While Roku devices natively support Google Cast and Amazon Fire TV can with a third-party app, the HBO Max App has blocked Casting to Roku streaming players and Fire TV devices.
The two platforms make up nearly 80 million active streamers, which will leave many in a lurch. Two notable missing supported platforms are Amazon Fire TV and Roku. When HBO Max launched on March 15th, it was available on Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Xbox, PS4, Samsung Smart TV, iOS, Android, and your computer.
In a letter to customers (a full copy is below), Roku said they are “disappointed that HBO will no longer give its customers access to HBO GO - and that HBO is taking this action at a time when so many people are at home.” Those who signed-up for HBO through services like Verizon Fios, Frontier, Google Fiber, Hulu, and Prime Video Channels will be able to access HBO NOW on Roku. If you already created a HBO Max account, you may be able to use your log-in to access HBO Now. That means in order for cable customers (and those who subscribed via Roku) will have to access HBO content through their cable company’s platform. WarnerMedia will be replacing HBO NOW with a rebranded HBO App, but cable authentication isn’t supported. Unfortunately, for Roku users, since HBO Max is not yet available on the service, streamers who get HBO through their cable company won’t be able to access HBO very easily. Earlier this month, HBO announced that they would be sunsetting HBO GO on July 31st and migrating those users to a new HBO App (in addition to the HBO Max App).