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Disney will 'likely' offer a discounted Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu bundle
We haven't heard exactly how much Disney will charge for its streaming service, but at today's investor event its Direct to Consumer president Kevin Mayer announced an interesting note about its plans. Whatever it costs, you will "likely" be able to get a discount once it launches later this year by subscribing to a bundle of Disney+, the ESPN+ internet service and Hulu, which it now has a controlling stake in after the acquisition of Fox. That could be appealing to cord cutters, at the right price and with enough content, but without knowing more about Disney+ we're not sure. We should find out more information about the streaming service in just a few minutes. Update: After several hours, Disney finally revealed the price: $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year.
Hulu's free, ad-powered shows are heading to Pluto TV
Up until now, Hulu has limited free videos to its desktop website and Android devices. But now, thanks to Pluto TV, a startup that offers an internet television service at no cost, Hulu's taking its ad-supported streaming content to more places. According to Variety, Pluto TV landed a deal that gives it access to everything available on Hulu's site, including shows from ABC, NBC, FOX and other TV networks, as well as movies. The partnership is a big win for Hulu too, since it will be able to deliver its free, ad-powered programming through Pluto TV's web (and, in the future, Android) application -- along with its own. There's no specific timeline on when Pluto TV plans to roll this out, but it is expected to happen "soon."
TiVo's Android app now supports streaming
It was nearly a year ago that TiVo brought streaming to its iOS apps, enabling you to watch recorded shows anywhere with a WiFi signal. Eleven months later, and the company has finally added the same functionality for TiVo's Android app. The feature will work on most devices running Android 4.1 or above, but there are a few caveats, like the fact that it won't work on devices with Intel's mobile chips, and you're still at the mercy of whatever copy protection restrictions is placed upon the shows. On the upside, the app will also access content from Hulu Plus, Netflix and Amazon Instant Video - the latter being another service that's belatedly gotten around to adding Android support for its users.
You can watch the Spanish-language version of Breaking Bad on Hulu Plus right now
Sure, via Netflix (in 4K, soon) or on Blu-ray is a good way to watch the entire Breaking Bad series, but what if we told you there was a way to experience the show all over again for the first time? There's a Latin American version of the show called Metástasis, and while the meth adventures of Walter Blanco are airing nightly in the US on Univision networks, it's also available on streaming via Hulu -- but there's a catch. On broadcast TV and internet, there's no option for English subtitles, so while native speakers and telenovela fans may breeze right through, if your last "Que?" was during a high-school elective you're out of luck. To find out what you're missing (Colombia instead of Albuquerque, schoolbus instead of RV), check out an English-subtitled trailer for Metástasis after the break.
PSA: Netflix, Hulu among apps now free to use on Xbox Live
Last month, Microsoft announced it will no longer keep entertainment apps like Netflix, Hulu Plus and HBO Go behind its Xbox Live premium paywall. The change to its Xbox Live service structure is now in effect, allowing non-paying users to use the aforementioned apps in addition to ones like Twitch, MLB.TV, NBA Game Time, YouTube and more. Microsoft's decision to modify its free and paid Xbox Live service offerings was announced the same day as the $399 Kinect-less Xbox One console, which will be available starting Monday, June 9. Free-to-play and subscription-based games like The Elder Scrolls Online will still require a paid Xbox Live Gold subscription to play online, however. [Image: Microsoft]
Engadget Daily: Facebook anonymous login, Hulu adds free mobile content, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Hulu will bring free TV shows to your phone, and it's trying to reach your cable box
One advantage Hulu has always had over other streaming services is that it has newer TV shows, and you can watch them for free. What's frustrated viewers however, is that it only applies if you're watching on a computer, since phones and TV apps have always required a Plus subscription that opens up a slightly different library of content. Today in New York the streamer announced that this summer it's going to offer "a selection of ad-supported full TV episodes on mobile devices– for free." Other news includes that it's crested six million subscribers to Plus so far -- it had five million in December -- and that its quest to "lead the industry in ad innovations" has resulted in several new developments. The most notable of them is the "In-Stream Purchase Unit" it's bringing out later this year that at launch, will let viewers order from Pizza Hut without leaving Hulu. New CEO Mike Hopkins also mentioned that Hulu is talking to cable providers to get the Plus service on set-top boxes -- Netflix just launched on a few smaller providers -- although there aren't any deals to announce yet.
Fraggle Rock returns from the '80s as Hulu's first original kids show
For video services like Hulu and Netflix, there's no doubt that having a solid lineup of original content is imperative for the future. But, it is also very important to cover as many demographics as possible, whether it be that of people who love a good drama, or kids who need to watch something a little more colorful. With the debut of Doozers on the streaming platform today, Hulu now has a show that a young audience can enjoy and, in the process, continues to grow its portfolio of original series.
Amazon Fire TV's voice search expands to cover Hulu Plus and Showtime, but not Netflix
Fire TV came out of the gate with an impressive initial effort, however one of its rough edges is that the voice search is actually quite limited. At launch it could only provide results from Amazon's own movie and TV selections or music videos from Vevo, but the company is already adding new services to the mix. Hulu Plus, Showtime Anytime and Crackle are first up, which is a good list, but it's still missing Netflix. The new services will start popping up later this summer, which gives Amazon more than enough time to make sure a query for House of Cards pulls it up on both Netflix and Amazon video on-demand. This also makes it more competitive with similar features on competitors like Roku and Xbox, once it's filled out. Amazon is also working on new features, including one that we hadn't noticed before called "Prime Browse." Joning FreeTime parental controls and MP3 music access on the "coming soon" list, it appears that Prime browse will solve one of our other initial frustrations, and filter a view for only the content that's included with the Prime subscription service. More games and services are also on the way of course, but if you have a specific request for Amazon's developers, feel free to leave it here.
Criterion Collection streaming library to remain a Hulu exclusive
The Criterion Collection became a part of Hulu's lineup back in 2011, quickly turning into an essential feature within the company's premium video streaming service, Hulu Plus. Today, Hulu announced it has reached yet another multi-year deal with Criterion, allowing it to keep the streaming rights for over 800 films from the popular Criterion Collection. Hulu says this agreement will also allow it to offer previously unreleased films as Hulu Plus exclusives, adding that the goal is to "create a destination to drive discovery and appreciation of some of the greatest films from around the world." To celebrate the extended partnership, Hulu's now letting Plus subscribers stream The Great Beauty, an Oscar-winning film by Paolo Sorrentino. And in case you're not familiar with it, perhaps the trailer after the break will help spark your interest.
Crunchyroll app now on Vita, Hulu Plus and Redbox Instant next week
Sony Computer Entertainment America is chucking new apps at the Vita to satiate ice hockey, anime and movie junkies. First off, anime streamer Crunchyroll and hockey hub NHL GameCenter Live are available now on the handheld, as is the Qello Concerts app. That trio of apps is being followed swiftly by another trio, starting with Redbox Instant and Hulu Plus on March 25 - new subscribers to Redbox get a free month of movies, in case you're feeling nice and comfy in that butt-shaped couch indent. If you'd prefer something healthier, the fitness and spirituality shows of Gaiam TV are due on Vita this spring. [Image: Sony]
All of the Xbox One launch-window apps, broken down by territory
Microsoft has laid out the media apps available on the Xbox One in each of its 13 launch markets, with the US claiming 19 entertainment options, the most of any territory. Between November 22 and spring 2014, the US will get Amazon Instant Video, CWTV, Crackle, ESPN, FOX NOW, FXNOW, HBO GO, Hulu Plus, Machinima, MUZU TV, Netflix, Redbox Instant, Target Ticket, TED, NFL on Xbox One, Twitch, Univision Deportes, Verizon FiOS TV and VUDU. UK Xbox One owners will see a different mix of 13 apps, including 4oD, Amazon/LOVEFILM, Eurosport, NOW TV and Wuaki.tv. Enjoyment of these apps, and every app on Microsoft's list, requires an Xbox Live Gold account. Xbox One will offer incentives to open its entertainment options, with achievements for watching a certain number of shows or specific content. Check out the complete lineup of Xbox One apps below, along with some clickable pictures of the new dashboard.
Hulu Plus for iOS updated with Chromecast streaming for iPhone
At the beginning of the month, Google announced that Hulu Plus for iOS had been updated to support Chromecast streaming from the iPad. At the time, the update was met with some jeers as many use Hulu Plus on their iPhone. However, those users have to fret no more as the Hulu Plus app has been updated today to feature Chromecast streaming from the iPhone as well: What's New in Version 3.3.1 Start casting your favorite TV shows and Movies on Chromecast from Hulu Plus, now from your iPhone (iOS6 and above) Users of a Chromecast now simply only have to press the Cast button, which will now appear in the iPhone app right next to the AirPlay button to send their Hulu video to their TV via Chromecast. Hulu Plus is a free download. Google's Chromecast costs US$35.
Now you can watch Miley Cyrus ruin SNL on your Nintendo 3DS with Hulu Plus
Care to see a former Disney star shuck her wholesome image through the wonders of improv (and sheer tops) from the comfort of your 3DS or 2DS? Today, that questionable privilege is entirely possible, as Nintendo's made Hulu Plus available for download from the eShop, along with a one-week free trial lure for new subs. A subscription to the streaming service's $7.99/mo premium tier will let gamers enjoy the same level of access they'd get elsewhere -- which just means Hulu Plus on a wider selection of screens, not ad-free primetime content. That said, "commercial-free kids programming" does exist on the service, which is where you'll want to direct the kiddos that form the bulk of the 3DS' user base. Alternatively, you can also fire up past episodes of SNL to shatter any illusions they (and you) may have of wholesome, tweener idols. Go ahead... we're silently judging you anyway.
Hulu Plus available on 3DS
Hulu Plus, the unlimited instant TV streaming service, is available now on 3DS. Keeping pricing consistent, the service charges $7.99 a month. General reminder for those who've enjoyed the service on PC and never paid for Hulu Plus, the licensing on shows can get weird and content could be "web only." Netflix is also available on 3DS without content restrictions.
Hulu Plus for iPad gets a major overhaul
TV junkies should be rejoicing this morning -- Hulu Plus for iPad, the go-to app for streaming current TV shows, has been updated to version 3.0, bringing along a pile of new features. The Hulu app page in the App Store says that there have been "hundreds of internal optimizations," but the entire app has also been redesigned from the ground up to ease discovery of new shows. Some of the improvements include: Videos can now be minimized during playback by tapping the minimize icon or using the pinch gesture. When minimized, the video continues to play while you browse through the rest of the app. To see what an episode, show or season is all about, just tap on its image to view the new discovery panel. Double-tapping an image lets you begin watching a show immediately. Hulu Plus for iPad now includes curated collections of shows, clips and movies Short-form content and clips can be watch inline with just a tap As with the previous versions, users need a Hulu Plus paid subscription to take advantage of the app.
Xbox One interface shots show Netflix, Hulu, other streaming apps
While no one explicitly named any streaming media applications during Microsoft's Xbox One reveal ceremony, screenshots have emerged on the new console's official site that give us a hint at what we'll be watching on day one. So far, apps listed include such staples as Netflix, Hulu Plus and HBOgo, in addition to slightly more esoteric offerings such as Crackle and The CW. Microsoft has yet to specifically name any of these apps during today's flurry of announcements, however, so we're keeping an ear to the ground for further confirmation and (hopefully) information on other streaming media apps launching with the system.
Hulu Plus comes to Windows Phone today
It was six months ago that Hulu Plus made its official debut on Windows 8 PCs and tablets. Now, Windows Phone users are about to suffer a similar loss of productivity. The WP8 app will be available today as a free download, featuring unlimited streaming and Live Tile support -- provided you're willing to fork out the standard $8 monthly subscription, that is. In any case, it should be available shortly, so keep a lookout. And as for all you Windows Phone naysayers, this means you now have one less reason to, well, say nay.
Hulu: Paid subscriptions have doubled to four million in past year
Hulu's future ownership may be in question, but the video streaming site is apparently doing fairly brisk business on the paid subscription front. During an advertiser event this morning, the site announced that it has managed to double its Hulu Plus accounts in the past year, up to four million. The site's revenue also hit a record for the first quarter of the year, though Hulu's not giving out any numbers. As with rivals Netflix and Amazon, the company's making a big bet on original programming, with a number of exclusive series, including the animated The Awesomes and western Quick Draw.
PSA: Xbox Live issues reported, Cloud files inaccessible
The Xbox Live service is far from optimal right now, as Microsoft reports hiccups in the Xbox Live service and Xbox.com website. Users will notice inconsistencies and certain outages, affecting various apps across the Xbox 360 – our own tests show the Netflix, HBO Go and Hulu Plus apps functioning as normal right now. In addition to the reported outages, Cloud files are also affected. If you're trying to access your Cloud saves, you'll receive an error reading "0x807b0198." Microsoft is working to resolve the issues and will update accordingly.
