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Hulu Plus will be a downloadable app on PS3, require PlayStation Plus subscription?
The mathematical symbols are aligned... and they're pointing to a greater cash outlay if you want to have (a legitimate copy of) Hulu on your PlayStation 3. Technologizer recently discovered the highlighted line above in the source code for the Hulu website, and if correct, you'll need a PlayStation Plus subscription on top of your Hulu Plus one in order to stream the best brain-numbing shows from broadcast TV. While that adds up to an additional $18 for three months or $50 annually on top of your $10 monthly Hulu Plus fee, it's not like you'll get a better deal on a different game console -- Microsoft has confirmed Hulu will require Xbox Live Gold when it launches on Xbox 360 next year. Besides, this isn't like those janky Netflix Instant Streaming Discs -- further down the source code, there are hints that Hulu's developing a bona fide app for PlayStation 3. See the relevant section of the code right after the break.
Hulu page: Hulu Plus on PS3 will require PlayStation Plus [Update: only during the preview period]
[Update: Hulu has removed this specific language and begun emailing customers the following response: "the Playstation Plus service is only a requirement during the preview period." Read the full statement here.] Much like Hulu Plus on Xbox requires an Xbox Live Gold subscription on top of the $9.99 monthly fee, some language found on the Hulu Plus site says that only PlayStation Plus subscribers will be able to use the service on PS3. The HTML source for the Hulu Plus "Devices" page includes specific instructions for the PS3, which are presumably meant to be displayed when the service goes live. The instructions describe how to redeem a code in the PlayStation Store to download the client (which means that Hulu isn't planning to release this as a disc-only service like Netflix -- yay!) with the following caveat: "Note: you must be a subscriber of the Playstation Plus Network." While this seems pretty clear on the surface, the fact remains that neither Hulu nor Sony have intentionally told the public anything. Sony's Patrick Seybold told Joystiq that "We'll have more info on how and when Hulu Plus will be coming to PlayStation 3 soon." It's quite possible that the specifics of the agreement are still being worked out.
Hulu Plus preview arrives in iTunes App Store, Flash be damned
The free Hulu Plus app just hit the iTunes App store, kids, with the promise of 720p streaming over WiFi or 3G to iOS devices including the iPad, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, and 3rd generation iPod touch. They're calling it a "limited preview" release that will ultimately require a $10 per month subscription on top of the commercials you're forced to watch. Oh, and it's still restricted to US-only viewership. Well, at least the Flash barrier has been removed. Huzzah? [Thanks, MT H.]
Hulu Plus on Xbox will be a 'custom experience', restricted to Xbox Live Gold members
Following Hulu's announcement of its new pay service, which will support devices like the PS3, Xbox 360, and iPhone, Microsoft filled us in on a bit of info about the Xbox version of Hulu Plus. Most importantly, Microsoft is continuing its ongoing quest to make Xbox Live Silver members feel deep shame, by making the Hulu Plus service on Xbox available only to those with an Xbox Live Gold account. For the extra cash, though, Microsoft promises that this won't be a straight port. Instead, "Hulu Plus on Xbox 360 will take advantage of the social connectivity possible with our 25 million member Xbox Live community as well as the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360." So we'll break it down for you: While PS3 owners can enjoy Hulu Plus as early as next month, Xbox owners will have to wait until "early 2011" to get "controller-free navigation" with Kinect and Xbox Live Party support, so your Xbox Live friends can refuse your invitations to watch Quantum Leap together. Full statement from Microsoft after the break.
Hulu Plus announced for iPhone and iPad
Hulu has finally announced their long-rumored subscription service, and it's a doozy. It's called Hulu Plus. For US$9.99 per month, you'll get you ad-supported access to the full current seasons of most shows and full back seasons of select shows. Plus, brand new Hulu Plus apps for the iPhone and the iPad will bring the television to you. The apps work over either WiFi or 3G, though the iPhone version requires iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4. The service sounds pretty good -- I would have to untangle my internet service from my cable bill, but otherwise, a system like this might just replace my cable box. The apps are supposed to be available today, but they're not on the App Store quite yet, apparently. Meanwhile, Hulu is sending out invites to the service as we speak -- sign up, tell them what devices you've got and a few demographic bits, and wait for the email to show up. The Netflix app on the iPad has already been a hit since launch, and this Hulu Plus service seems like it'll be just as popular. Update: The apps are now in the App Store, although of course you need a preview account to use them.
Hulu Plus announced with support for iPad, iPhone, PS3, Xbox Live, and more (update)
We've just received word that the premium Hulu service we've heard chatter about for a while now has just become official. Dubbed Hulu Plus, the $10 / month service will feature entire seasons of shows that are available in limited quantities on the free service, as well as other programming not available via Hulu on the web. There will be iPod and iPad apps available (streaming with WiFi or 3G), along with support for Samsung connected TVs and Blu-ray (via Samsung Apps). Also in the works is support for TVs and Blu-ray players from both Vizio and Sony (fall 2010), PS3 (July) , and Xbox 360 (as part of a "custom experience" in Xbox Live Gold, early 2011). Hit up the source link to get in on the "invitation only" preview of the service, and to keep abreast of availability for your favorite hardware. Video after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in] %Gallery-96577%
Hulu Plus launching on PS3 in July, Xbox 360 in 'early 2011'
Finally. FINALLY. Hulu comes to game consoles. Hulu's just-announced $9.99/month Hulu Plus service, available now on PC, iPhone, and other devices, will be visible on PlayStation 3 systems "soon" -- July, according to the Hulu Plus guided tour. In addition, it'll launch on Xbox 360 sometime in early 2011. The company has yet to announce a release date for the service, although if it'll be available on PS3 in July, that provides a pretty good clue. In the meantime, you can request an invitation to an early preview here. In addition to enabling playback on various boxes, Hulu Plus features full seasons of current ABC, NBC, and Fox television shows, in HD -- none of that "five trailing episodes" business. Learn more about the new Hulu Plus service here. If you need us, we'll be gathering more information about this service, and also canceling our cable TV. [Update: Microsoft has shared some details on the Xbox 360 implementation of Hulu Plus, including "controller-free navigation" and support for Xbox Live Parties. Read the statement here.] [Thanks, Morey!]
Hulu reportedly talking to CBS, Viacom about inclusion in Plus subscriber package
It's Wednesday so that must mean... yes, it's time for another Hulu premium service "leak" to appear in MSM. The most recent rumor, reported by BusinessWeek, indicates the streaming video site is talking to CBS and Viacom about getting their properties on what will be called "Hulu Plus" and cost $9.95 a month and potentially offer subscribers more shows and more older episodes. Traffic dipped significantly after Viacom yanked The Daily Show and The Colbert Report from Hulu in April, we'll see if a share of that premium money is enough to lure them back, and if the long rumored service ever actually launches.
Hulu Plus subscription service rumored: $9.95 a month for access to older shows
We had a sinking feeling from day one that this so-called "evil plot to destroy the world" was really just an evil plot to eventually invade our wallets, and unfortunately for the freeloaders in attendance, it's looking all the more likely that at least some portion of Hulu won't be free for much longer. We heard back in January that bigwigs surrounding the streaming service were tossing around various pay-for-access schemes, and now the LA Times has it that a bona fide subscription service could go into effect as early as May 24th. Under the terms, which were disclosed by those oh-so-knowledgeable "people familiar with the matter," viewers would be asked to pay $9.95 per month for access to episodes that weren't brand new. We're told that Hulu would continue to provide the five most recent episodes of hit shows for free, but a Hulu Plus pass would be required to view shows older than that. Not surprisingly, Hulu failed to comment on the allegations, but it's safe to say we'll know exactly how legitimate the claims are in just over a month.
