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Hulu Plus dropping to $4.95 per month? That's what she said.
It's only rumor for now, but Peter Kafka over at All Things D has sources telling him that the ABC/NBC/FOX-owned Hulu Plus video site is looking to cut its $9.95 per month subscription fee in halfish to $4.95, perhaps in a bid to increase subscriber count. If so that would drop it well below the $8.95 per month fee paid by Netflix subscribers. A price drop certainly wouldn't surprise us knowing that content owners are still experimenting with pricing in the brave new world we call the internet.
Playing Hulu on Google TV is as easy as changing one setting
We know Google mentioned it would be a "good citizen" and allow Hulu to block its browser ID, but that doesn't mean you have to be one too. By default, accessing the website from a Google TV device yields a prompt hoping you'll wait for the two to work out some kind of agreement on Hulu Plus access, but with a Flash enabled browser at the ready, we're sure all you want to do is press play. The fine folks over at GadgetWhore first discovered that by digging deep into the advanced settings of the Chrome browser app and changing the browser ID to "Generic" or any custom string one may prefer, Hulu streams immediately start playing with no problem (users may want to change back to default afterwards to make sure other pages render properly.) That's one benefit of having a "run-of-the-mill" desktop browser integrated into your set-top box, so w while early adopters may only be moments away from discovering the dark side of Google TV, it seems like a few easy browser tweaks may take care of most issues -- let us know if you've run into any others.
Engadget Podcast 214 - 09.30.2010
We thought about calling this podcast "Unchained Melody" or "The Engadget Podcast: RAW" but our COO got a little concerned about violating some sort of intellectual property laws, so you just get the plain vanilla name. Regardless, it is quite a monster, complete with a radio play set in an AT&T store and 3-D versions of Jerry Seinfeld and Jar-Jar Binks. Dunno how else we can sell you on this one. Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Paul Miller, Nilay PatelProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: The Addams Family AT&T Store music: El Remolon - Riki Ticki00:02:37 - T-Mobile G2 now shipping to some pre-orderers00:03:45 - T-Mobile G2 preview00:06:30 - Editorial: Firmware, forums, and desperation -- the dark side of Android hacking00:08:00 - Apple TV review (2010)00:13:15 - Roku adding Hulu Plus channel this fall00:14:32 - Hulu Plus coming to TiVo Premiere too00:24:38 - Roku XDS review00:36:18 - Sony's Google TV makes an early public appearance, reveals little00:43:45 - RIM introduces PlayBook -- the BlackBerry tablet00:50:00 - BlackBerry PlayBook first eyes-on!00:57:20 - HTC Mondrian stars in leaked AT&T ad campaign, jump-kicks lesser smartphones? (video)00:58:02 - LG's Optimus 7 gets previewed by Korean newspaper, has voice to text feature?01:21:30 - Sony Ericsson LiveView acts as a 1.3-inch remote control for your smartphone, requires Android 2.0Hear the podcastSubscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)Contact the podcast1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget
Hulu Plus coming to TiVo Premiere too
It looks like the Hulu overlords have finally seen the light, because Hulu Plus is coming to the living room in a big way -- in addition to the cheap'n'easy Roku players, the service will hit TiVo Premiere DVRs sometime "in the coming months." It's a little stranger to pay $9.95 a month for streaming TV on your DVR, which is presumably plugged into a cable subscription and a TiVo service subscription, but hey -- whatever floats your boat, Captain Moneybags. Full PR after the break.
Roku adding Hulu Plus channel this fall
Oh boy, here we go: Hulu Plus is coming to Roku's lineup of players, which now starts at $59 and goes up to $99 for the Roku XDS we just reviewed highly. That certainly makes the Roku / Apple TV comparison far more interesting -- ten 99-cent Apple TV rentals or the $10 Hulu Plus monthly subscription fee? -- and depending on what you watch, it could make cutting your cable subscription a no-brainer. We don't know about resolution or bitrate yet, but we're working to find out -- and we're definitely looking to get some hands-on time before the channel goes live this fall, so stay tuned. PR after the break.
Hulu Plus has 14 percent more content than Hulu, 2,840 percent more Family Guy
Hulu Plus is more than just extra content, it's an iOS, game console and TV-based app that streams in HD, but if programming is indeed your primary concern, you might be disappointed with what's included in your $10 monthly fee. Research firm One Touch Intelligence decided to catalog each and every episode on Hulu and Hulu Plus, and discovered the paid service had 28,418 full-length episodes -- only 14 percent more than regular Hulu's 24,854 -- during one week of testing in August. Looking at the sample chart immediately above, it's plain to see you're getting your money's worth if you're a Supernanny or Law & Order fan, but Hulu's got a content deal or three to make if it wants Hulu Plus to leapfrog its existing ad-supported service.
More murmuring about 99 cent iTunes TV rentals
Well now. The previous rumor about 99 cent rentals for TV episodes on iTunes was just your average, but now that we know there's an Apple event just around the corner, it's time to start making hay out of all the chaff floating around. A source now tells the Wall Street Journal that Apple is pushing hard for a deal with Disney to nail down cheaper 48-hour rentals, presumably to come through iTunes and the revamped iTV service. Resistance to the deal is coming from TV companies (surprise, surprise), who are leery about putting too much content out through online services, fearing that people will leave their monthly cable bills behind if another service arises. What's funny about that, of course, is that Apple sees that's already happening. Services like Hulu Plus and Netflix are already making cable customers rethink their monthly fees, and so Apple is finding itself with a limited amount of time to get in on the action. The Wall Street Journal says the company is pushing for agreements "before the new television season starts," but now that we know there's an event planned for September 1st, it's more likely Apple is trying to get agreements set up before the announcement. Of course, as Philip Elmer-DeWitt points out, the real economic tradeoff isn't between the $0.99 rentals and a more lucrative plan the studios come up with -- it's between Apple's proven iTunes-based economy and the free-range TV programming on BitTorrent. And with its ties to Disney, odds are that Apple will definitely have enough to go forward, even if it doesn't have every channel signing on the dotted line just yet. So here's the question: if Apple does announce a new iTV, and a way to watch new television on demand right away, will you choose a system like that over whatever cable bill you're currently paying?
Hands on with Hulu Plus
Maybe I'm missing the point of Hulu Plus, but for ten bucks a month why is Hulu still showing me advertisements? I get that this new for-pay streaming video service offers full seasons (and past seasons) of current TV shows that would otherwise be limited to a handful of the most recent episodes. I get that the service works over Wi-Fi and 3G, and all the killer functionality that entails. What I don't get is why anyone wouldn't apply their annual $120 somewhere, for ad-free services like Netflix.
PlayOn's web app brings Hulu and Netflix to iPod touch, iPhone
Tired of waiting around for Apple's "review process" to complete? So was PlayOn. Rather than sticking it out and dealing with the App Store's near-limitless amount of red tape, the content streaming startup has kicked out an HTML5 web app that enables Hulu (for now, at least) and Netflix streaming to iPod touch and iPhone devices. It's still hard at work perfecting things for the iPad, but given that it's completely free to surf over to its mobile web site (linked below), it's tough to complain with what we're being given right now. Early testers have praised the app's speed, and while you'll still need a Windows PC (yeah, PlayOn still doesn't have a Mac client) and a PlayOn subscription before indulging on your mobile, at least you've got an option that you once didn't. So, anyone digging the new avenue? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
CBS and Hulu in talks about shows on Plus service, says broadcaster's CEO
CBS has been doing a good job testing the waters of its online content -- and has even promised to have HTML5-supported episodes this Fall season. All the while, however, it's remained one of the last broadcast holdouts against offering content to the Hulu empire. Now, CBS chief Les Moonves says new Hulu Plus subscription service has interested the broadcaster enough to open talks with the video service. Don't get your hopes up, though, as discussions won't necessarily lead to anything and it's not necessarily your only option for legally streaming the channel online. Still, feel free to fancy a converged queue of episodes from across the networks. Why, that'd be awesome times awesome. That'd be awesome squared.
Netflix plans discless Watch Instantly on the PS3 by late October, more 'pure streaming' worldwide
It's still a pretty big window, but Netflix CEO Reed Hastings has narrowed down the time until we can expect a disc-free streaming experience on our PS3s from "later this year" to some time before its next earning call, which should happen around October 21. Other notes from the Q2 highlights included a shoutout to Hulu Plus, where Netflix "plans to learn what customers like about Hulu Plus" and use that to enhance its service, as well as the upcoming launch of a streaming service in Canada, and how the lessons learned may be applied to other "pure streaming" offerings internationally in the future. Investors aren't too happy the company missed earnings projections, but we're figuring once they close the ETrade window and pick up a Shockaxis they'll start to get over it.
Video: Hulu Plus on PS3
A select few are able to partake in Hulu Plus on the PS3 right now, thanks to an introductory preview program, and we thought we'd capture some footage, just for you, the dedicated gamer and television viewer. Beyond the break, you'll find a lengthy video walkthrough documenting all of the features found in this impressive content delivery platform -- however, if you feel the sheer awesomeness of high-speed HD video may be a bit too much for your puny little eyes to handle, enjoy the stills in our gallery below. The future is now, people! %Gallery-97525%
Hulu Plus on PS3, hands-on (update: video)
Sure, we already told you what Hulu Plus looked like on iPhone, iPad and a Samsung TV, and not much has changed since that juncture, but we expect a number of you care quite a bit about how it will operate on PlayStation 3, especially considering you'll (presently) have to cough up an additional $50 annually for the privilege. The good news is it's absolutely nothing like the PS3's disc-based Netflix solution -- here, you're looking at a responsive experience through and through, and the interface is about as simple and full-featured as we'd hoped. After a 28MB download, we were invited to either log in with an email/password combination or link our console at Hulu's website, both of which launched the program nigh instantly from the hard drive. The interface afterwards is a dead-ringer for the Samsung TV version, except optimized for console control, with the analog stick and shoulder buttons smartly seeking through programs at high speed, or tapped to jump ahead in fifteen-second increments. You can similarly adjust video quality (and thus, bandwidth usage) with a press of the R1 button, watch picture-in-picture programs while you browse, and the search function admirably narrows down Hulu's content as quickly as you can type the letters in. It does have its bugs, like when we tried to watch High Fidelity and were asked if we wanted to subscribe to the show, and there was the time we got caught in an unending advertising loop for body wash, but that time we think the app was just trying to tell us something. Yeah, we'd better run out to the store, but don't go away -- hit the gallery below for a brief tour. Update: Our friends at Joystiq have a video walkthrough; check it after the break! %Gallery-97526%
Hulu Plus preview now available to 'select' PlayStation Plus subscribers
PlayStation Plus Hulu = A console Hulu Plus preview, which will become available to "select" subscribers of Sony's PlayStation Plus program. Posting on the official PlayStation blog, PSN senior director Susan Panico has explained that all Sony subscribers may download the Hulu Plus software as of today and "request an invitation to the exclusive preview." If you're already a member of Hulu Plus (you can request an invitation to subscribe online), you'll be able to access the preview today through your PlayStation Plus account. Hulu's enhanced streaming service, which provides access to TV shows from ABC, FOX, NBC, ETC, will incur a monthly fee of $9.99 -- even to PlayStation Plus subscribers participating in the sneak peek. It'll become available (and effectively cheaper) to all PS3 owners "in the coming months," Panico said (so much for that "July" launch, huh?). An Xbox 360 version is slated for launch in early 2011.
Hulu Plus launches on PS3, exclusive to Sony's console through 2010
The Sony Defense Force has reason to celebrate today, as the circle is now complete -- where Netflix HD once spited PS3 for Xbox 360, today Hulu Plus has chosen the PlayStation for limited console exclusivity through the end of the year. Today, "a select group" of PlayStation Plus subscribers can download the Hulu Plus app and start watching immediately, while regular ol' paying members can ask nicely (via the same app) and wait patiently for the privilege of shelling out an additional $10 a month. Those who aren't dropping $50 a year on PlayStation Plus aren't entirely out of luck, they'll just have to wait till the end of the preview period to get their Hulu on. Press release after the break, more info at the official PlayStation.Blog.
Hulu Plus on PS3 only requires PlayStation Plus during preview period
Though it originally seemed like you'd need to drop an additional $50 annually to get your on-demand TV fix via PlayStation 3, it turns out that the PlayStation Plus is not technically needed for Hulu Plus functionality. Concerned console owners emailing support@hulu.com are being told Sony's premium service is "only a requirement during the preview period," after which point "you should be able to download the Hulu Plus app," which will still require Hulu's own $10 monthly subscription, of course. We reached out to a Hulu representative and confirmed the above for ourselves -- so the only question is how long you'll have to wait without shelling out.
Hulu: 'Playstation Plus service is only a requirement during the preview period'
Last week, Hulu's own webpage said "you must be a subscriber of the Playstation Plus Network" in order to access the subscription-based Hulu Plus service, and neither Hulu nor Sony were willing to clarify that requirement with Joystiq. This week, we've confirmed with Hulu that it's emailing customers a statement to address the "rumors" and "remedy the situation." We'll cut to the chase: "The Playstation Plus service is only a requirement during the preview period," according to Hulu. That means that during the Hulu Plus preview period, you need to be a member of PlayStation Plus to access the service on your PS3; however, with Hulu Plus currently in its "preview period" and "launching to the public very soon" and the PS3 app nowhere to be found for PlayStation Plus subscribers, it's not clear how many potential users there will be on the PS3 before it goes public. Full statement from Hulu after the break.
Xbox 360 Fancast 171 -- Home for the Holiday
Even though it's a holiday today, we managed to round up two of your three usual hosts for a bit of the old Fancasting. But just because it's a holiday, don't go thinking there ain't a thing worth talking about -- we tackle the latest NPD numbers, this Hulu Plus business and even find time to sing our favorite fabric-based commercial from the mid '90s. Grab the latest episode below and be sure to hit the break for all of the pertinent linkage. [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3). [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in Zune Marketplace (MP3). [RSS MP3] Add the Xbox 360 Fanboy Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [MP3] Download the MP3 directly. Hosts: Alexander Sliwinski (Sli Xander, @xandersliwinski) and Dave Hinkle (KnifefightYaDad, @davehinkle) Music: Intro/Outro: "Electromooq" by Uma Floresta. Break: "What's In It For?" by Avi Buffalo For fans: Xbox 360 Fancast Facebook group
Hands-on with Hulu Plus via Samsung HDTV, iPhone and iPad
After months of speculation the wait is almost over and Hulu Plus is just about upon us. Hulu was nice enough to share an invite with us so we could to try it out -- sorry, we don't have any extras -- and we just so happened to have a Samsung LED LCD TV in the lab to give it a go. Of course, we also tried it the old fashioned way (in the browser) as well as via Hulu Desktop, on the iPhone, and on the iPad -- sadly it isn't live on the Xbox 360 or PS3 yet. The bottom line is it isn't perfect, but doesn't disappoint either, and you'll have to click on through for the rest. %Gallery-96672%
Hulu CEO: we're 'complementary' to cable
Hoping to trade in your expensive cable or satellite plan for a nice, juicy melon ball of cottage cheese-like... we mean, a portable Hulu Plus subscription at $10 a month? Not so fast, my fine fingered friend, because Hulu CEO Jason Kilar has revealed that killing cable is not a part of the company's evil plan, and he's not entertaining any ideas to the contrary. Kilar told AllThingsD that the service is "broadcast-focused" and "complementary to your cable and satellite service" by design, which is a nice way of saying the incestuous relationships between cable companies, content providers and Hulu itself keep it from offering premium programming -- at least, not at this sort of price. Speaking of getting what you pay for, you may be surprised to hear Hulu Plus displays advertising even if you slap down currency every month, but the CEO said lengthy consumer research found that users were more willing to pay if the service were partially subsidized by ads. Think of them as tiny little brain tenderizers, and we're sure you'll be just fine.
