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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.
Hulu hires Warner TV exec to lead original content, adds a slew of exclusive streaming deals
Are you caught up on all of Amazon's and Microsoft's news today? Good, because Hulu has a few announcements as well. First up, the streaming TV service has appointed a new head of content, Craig Erwich, who, given his pedigree, will likely help bolster the company's push into original content. Erwich comes from Warner Brothers' TV division where he oversaw business operations, development and production, and prior to that, he spent a dozen years at FOX Broadcasting. As Hulu tells it, Erwich has been "instrumental" in creating shows like House, Pretty Little Liars and 24. Speaking of TV shows, the video outfit has also announced that it's locked up exclusive streaming agreements for a handful of new programs.
Rumors of an Amazon music service, TV set-top box swirl yet again
We're still not sure whether Amazon's truly launching a music streaming service, but if it does, you might only be able to access songs and albums for a limited time. According to the Wall Street Journal, the e-commerce company hopes to offer music streaming as part of Prime to justify an annual membership (from $79 to $119) price increase. Unlike other services like Spotify or Pandora, Amazon's end goal is to entice people to download tracks from its MP3 store, hence, the time limit. Meanwhile, Billboard reports on rumors compiled from sources at multiple labels, where Amazon's apparently going after older titles, and proposing smaller, capped payments based on the number of plays. The service's existence depends on whether Amazon and recording companies can agree on licensing fees, though -- it's reportedly far from being a done deal.
Hulu Plus adds new and classic CBS shows, boosts Kids offering with Fraggle Rock spinoff
More than a year after CBS struck a deal with Hulu to stream its shows on the latter's subscription service, and the Tiffany Network has finally agreed to add even more programming to the mix. About 2,600 episodes, to be exact. The addition includes full-length videos from classics such as The Brady Bunch, Cheers and Happy Days, along with titles like United States of Tara and Everybody Loves Raymond. This arrives on the heels of last week's announcement that CBS agreed to an exclusive partnership with Hulu to stream complete past seasons of Sherlock-inspired Elementary along with police drama Blue Bloods. If you prefer something a little more kid-friendly, Hulu has plans to expand its kids programming as well. It just signed a deal to be the exclusive US distributor for The Doozers, a spinoff of the popular '80s children's show Fraggle Rock. It's marked as a "Hulu Original" even though it's already aired elsewhere in Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and will be available on Hulu starting April 25th. Hulu also recently announced a deal for the Pokemon franchise and plans to bring classics like Charlie Brown and Strawberry Shortcake on board as well. The year's barely started and it looks like the streaming service is already making good on its promise to add even more content to its library.
Hulu Plus passes 5 million subscribers, plans to double its original content
New Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins chimed in this week with the video streaming site's yearly recap, and pointed out a few big numbers as evidence it's headed in the right direction. In 2013 Hulu will top $1 billion in revenue and 5 million paying customers for its Hulu Plus service, which compares to $695 million and 3 million subscribers in 2012, and 4 million subscribers back in April. That's not a bad haul for a site that was almost sold -- again -- and lost former CEO Jason Kilar this year, but while those numbers are up, they were going up faster last year. All the while its competition is getting stronger as Netflix has over 40 million subscribers, Amazon pushes its Prime subscription service with licensed content and new original shows, and the TV networks that feed Hulu roll out streaming sites of their own (Fox Now, Watch ABC). Still, Hulu's trump card is that it offers current season TV shows many others don't have yet, and Hopkins proudly notes it has seven of the current top ten TV shows ready for streaming at any time. Right now Hulu hosts over 2,900 TV series, with plans to take this year's 20 original series and double that number "over the next few years." Like Netflix and Amazon, Hulu isn't posting viewer numbers, but Hopkins says original shows like The Wrong Mans, Behind the Mask and The Awesomes performed "extremely well" and are among the top 10 shows viewed. We think Hulu could use a drama like House of Cards to pull in viewers next year, but one more year of sale or IPO rumors about it splitting off from owners Disney, Fox and NBC Universal could be just as entertaining.
Xbox One's first wave of TV apps features Netflix, HBO Go, FiOS, NFL and much more
Long gone are the days when a game console merely had its launch lineup of games to worry about -- in the modern era we also have to know about other types of entertainment. Microsoft is finally ready to reveal the "first wave" of apps that will arrive with its $500 Xbox One in each of the 13 launch markets and it's a surprisingly healthy list. In the US we're not seeing any services that weren't already on Xbox 360, but internet video standards like Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, HBO Go (not at launch), Vudu, Crackle and Redbox Instant are all present and accounted for along with TV everywhere efforts from Fox, CW, ESPN and Univision. International audiences can expect to see locally available services like Netflix, Lovefilm, Orange and Canal+, where applicable (check the official blog for a full list). While there are no apps for Time Warner Cable, Comcast, or AT&T's U-verse at launch, Verizon FiOS is present and accounted for as a traditional pay-TV provider in the US. The most notable missing app award would have to go to YouTube or BBC iPlayer (both are also absent from the PS4 apps list), although the console's integrated browser could help with that.
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.
Hulu Plus app for iPhone now supports Chromecast streaming
Chromecast owners got Hulu Plus app streaming on their Android devices and iPads at the start of the month. Today, it's the iPhone's turn: a newly updated Hulu Plus app lets those with smaller-screened iOS devices control TV shows playing through Google's media adapter. There aren't any new features beyond Chromecast support, but it's enough to excuse a trip to the App Store for an upgrade.
Hulu officially announces its new CEO, former Fox exec Mike Hopkins
Hulu has had a tumultuous 2013, as it lost founding CEO Jason Kilar in January, then went through the sale process, again, before sticking with its original owners, again. Confirming last week's rumors from Bloomberg and Reuters, the new CEO is Mike Hopkins, most recently head of distribution for Fox. He replaces acting CEO Andy Forssell, who took the wheel in March after Kilar's departure. In his introductory letter to the team, Hopkins mentioned Hulu expects "close to a billion dollars" in revenue this year, along with a rising number of Hulu Plus subscribers. Part-owners Disney and News Corp (Comcast retains a stake after its purchase of NBC Universal, but can't vote) reportedly disagreed on the site's future, with Disney preferring an advertising-based approach. Appointing Hopkins as the new leader suggests News Corp's reported focus on subscriptions is taking priority, and there's speculation that Hulu will become more deeply involved in TV Everywhere authenticated viewing based on cable and satellite TV subscriptions. Hulu has long pitched itself as complementary to cable, we'll see if its apps end up looking more like the BTN2GO and Fox Now apps that Hopkins' team at Fox worked on.
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.
Google's Chromecast now supports Hulu Plus app streaming (video)
Launching in July with Netflix and YouTube mirroring, Google's $35 Chromecast streaming dongle now has another video streaming service adding support for the platform to its apps: Hulu. From today, Hulu will provide Chromecast streaming inside its Hulu Plus app, mirroring shows like New Girl and Modern Family on the big screen. Unlike Netflix, which allows subscribers to stream video from Chrome and its official apps, Hulu originally supported Chromecast via its tab casting feature. Today's extenstion will see a Cast button added to Hulu's iPad and Android apps (with iPhone support "coming very soon"). While we're still waiting for Google to open Chromecast to allow local media playback, the addition of Hulu Plus may tide us over until it does.
iOS 7 app update roundup: it's a flat, flat, flat world
Even if you don't feel like coughing up the cash for either the iPhone 5c or iPhone 5s, those eligible for an update (that's if you own an iPhone 4 or up, or an iPad 2 onward) can at least console themselves with iOS 7, which debuts today. Gone is the skeuomorphic design of the Forstall era, and in its place is a flatter interface that promises an entirely new experience for iOS devotees. As such, developers everywhere have been scrambling to get their apps redesigned to match the new mobile OS out of Cupertino. While we can't possibly cover every update, we've compiled a quick list after the break of the more substantial app revamps that have come our way.
Hulu offers a few fall premieres from Fox, ABC and NBC online before they air
It's pumpkin spice latte season, and that can only mean one thing: fall TV premieres are right around the corner. Thankfully, Hulu (like several other providers, if you have cable or satellite just take a look at your video on-demand menu) is once again letting you get the jump on your water cooler gossip by offering an early look at a few new and returning shows from ABC, NBC and Fox in advance of their television air dates. So, if you've been suffering from severe withdrawal from The Mindy Project (now with 100% more James Franco) or been intrigued by the overripe nostalgia of The Goldbergs, you're in luck. Also available on Hulu right now are new episodes of Back in the Game, Trophy Wife, Ironside and Welcome to the Family. To get into the spirit of premiere season, follow the source link below.
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.
Hulu Plus gets a whole new look on the iPad, focuses on discovery
Hulu may be constantly on the brink of a buyout, but that doesn't mean the current owners are just sitting about waiting for some high roller to come along. In fact, over the last couple of months the streaming service has undergone a pretty impressive transformation. There have been a few new features added and some licensing deals struck. But, most noticeably, Hulu Plus has received a spiffy new look across almost all platforms. Today it's the iPad's turn to cash in and the new experience has a heavy focus on discovering content. Tapping on a show brings up the "discover" panel, which provides you with a quick shortcut to play the first, next or latest episode (depending on where yo left off) along with details about the program. If you want to keep looking, but don't want to drop back out to the card-like UI of the home screen, swiping left or right will take you to the next collection or season. If you're in the middle of watching an episode of SNL then remember you forgot to add the latest episode of Misfits to your queue, you can pinch the video to minimize it quickly add it then pop back to a full screen of Weekend Update without skipping a beat. Of course, multitasking is in-app only -- so you wont be able to shrink the episode down to the corner while you search for stills from Good Burger. There are also a bunch of more minor tweaks, such as inline clip playback and curated collections. After the break you'll find the complete changelog as well as a video walk through of the updated app.
Netflix still the dominant streaming provider, according to latest NPD report
No, you can't hold the Bluths responsible for this -- not yet, anyway. The NPD Group's just released its latest figures for streaming video on demand (SVOD) in Q1 2013 and, unsurprisingly, Netflix still reigns supreme. According to the data, it's the many hours of available ad-free boob tube (read: TV) programming that's propelling SVOD viewership, so much so that it's increased by 34 percent year-over-year. Break that down amongst SVOD providers and you'll find 90 percent of that viewing pie belongs to (wait for it!)... Netflix, which actually represents a 4-percent drop from the same quarter last year. As for the general state of SVOD, the majority of eyeballs still turn to the television set for a streaming fix, with that device commanding an 80 percent share. And, yes, it's once again Netflix that garners the most use here (nearly 90 percent), but rival streaming services Hulu Plus and Amazon Prime are making gains at 10 and 2 percent, respectively. Although there does appear to be a minor chink in Reed Hastings' red armor. These latest numbers also show streaming subs branching out from a sole dependence on Netflix, with 10 percent adding Amazon Prime to the mix and 8 percent doubling down with Netflix and Hulu. Translation: they couldn't find what they wanted on Netflix. We've all been there.
Hulu Plus update for Android adds higher quality playback for select devices
Want to "feel like you have bionic retina implants minus the deductible and waiting for its invention" while watching Hulu Plus on Android? Or whatever that means? (Seriously, that bizarro PR speak's in the official Hulu Plus changelog on Google Play) Well, now you can, as the streaming outfit's added a new 'HQ' setting for users of the HTC One, Droid DNA and Samsung Galaxy S 4. That's right, this new higher resolution streaming option is only available for a small subset of smartphones with a 1080p display. So, if you're an early adopter (and a subscriber!), pat yourself on the back because this one's for you... and your "bionic retina implants minus the deductible and waiting for its invention."
Hulu Plus update brings enhanced UI and controls to Roku, Smart TVs and Blu-ray players
Hulu Plus has been on a roll in the mobile world this month, dishing out a brand-new Windows Phone app and updates to its Android UI. Fortunately, the service is pushing out similar efforts to the home entertainment side as well: a new refresh is rolling out to Samsung Smart TVs, select Blu-ray players and newer Roku hardware, with the Wii getting the update treatment in the near future. Enhancements in the new "experience" include a new tray-style user interface with a "shows you watch" feature, simplified controls, better search and Hulu Kids. Sounds like a pretty solid effort by the company, but if you're not convinced, head to the source link for the full list of changes. Update: A post on the Roku blog indicates the new UI is coming to the Roku HD (2500) and later models including the Roku 2, 3 and Streaming Stick. Earlier devices will still get the old UI.
Hulu Plus for Android update improves player UI, expands compatibility
The Hulu Plus app for Android has a new update, and the most noticeable change is that its player UI to closer match the one on its website and in iOS. It also brings features from those platforms like 10 second skip back and a preview thumbnail in the scrub bar. Hulu also claims it's rebuilt "for optimized awesomeness" with reduced buffering, better playback, and more device compatibility. Finally, in a move that should make plugging in your HDMI-out a little easier, it supports remote control navigation from game controllers and "similar peripherals." A picture of the new UI is above, check out the old version after the break or just hit the source link to try it out for yourself.
