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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.
The CW app brings full episodes streaming to Xbox 360 a day after they air
The latest entertainment app to launch for the Xbox 360 comes from The CW (the relationship has now come full circle), bringing shows like Arrow, Supernatural and The Vampire Diaries to the console. Special to this offering is that it will stream full episodes the day after they air on network TV, and will not require users to verify a cable or satellite subscription. Xbox Live Gold is required, so it's not an entirely free pass to stream away. Still, for fans of the shows it's another way to watch and this Friday's Vampire Diaries episode will feature some exclusive second screen content available via SmartGlass. Not into The CW's teen-centric offerings? Beyond the just-launched Pizza Hut app, XBL Silver sports fans can enjoy a free weekend (25th - 28th) of access to ESPN, MLB.tv, UFC (the 7 pre-fight stories), NHL GameCenter and NBA Game Time. There's also the Hockey Night in Canada app, and an update for Hulu Plus that lets parents search for kids shows based on age group.
Latest Hulu rumors suggest it could be up for sale, again
While viewers enjoy promotions like free Star Trek and Kurosawa, Hulu's owners are once again considering selling the video streaming site. The last bit of news was that News Corp and Disney were considering buying one another out, but according to Reuters, anonymous sources confirm that the board is reaching out to several potential buyers while it considers its options. Another possibility from Variety suggests that the two would remain as part owners, and welcome another party to join, perhaps CBS. This wouldn't be the first time Hulu's owners tried to sell the site however, as it went through the whole process -- without changing hands -- back in 2011. Perhaps this time, with a new CEO in place, all the companies involved can figure out what they want Hulu to be going forward.
Hulu Plus on Apple TV redesigned with simplicity and easy discovery features in mind
It's not often that we see those services present on the Apple TV get tweaked, but today Hulu announced its Plus offering has been on the receiving end of a major design overhaul. Clearly taking a cue from Cupertino's own iTunes app on the tiny media box, the Hulu Plus redesign makes perfect use of a top navigation bar, which, as pictured above, lists familiar entries like TV, Movies, Kids, Latino, Queue and Search -- a nice visual (and useful) change when compared to what we've been become accustomed to since the app first arrived on the "hobby" platform. According to Hulu, the redesign was driven by the idea to bring quick access to what subscribers are trying to watch, as well as the thought of delivering an easier discovery experience which aims to help with finding new shows and making it easier to watch recent episodes of those that are already preferred. Apple TV owners running the latest firmware can play with the fresh UI now -- of course, that's for those who are already shelling out the required $8 monthly fee for Hulu's premium ware. [Thanks, Andrew]
CBS tries multi-stage syndication for The Good Wife on Amazon Prime, Hulu Plus and TV
Almost by definition, TV syndication in the modern era leads us to wonder just where and when we'll get to see a show online. For CBS' The Good Wife, streaming on third-party services will be a cornerstone of an uncommon, multi-step syndication strategy that puts the internet first. The drama will be available for Amazon Prime Instant Video subscribers starting March 14th, expanding beyond its existing availability for purchase. Hulu Plus members, meanwhile, will get their own turn at streaming in September. Traditional TV will still be around, but it's notably pushed to the back of the queue -- Hallmark won't have airing rights until January 2014, and most other broadcasters will be denied until a year after Hulu. The new approach another sign that CBS' one-time cold shoulder to some forms of digital distribution is growing warmer and warmer.
Hulu Plus gets 'Kids Lock' feature on iPad, enhances the experience for little ones
Hulu's Kids Lock has already been implemented on Android, and now it's time for the children-tailored, itty-bitty feature to make its way to iOS -- well, at least to the iPad. It's rather simple, really: Kids Lock essentially comes in the form of a virtual button on the app, allowing parents -- or whoever's in charge -- to easily secure their tiny loved ones into the Hulu Kids experience. Meanwhile, getting back to the TV shows and movies watched by the bosses of the house is fairly uncomplicated -- all there's to do is enter the account password and bam, all is golden and everyone can go back to watching Parenthood. Aside from Kids Lock, v2.7 doesn't add too much more, save for a few bugs being fixed and some backend enhancements to make Hulu's iOS application more stable overall.
Hulu Plus for Android adds new Kids section, squashes a few bugs
Hulu Plus for Android received an update today that integrates the company's new Hulu Kids section with ad-free, child-friendly content. This new feature adds parental controls that help block programing unsuitable for children. The application's other renovations include enhanced content-discovery trays that help subscribers find video clips, TV shows and movies, plus improved video playback for the Motorola Droid RAZR HD. Whether you (we won't tell) or your children are looking to keep up with Caillou and SpongeBob's latest adventures, or learn the steps to Angelina Ballerina's new dance routine, you can pull down this new update from Google Play by visiting the source link below.
Hulu Plus now available for Nintendo's Wii U
The Nintendo Wii U shipped without some of the services we'd heard it would feature, but now Hulu Plus has joined Netflix on the console. Although it's late arriving, it does feature second screen navigation on the GamePad with several playback control options, or the ability to watch video on the touchscreen. We're still waiting to see the TVii app next month and Amazon's Instant Video, but early adopters should be able to take advantage, assuming they're a subscriber or sign up for a trial membership. Check after the break for a quick demo video to see how it all works. [Thanks, Quazie]
Wii U's Nintendo TVii, Amazon Instant Video, and Hulu Plus pushed to December (update)
When Nintendo's Wii U launches this weekend, it won't arrive with most of its primary multimedia features -- namely, Nintendo TVii, Amazon Instant Video, or Hulu Plus. All were said to come pre-loaded on the new console, but reviewers found out early that a launch day patch would enable the functionality. As it turns out, that patch will actually arrive at some point in December, bearing Nintendo TVii, with the rest of the apps arriving "in the coming weeks" (no hard date is given for any of the apps). The console is still expected to launch with Miiverse, Nintendo Network, and backwards compatibility with the Nintendo Wii -- none of which is currently enabled on the Wii U (presumably still arriving in some form of day-one patch). We've reached out to Nintendo to see if those things are still planned for launch. Update: Netflix reps tell us the app will be available "when Wii U ships," but won't be part of Nintendo TVii "until Q1."
Hulu adds Kids section for little streamers, updates PS3 app with renewed remote support
Whether you have streaming-savvy children, or are just a big kid yourself, Hulu has added a new section to its bulging catalogue specifically for you. Hulu Kids puts all the ad-free shows available to Plus subscribers in one place, and splits them into categories for filtering, say, only dinosaur-related programs. The section has its own website, or can now be accessed through the obvious option in the Browse menu. PS3 owners will be happy to know the Hulu Plus app has been updated, too, bringing back the Blu-ray remote functionality that was, for some wacky reason, removed in the last update. And, what better way is there to relax after a humiliating public defeat than dropping the controller, and taking in a calming dose of SpongeBob?
CBS and Hulu make content deal, stream back catalog shows starting in January 2013
CBS has been the lone Hulu refusenik among the biggest US broadcasters -- even with rumors of licensing discussions underway at least two years ago, we've usually had to visit the network's own site if we wanted a CSI fix without paying by the show. The deadlock is over at last now that CBS and Hulu have struck a deal. The agreement isn't quite what we'd hope for, focusing almost exclusively on back catalog titles like Medium and Star Trek, although celebrity gossip junkies will like knowing that Entertaintment Tonight segments will be viewable the day they air on regular TV. We'll have to wait until January 2013 for the selection to be ready -- not to mention shell out for Hulu Plus to get full access -- but there's at least an end in sight to one of the longer content droughts in streaming video.
Roku update adds cross-provider search over Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, HBO, Vudu and Crackle
We've seen web portals that let you search for TV and movies on the internet across different services, but a new update for Roku is bringing that capability directly to its set-top boxes. Whether you're searching by movie, TV show, actor or director it will sniff out related content across some of the higher profile services it offers, including Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Crackle, Vudu and HBO Go. The new Roku Search function is front and center (once your second gen HD or higher player has been updated to the latest version) and in our tests worked quickly, pulling up content wherever it was available and mentioning if it was available in HD. The only downside is navigating the onscreen keyboard via remote, although you can always sub in your mobile device thanks to those recently upgraded remote apps for iOS and Android. All in all Roku says it can reach its tendrils across around 130,000 titles and almost 100,000 actors and directors. Check after the break for a couple of screenshots and a quick demo video, hit the official blog for more info or force an update on your hockey puck to check it out yourself.
Hulu Plus app heads to Windows 8 PCs and tablets, tailored for new UI (video)
Windows 8 users, what with their "Modern" UI and pinned applications, won't have to stoop to using Hulu Plus in an antiquated internet browser any longer. Hulu today announced its brand new Windows 8 and Windows 8 tablet application, which is designed specifically for use with the tiled UI that Micrsoft's new multiplatform OS is based around. The new app aims to take advantage of that UI in a variety of ways -- pinning an episode or show to your start screen, for instance, or multitasking with other apps while Hulu continues playing in a smaller window, cropped to the left. We've dropped a video walkthrough of the app just below the break. Those with early access to Windows 8 can grab the app right now in the Windows Store through this link; the app will be available to the rest of us at launch on October 26th, and on Windows 8 tablets the same day. Update: The app is now available!
BuddyTV Guide app adds Hulu Plus integration
Even when you're watching TV alone, you've always got a friend in BuddyTV Guide -- the personalized listings and remote control app. Now, in addition to content providers Netflix, iTunes and Amazon, it's inviting another player to the viewing party: Hulu Plus. Subscribers to the service will be able to see all associated video content in the BuddyTV Guide listings, and better yet, access it directly from within the app. Intrigued, Hulu Plus patrons? Head on down to the source link, grab the relevant app and let the New Girl marathon commence.
Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for Android updated with support for closed captions
Sound familiar? Just days after the mobile apps for HBO, Cinemax and Hulu added closed captions support on iOS, a similar slew of upgrades have come to their apps on Android. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be any change in the number of supported devices for any of them at this time. Hulu's upgrade also adds on the option to share videos via Twitter, Facebook and other services, although the 10 second rewind button added on iOS does not appear to have made the cut. As usual you should see the new versions rolling around in the app store, hit the source links for more info.
Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for iOS updated with support for closed captions
In a move that should please the hard of hearing and anyone trying to watch a video quietly sans-headphones, the Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for iOS devices have all recently been updated with support for closed captions. The portable apps for HBO and Cinemax got their refresh yesterday along some unspecified enhancements and bug fixes. For Hulu Plus, the update to version 2.6 not only brings a subtitle toggle for English and other languages, where available (on iOS 4.3 and higher), but also sharing via Twitter, Facebook and email, a 10 second rewind button and the usual unspecified other tweaks. Due to its market share Netflix has gotten most of the pressure when it comes to offering captions, but its good to see other streaming options getting on board as well. All the apps are free, even though the services aren't, hit the source links below to grab the latest versions.
Hulu's PlayStation 3 app upgraded, is the first for the living room to deliver the 'new experience'
The folks over at Hulu have been focused on cleaning up content discovery and playback for a while, and now they've turned their collective eye to the PlayStation 3 Hulu Plus app. An update rolling out this evening brings a number of tweaks we saw hit its redesigned website in August, including the "tray-style" layout of shows, larger artwork, improved search with results that appear in the dropdown and simplified player controls. Take a peek in the gallery for a few screenshots of the new UI or after the break for an intro trailer. Although other platforms weren't mentioned specifically Hulu said the PS3 is the first living room device to show off its new experience, which leads us to believe other devices should get a similar look eventually. Subscribers can take a look on the PlayStation Network to see if they find any improvements, non-subscribers can, as usual, jump in on a free seven day trial.%Gallery-164901%
Hulu marks its first year in Japan by opening up access on Apple TV
It's been a year since Hulu launched its streaming video service in Japan, and to celebrate it's released its app on Apple TVs there. It hasn't all been roses for the last twelve months, with a price drop in April -- and we're not seeing any celebration of subscriber figures in the blog post -- despite including things like HBO that it seems unlikely we'll see on Hulu domestically. Just like the Apple TV app that popped up over here, Japanese users should simply find it on their devices, while prospective subscribers are being enticed with one month free subscriptions if they sign up via their hockey puck.
Verizon's Viewdini appears on iOS: works on any network, hunts video from 11 sources
The Viewdini streaming metasearch service launched a few months ago for Verizon's 4G LTE-laden Android hardware, and now it's finally available on iDevices. While the droid app is exclusive to those with a 4G plan on Big Red's network, anything running iOS 4.3 and up can now make use of Viewdini, independently of carrier ties. As the screenshots above show, you're also good to go on 3G, although you better watch that data allowance to avoid any nasty surprises. Interestingly, the iOS version currently only digs through the catalogues of 11 content providers compared with 18 on the Android version, but you're still getting access to various big names like ABC, Crackle, Hulu Plus, Netflix and Verizon's own video service. More providers should be added to the list soon, and if you'd like to give Viewdini a try, it's available at the App Store now.
