HBO Max’s big launch Wednesday went off largely without a hitch. Unlike other streaming launches, there were no major issues of downtime, no widespread app crashes and no outages preventing large numbers of people from upgrading their HBO Now or cable-provided HBO Go account to a one that has HBO Max.  The big question for …

HBO Max — the latest in a parade of streaming services, this one from AT&T’s WarnerMedia — launched Wednesday in the US after months of hype. For some people, helming the rollout of an app with a multibillion-dollar lineup of programming in the middle of a pandemic might be vexing. (Ask Quibi.) But Tony Goncalves, the overseer of HBO Max‘s development, says he’s …

This story is part of CNET at 25, celebrating a quarter century of industry tech and our role in telling you its story. The year 1995 could really be counted as year zero of the digital world we live in today. Amazon, Craigslist and eBay all launched. Microsoft took its first significant plunge into the stirring waters of the World …

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the new normal is to remain productive and connected, even while you and your colleagues all over the world are working from home. But it also raises other questions. How have perceptions about essential versus nonessential tasks changed? How can we make this new reality successful and and how long can we sustain it? Larry …

HBO Max, live Wednesday in the US after months of hype, marks the arrival of yet another major-league streaming service. It has a huge catalog of blockbuster movies and TV hits to watch — superheroes included. It’s trying to entice you with big-budget, exclusive originals. And one of those shows wants to tug at your heartstrings with an adorkable puppet.  …

HBO Max, the HBO-anchored streaming service from AT&T’s WarnerMedia, launched Wednesday without a confirmed deal with Comcast to give a free upgrade to the new service — packed with extra movies and shows — to HBO subscribers on the nation’s biggest cable service.  But Comcast’s Xfinity Twitter account spill the news of a better-late-than-never deal Wednesday, telling the company’s high-tech X1 and Flex customers who subscribe …

Amazon CEO and founder Jeff Bezos on Wednesday addressed a string of firings of activist employees at his company, following heavy criticism of the terminations, including by a group of US senators. “We didn’t fire anyone for speaking out about working conditions,” Bezos said during Amazon’s virtual shareholder meeting Wednesday as part of a Q&A portion. “We support every employee’s …

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday explained how the launch a new cryptocurrency called Libra could help the social network rake in more ad dollars. During the company’s annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday, Zuckerberg was asked how Facebook will make money from Libra, which hasn’t launched yet. Introducing a a new cryptocurrency and other tools such as online shops will …

Instagram is launching new tools on Wednesday aimed at boosting revenue for creators by adding badges to live videos and advertisements on IGTV. The features are currently in a testing phase, and Instagram is limiting them to select creators and businesses, the company said in a release on Wednesday. Badges will show up next to a person’s name during live …

Google on Wednesday said it’s revamping its Maps app with new features aimed at helping consumers connect with local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. One new tool lets people book virtual appointments, like online yoga or cooking classes, along with giving price estimates for the services. Another update lets shops list special hours, like windows specifically designated for seniors or …