ShowMax has added download functionality for iPhones and iPads. This feature,
which is also available for Android devices, allows users to store TV shows and
movies on their mobile devices for viewing while offline and is designed to address
local internet connectivity conditions.
ShowMax added new functionality to address one of the major hurdles facing South
African consumers: the cost and availability of internet connectivity.
Internet TV services are taking off worldwide and changing the way people consume
video entertainment.
“The internet connection is the challenge for many South Africans’ said ShowMax
South Africa general manager, John Kotsaftis.
“Not everyone has fast internet access throughout the day or can afford to stream
using a mobile connection. The beauty of this new download feature is that as long
as you’re connected at some point, perhaps using a public Wi-Fi hotspot, at work, or
a night-time mobile data bundle, then you can still use ShowMax to get shows and
movies,’ added Kotsaftis.
This functionality was added for Android devices in December 2015 and has now
been extended to iOS devices. Up to a combined total of 25 TV shows and movies
can be downloaded using the ShowMax app on tablets and smartphones. Content
stored on these devices is available for up to 30 days, and once viewing of a
particular show or movie has started, the user has a 48 hour window to finish
watching. Content can be downloaded more than once.
Speaking about why ShowMax decided to tailor its service for South Africa,
Kotsaftis said: “We don’t subscribe to the one-size-fits-all mentality. South Africa
isn’t a carbon copy of the rest of the world – we don’t have the same connectivity
options as other countries and we don’t necessarily want exactly the same content.
We introduced vouchers at major retailers so you don’t need a credit card, and
we’ve added downloads so you can still use ShowMax even if you don’t have the
best internet connection. It’s all about giving local consumers what they need.’
In order to access the new download functionality, iPhone and iPad users need to
update their ShowMax app via the app store.
