Max Introduces AI-Picked Autoplaying Video Previews
▼ Summary
– Max (soon rebranded as HBO Max) is introducing auto-playing video previews when users hover over content, currently rolling out in the US.
– An upcoming AI tool will soon identify “standout” scenes from Max’s catalog to streamline the selection of preview clips.
– Warner Bros. Discovery’s CTO stated the AI will reduce manual effort in curating previews for Max’s vast content library.
– Users will have the option to disable audio or video in the autoplaying previews, similar to Netflix’s feature.
– Max’s interface was updated in January, moving menu options to the left, with an official rebrand to HBO Max planned for summer.
Max is rolling out a new feature that automatically plays video previews when users hover over titles, marking another step in the ongoing evolution of streaming platforms. The update, currently available to U.S. subscribers, introduces AI-assisted clip selection designed to highlight key moments from shows and movies.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming service plans to enhance the feature in the coming weeks with an AI-powered tool that identifies standout scenes from its extensive library. According to Avi Saxena, the company’s chief technology officer, this technology will streamline the process of curating previews, reducing the need for manual selection. The goal is to create engaging “drop-in moments” that capture viewer interest quickly.
Users will see these previews when hovering over content tiles, with options to mute audio or disable autoplay entirely, a familiar setup for Netflix subscribers. The move follows Max’s recent interface overhaul, which shifted navigation options to the left side of the screen, diverging from Netflix’s upcoming redesign.
Another significant change is on the horizon: Max will officially revert to the HBO Max branding later this summer, completing a full-circle transition for the platform. These updates reflect the competitive streaming landscape, where services continually refine features to keep audiences engaged.
(Source: The Verge)
