ShowMax, an African subscription video-on-demand service that launched in Kenya in October 2016, has grown in popularity over the past few months. The concept of video-on-demand is still new in the Kenyan market, but with ShowMax and Seacom partnering to have caching servers in Kenya, it’s going to get even better with faster loading times on the way.
Want to get in on the action? Today, we share five things about the video streaming service that you probably didn’t know.
You can watch two different shows or movies at the same time
Your ShowMax Premium subscription allows you to watch on two devices simultaneously. This means that you could be watching Arrow on your Smart TV and your roommate can watch Real Housewives of Kawangware on their phone, using the same account, at the same time. ShowMax also remembers the progress of your recently watched content across devices, which means you can start watching on one device, then pick up where you left off on another.
There are so many ways to access ShowMax on the go
Speaking of accessing ShowMax on multiple devices, the ShowMax service is available on the following platforms:
- Web browsers
- Android devices including phones, tablets and Smart TVs (running Android 4.1 or higher)
- iPhone/iPad (running iOS 8.4 or higher)
- Apple TV (4th Generation)
- Samsung Smart TVs (2012 and later)
- Samsung Tizen Smart TVs (2015 and later)
- LG NetCast Smart TVs (2012 to 2014)
- LG WebOS Smart TVs (2014 and later)
- AirPlay
- Google Cast (casting from the ShowMax app for Android or iOS)
There are two pricing options, and different ways to pay
ShowMax has two packages that are available locally in Kenya: ShowMax Select and ShowMax Premium.
ShowMax Select gives you selected international and local content – more than 3,000 shows – that you can choose to stream or download, and is optimised for mobile, so you can watch in SD (Standard Definition) on your smartphone without using loads of data.
ShowMax Premium, on the other hand, has the full international and local catalogue of over 12,000 shows, lets you stream on two different devices at the same time, lets you download up to 25 shows to watch offline through the ShowMax app, and you’ll also get HD, high-quality streaming, perfect for Smart TVs or your computer.
ShowMax Select costs KES.330 per month and is only payable through M-PESA, while ShowMax Premium costs KES.880 per month and is payable via M-PESA, credit card or PayPal.
You’ll be in control of your data usage
As mentioned earlier, ShowMax has signed an agreement with Seacom to have caching servers of their shows in Kenya. This means that the streaming quality and speeds are set to improve for local users. It still depends on the speed and quality of your fixed internet connection, but having the servers on our doorstep brings us one step closer to crisp, full-quality picture with no buffering.
Wondering if your internet connection will hold up to streaming? ShowMax recommends a minimum connection speed of 2MB per second (Mbps) to stream at all, but an uncapped 4Mbps connection or faster will give you the best viewing experience.
And for those who watch on their smartphones, the ShowMax app includes an option to cap bandwidth, so you can control the amount of data you use while streaming.
Plus, you’ll pay way less for data through exclusive deals when you sign up for ShowMax via Safaricom.
Parental control is easy-peasy thanks to family profiles
Users can create multiple ShowMax profiles (up to 11) for the members of their household under a single account. Each profile has its own watch lists and personalised recommendations based on viewing behaviour. Profiles have a parental control level to filter out content above the age limit you’ve set, and an optional PIN to manage access. Users can switch between profiles using the account menu on the website or the side menu in the mobile app.
You create a profile by following these simple steps:
- On the web or mobile apps, select “My Account” then “Profiles”
- Select “Add Profile” (or select a profile to edit)
- Enter a profile name
- Enter an optional numeric PIN – whenever this profile is selected, you’ll have to enter this PIN
- Select a parental control level – “Adults” is the default
Does this sound like exactly what your family needs? Take a look at showmax.com to find out more, and sign up to get a 14-day free trial »
