Google starts selling HBO programming on Play store

HBO has started to offer some of its popular television shows as downloads, through Google Play. The cable channel has added its programming to Google's online store in a similar way to its offering on iTunes, which it has done so for a considerable amount of time, but it appears that only those in the United States will be able to purchase episodes.

Pricing of programs ranges from $2 to $3 per episode or up to $4 in HD, reports Engadget, with entire seasons costing between $19 and 29 each. The first shows will include True Blood, Veep, Game of Thrones, and Boardwalk Empire, the programs that could be considered HBO's most popular content, though Google says  that more films,  series, and documentaries will be added over the next few months."

Aside from show downloads, HBO's programming is available through its HBO GO app. While they currently only offers access to streaming via the app to subscribers of qualifying cable packages, HBO is still exploring the possibility of offering the use of the app to broadband customers, adding some extra charge to the bill from the Internet service provider. The broadcaster’s content, specifically Game of Thrones, has  also been heavily pirated online, giving it at one time the dubious accolade as the most pirated television show, something the channel accepts as "a compliment of sorts."