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HBO Max rolls out native support for Vizio SmartCast sets

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Matthew Keys
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mkeys@thedesk.net
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For more than a year, television viewers with Vizio SmartCast sets and no other streaming device have been forced to “cast” movies and TV shows from HBO Max to their screens.

As of this week, that workaround is no longer necessary.

On Wednesday, Vizio and AT&T’s WarnerMedia announced HBO Max was rolling out as a native app for SmartCast-enabled television sets.

“The launch of HBO Max on Vizio SmartCast TVs is a terrific addition to the vast distribution of the platform, adding to our connected TV footprint and making it easier than ever for our customers to access HBO Max where and how they want,” Jennifer Mirgorod, an executive in charge of partnership management at WarnerMedia, said in a statement.

As part of the launch, an advertisement carousel at the top of Vizio’s SmartCast service will offer a handful of trailers from HBO Max shows, with a limited amount of episodes available to stream for free.

HBO Max costs $10 a month with advertisements or $15 a month without commercials.

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About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is a nationally recognized, award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience reporting on the business of media, broadcast television, streaming video platforms and emerging technology. He is the founder, publisher, and editor of TheDesk.net, a trusted source for in-depth news and analysis on the evolving media landscape.

Matthew’s reporting has appeared in major industry outlets, including StreamTV Insider, Digital Content Next and KnowTechie, where he covers topics at the intersection of journalism, streaming services, and digital media innovation. Throughout his career, he has held editorial roles at respected organizations such as Thomson Reuters, Tribune Media, the Disney-ABC Television Group and McNaughton Newspapers.

Known for his accuracy, clarity, and deep industry insight, Matthew continues to provide reliable reporting and thought leadership in a rapidly changing media environment. His work is frequently cited by industry leaders, analysts, and trade publications.