HBO Max Introduces AI-Powered Autoplay Video Previews for US Users

Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming service, Max, which will soon revert to its former name, HBO Max, is introducing a new feature that automatically plays video previews when users hover over shows and movies. This enhancement is currently being rolled out to users in the United States. The video previews are designed to give viewers a quick taste of the content, helping them make more informed decisions about what to watch next. However, Max isn't stopping there. In the coming weeks, the company plans to deploy an AI-assisted tool that will identify standout scenes from its extensive catalog of shows and movies. These selected scenes will then be curated by the human team for inclusion in the video previews. According to Avi Saxena, Warner Bros. Discovery’s Chief Technology Officer, this AI-driven technology will significantly streamline the process of creating engaging previews. In a press release, Saxena stated, “This AI-driven technology will enable us to identify Drop-in Moments for the vast catalog of content on Max, significantly reducing the manual time needed to curate previews.” To further enhance user control and comfort, the streaming service will also offer options to turn off both audio and video in the autoplaying content, similar to what Netflix already provides. This flexibility allows users to tailor their browsing experience, ensuring that the feature doesn't disrupt their workflow or environment. The rollout of these features underscores Max’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to improve user engagement and satisfaction, making the platform more competitive in the ever-evolving world of streaming entertainment.