is expanding its availability to more subscribers, enabling them to initiate a FaceTime call while browsing content. Once you’ve done this, you’ll notice a new option under the ‘Share’ menu – SharePlay. From there, you can easily send invitations for a FaceTime call or a message, inviting your friends and family members to join you in watching.
However, there is a catch – you need to be subscribed to either Max’s Ad-Free or Ultimate Ad-Free tiers in order to utilize SharePlay. So, unfortunately, if you’re on Max with Ads, you won’t be able to take advantage of this new feature. Additionally, everyone you invite to watch must also be on one of the supported tiers. Lastly, SharePlay requires the use of an Adult Profile and a supported Apple device.
Despite these requirements, SharePlay offers an incredible opportunity to bridge the distance between friends and family members who are eager to watch the same content. The process of starting a SharePlay session is straightforward and hassle-free.
To use SharePlay on Max, simply open the Max app on your iPhone or iPad and browse for a title you’d like to watch together. Once you’ve found it, select the content, click on the ‘Share’ option, and then choose ‘SharePlay’. Next, select the desired contacts from your list and decide whether you want to initiate a FaceTime call or use Messages. If you opt for FaceTime, a call will be initiated, and all participants will be notified. On the other hand, if you choose Messages, an iMessage invitation will be sent out to your selected contacts.
Once the SharePlay session begins and playback starts, all participants in the call or session can control play or pause, fast-forward or rewind, and adjust the volume. Additionally, if you’re on a FaceTime call, the audio from the call will be mixed with the show or movie, creating an immersive and interactive experience.
But SharePlay doesn’t stop there; it also provides an extraordinary feature for Apple Vision Pro users. If you’re watching a title over SharePlay with someone using the $3,500 Spatial Computer, you can watch “together” through ‘Spatial Personas’. This takes the group-watching experience to another level, allowing users to feel connected even when physically apart. I’ve personally used this feature to watch titles on Apple TV Plus and even for 3D playthroughs of battleships – and let me tell you, it’s pretty cool.
In conclusion, Max’s SharePlay is a game-changer in the world of streaming services. It provides a unique and immersive way to watch content together, regardless of geographical distance. While there are some limitations in terms of subscription tiers and supported devices, SharePlay opens up a world of possibilities for virtual movie nights and TV show marathons with loved ones. So, if you’re ready to bridge the gap between you and your friends or family members and enjoy your favorite content together, give SharePlay a try. You won’t be disappointed.
And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to Max’s SharePlay and all the amazing features it has to offer. If you’re interested in exploring Max further or discovering the latest titles available on the platform, be sure to check out TechRadar’s guide to the best streaming services. Happy streaming and enjoy your virtual watch parties!
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