Key Highlights
- Showmax has launched its new platform, Showmax 2.0, following a strategic partnership with NBC Universal. The relaunch includes fresh pricing, an updated logo, and a revamped user interface.
- The new platform introduces a standalone Premier League mobile plan, offering all 380 games live for just KES 500 a month, targeting Africa’s massive football fan base.
- Despite the improvements, Showmax 2.0 does not support 4K streaming yet, but has enhanced its service to support 1080p quality.
- Showmax 2.0 will produce over 1,300 hours of original content this year, marking a 150% increase from the previous year. The content lineup includes 21 new Showmax Originals set to launch in February alone, along with a plethora of series and films from Paramount and HBO.
Showmax has relaunched with a new platform, updated pricing, logo, and user interface. This comes after Comcast’s NBC Universal acquired a strategic stake, making Showmax part of the media giant’s streaming portfolio.
What changes can users expect from Showmax 2.0 across Africa?
A Fresh Look and Enhanced User Experience
The relaunch of Showmax brings a fresh look with an updated logo and a revamped user interface. These changes aim to enhance the streaming experience for users across Africa.
Powered by Peacock’s Robust Streaming Technology
The new Showmax leverages Peacock’s acclaimed streaming infrastructure, recognized for smoothly delivering live and video on-demand content even for massive events.
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This technology recently won an Emmy for sports viewing innovation – crucial for Showmax 2.0’s standalone Premier League soccer plan.
Cheaper Mobile Subscription for Premier League Fans
Football fans can now enjoy all 380 Premier League matches live for just KES 500 monthly. This affordable mobile offering taps into Africa’s huge football followership and widespread phone usage, widening access to premium sports content.
For added value, Showmax users can bundle the Premier League mobile plan with an Entertainment package subscription.
The mobile-only Entertainment bundle costs KES 700 monthly when paired with the KES 500 Premier League games, while the option to view entertainment content on any device raises the total to KES 1,000.
Note: It’s important to note that regardless of the Entertainment plan selected, the Premier League games themselves are still only accessible on mobile devices. This football streaming component of the bundles remains exclusive to phones under the current packages.
Enhanced 1080p Streaming Quality
While 4K capability is absent currently, Showmax 2.0 does upgrade to full 1080p streaming. This aligns with realistic market conditions in Africa presently, where 4K adoption still has room to grow.
Showmax 2.0 prioritizes features and pricing tailored specifically for African markets. MultiChoice CEO Calvo Mawela affirms “Nobody understands Africa like we do,” as the revamped streaming service sets out to redefine entertainment across the continent.
Significant Price Drops for Showmax in Kenya
The revamped Showmax cuts prices substantially. The Entertainment package now costs KES 650 monthly, reduced from KES 760 previously. The lower pricing boosts Showmax’s competitiveness in Africa’s streaming landscape.
Rollout Timeline for Showmax 2.0
The updated Showmax app goes live from January 23rd 2024, starting with Kenya. The transition across 44 African countries is expected to conclude by February, with existing users eased through the changeover process.
Also Read: Netflix free plan in Kenya coming to an end November 1st
Over 1,300 Hours of New Showmax Originals
Alongside the technical improvements, Showmax 2.0 also amps up original productions by 150% compared to 2023. 21 new Showmax Originals premieres are slated just for February, spanning local African narratives to major franchise releases.
Additionally, the NBCUniversal and Sky deals unlock top-tier international films and series like “Fast X”, “Asteroid City”, “House of the Dragon” season 2, and more.
