Joystiq

Netflix unlocked for all Xbox Live members this weekend

Sinan Kubba — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST

If you want to access Netflix on your Xbox 360, you need both a Netflix subscription and Xbox Live Gold membership. Not so this weekend, during which the app will be be made available to all Live users. Of course, you'll still need that ol' Netflix subscription, but the online streamer is nonetheless keen to get as many people watching its new original series House of Cards starring Kevin Spacey, which premieres today.

If adverts are more your bag (you crazy cat you) then, as Microsoft tells us, Hulu's Adzone can now be accessed on Xbox without a Hulu Plus subscription. You still need an Xbox Live Gold membership, though you can look forward to watching the commercials from Super Bowl XLVII, which the Baltimore Ravens will win 27 to 24.

Netflix unlocked for all Xbox Live members this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu Plus overhauled on PSN, now with colorful pictures

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST

The Hulu Plus app on PS3 is redesigned to include "larger, more vivid artwork" that is easier to navigate than the previous layout, principal software development lead Daniel Bear writes on the PlayStation Blog.

The new design has movies and TV shows in a "tray-style" format with programs recommended based on individual viewing history, popular shows, top 100 clips and trailers, similar to the Netflix layout. It also includes a "Shows You Watch" option for quick access to the latest episodes of regularly viewed content. Search results now appear directly below the search and the playback interface has been overhauled.

Check out the details on PSN or on the blog post.

Hulu Plus overhauled on PSN, now with colorful pictures originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox 360 used more for video and music apps than for gaming

Jessica Conditt — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST

More than half of the time people spend on Xbox Live is devoted to watching videos and listening to music, Microsoft's Yusuf Mehdi told the Los Angeles Times. "What we're seeing is that people are turning on the Xbox to play games and then keeping it on afterwards to get other types of entertainment," Mehdi said.

The Xbox 360 isn't a gaming console; it's now officially an entertainment center that includes games, and it's becoming more popular with this angle. Today households spend an average of 84 hours a month playing games and using other apps on Xbox Live, up 30 percent from a year prior. To compare, the average household watches 150 hours of TV each month.

Even before Kinect, a tool that has always made more sense as an entertainment control rather than a gaming one, Microsoft has wanted the Xbox 360 to be "the heart of connected digital entertainment," as HBO senior vice president of consumer technology Otto Berkes put it.

Today Microsoft added MLB.TV, HBO GO and Comcast Xfinity TV apps to its lineup, which already includes Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, Zune, Last.fm and others.

Xbox 360 used more for video and music apps than for gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu Plus app now downloadable on Wii

JC Fletcher — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:20:00 EST

Bored with experiencing Hulu Plus through the same old ... interfaces? Get rid of that Hulu Plus ennui with Hulu Plus on Wii. Nintendo announced that the service is now available through the Wii in the US as of today.

Users can download the Hulu app through the Wii Shop Channel for free, and then subscribe for $7.99 a month to watch television shows and movies. Through the first month of the app's availability, new users can redeem a two-week free trial of the service.

A 3DS version is due "later this year." We apologize for the "Hulu Plus ennui" joke and the lengths to which we had to go to make it.

Continue reading Hulu Plus app now downloadable on Wii

Hulu Plus app now downloadable on Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu Plus coming to 3DS and Wii 'soon'

Christopher Grant — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:15:00 EST

Subscription streaming TV service Hulu Plus is coming to both the 3DS and Wii, sometime "soon," Nintendo says. While you may be inclined to make any number of "dust off my Wii" gags, we should probably remind you that when it comes to Netflix streaming, the Wii is actually the most popular device. In fact, that same survey pegged the Wii as the most popular Hulu streaming box, even though it wasn't yet available; thanks, margin of error!

The only other piece of information we can share with you is the price; as with Xbox 360 and PS3, Hulu Plus will run you $7.99/month in exchange for "thousands of TV episodes - including the entire current season of popular shows like Modern Family, Glee, Dancing with the Stars, The Biggest Loser, House and Grey's Anatomy." If you're thinking about cutting the cable TV cord, you could do worse.

Hulu Plus coming to 3DS and Wii 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Half of all Netflix users connect via a game console,' Nintendo Wii used most

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EST

Sorry Jackie boy, but it seems that Sony's PlayStation 3 has been dethroned as king of streaming Netflix. That's according to a recent Nielsen survey that pegs the Nintendo Wii as the most used device in households to stream Netflix (outside of the computer, of course), and puts all three gaming consoles in the lead in terms of Netflix streaming to devices.

The survey, based on 12,000 online interviews in March 2011, weighs a variety of devices against each other in terms of Netflix and Hulu streaming, from Apple TV on the low end at just one percent market share, to "Directly on Computer" as the most employed method at 42 percent for Netflix and 89 percent for Hulu. The Xbox 360 brought up the bottom of the list in terms of game consoles, with just 12 percent of Netflix users going that route and two percent of Hulu users.

The real bizarre factoid in this graph is that the Nintendo Wii is also (just barely) streaming more Hulu content than the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 -- especially odd considering there's no official support for Hulu on the Wii. We've reached out to Nielsen for clarification on that possibly erroneous statistic.

Update: Nielsen explained the Hulu on Nintendo Wii statistic as such: "The reason the survey shows 3% answering this way can be attributed to respondent error, which is common in survey research. In other words, because the survey measures self-reported usage, there can be a small margin of error in which some respondents will answer this way."

'Half of all Netflix users connect via a game console,' Nintendo Wii used most originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu Plus available on Xbox April 29

JC Fletcher — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:11:00 EST

Hey, here's some good news about a new online service coming out on a console that can currently use online services! That'll be nice for a change. According to a legit-looking scan of the June issue of OXM, Hulu Plus will launch on Xbox 360 on April 29 -- this very Friday. The last official word was "spring."

According to the magazine (if, of course, the "magazine" isn't a well-executed fake) Microsoft will promote the launch with a contest, wherein each week from April 29 through May 30, prizes will be awarded to randomly chosen Hulu Plus users. The prizes range from Beaches Resort trips to free Xbox 360 bundles and Hulu Plus subscriptions.

We've contacted Microsoft, but the company has yet to confirm or deny this report. Everyone there is probably having a TV party.

[Thanks, Curtis!]

Hulu Plus available on Xbox April 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Take a look at Hulu Plus on Xbox and the new Kinect sub-Dash

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:20:00 EST

Sure, Hulu Plus may not be part of the public beta preview of this spring's Xbox 360 Dashboard update -- at least that's what Microsoft's saying -- but that doesn't mean we can't see what it may look like when it does launch, as scheduled, sometime in the next few months. Images sent to us by a trusted tipster show the Hulu Plus app in action (and being controlled by Kinect), as well as the revamped Kinect Dashboard.

Like the Netflix app, the Hulu interface resembles the Xbox Dashboard itself, offering a rotating layer of categories with selectable content. As for the updated Kinect Hub, it looks fairly similar to what is currently available on the Xbox, only it adds access to both Netflix and Hulu Plus.

Though our tipster doesn't know whether Hulu Plus will be added to the current public beta test of the next Dashboard update, our source did note that the application seems fully functional, as does Avatar Kinect (also not currently part of the preview). Our tipster said the Kinect-controlled Avatar showcase app wasn't especially exciting, but that "it was good at tracking my movements and the response time was pretty fast like everything else with the Kinect." Hopefully we'll find out for ourselves soon enough!

Gallery: Xbox 360 Hulu Plus and Kinect Hub beta, Spring 2011

Source: Take a look at Hulu Plus on Xbox and the new Kinect sub-Dash originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu Plus, Netflix getting Kinect-enabled this Spring [Update: Video demo added!]

Mike Schramm — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:10:00 EST

Microsoft has just announced at its CES Keynote this year that both the Netflix and Hulu Plus streaming services are getting Kinect-enabled later on this Spring. Hulu Plus was announced last year as launching in "early 2011," but it sounds like you'll have to wait until Spring to see that content on your Xbox.

Kinect's program manager Ron Forbes demonstrated both services on the stage here in Las Vegas, and it looked like what you'd imagine -- both services let you flip through video and use your voice to play, pause, and select what to watch. So Spring update for the console confirmed?

Continue reading Hulu Plus, Netflix getting Kinect-enabled this Spring [Update: Video demo added!]

Hulu Plus, Netflix getting Kinect-enabled this Spring [Update: Video demo added!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu Plus available on PS3 without PlayStation Plus next week

JC Fletcher — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST

The PlayStation Plus requirement for the PS3 Hulu Plus app will go away next week, allowing all PSN users to download the app. And you'll be able to use that app, since Hulu just made it so that you no longer have to be invited to subscribe to the $9.99/month service. The Hulu Plus service remains in "preview" while the company works to add more features and more devices -- like new Sony Bravia TVs, which Sony also announced.

The app you'll be able to download next week, according to Hulu, "incorporates some of the feedback we've received to date" from users of the (already nice) app that's been available through PlayStation Plus since July. Hopefully that includes the feedback about wanting to watch all the same shows on our PS3 as we can on the computer. We ... we just wanted to see Top Chef.

Continue reading Hulu Plus available on PS3 without PlayStation Plus next week

Hulu Plus available on PS3 without PlayStation Plus next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Hulu Plus on PS3

David Hinkle — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:35:00 EST

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: Hulu Plus on PS3

Continue reading Video: Hulu Plus on PS3

Video: Hulu Plus on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu Plus preview now available to 'select' PlayStation Plus subscribers

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:05:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

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 preview now available to 'select' PlayStation Plus subscribers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu: 'Playstation Plus service is only a requirement during the preview period'

Christopher Grant — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:33:00 EST

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.

Continue reading Hulu: 'Playstation Plus service is only a requirement during the preview period'

Hulu: 'Playstation Plus service is only a requirement during the preview period' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu page: Hulu Plus on PS3 will require PlayStation Plus [Update: only during the preview period]

JC Fletcher — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

[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 page: Hulu Plus on PS3 will require PlayStation Plus [Update: only during the preview period] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu Plus on Xbox will be a 'custom experience', restricted to Xbox Live Gold members

JC Fletcher — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

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.

Continue reading Hulu Plus on Xbox will be a 'custom experience', restricted to Xbox Live Gold members

Hulu Plus on Xbox will be a 'custom experience', restricted to Xbox Live Gold members originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu Plus launching on PS3 in July, Xbox 360 in 'early 2011'

JC Fletcher — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:46:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

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!]

Continue reading Hulu Plus launching on PS3 in July, Xbox 360 in 'early 2011'

Hulu Plus launching on PS3 in July, Xbox 360 in 'early 2011' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu coming to PlayStation Network 'soon,' according to Bloomberg report

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:30:00 EST

Once again, Hulu is drawing some attention from a possible partnership with a video game console. According to a report by Bloomberg, Sony may be close to securing a deal to bring a Hulu subscription to the PlayStation Network. In fact, "the partnership could be announced as soon as next week."

Weeks ago, Reuters ran a similar report, claiming Xbox 360 and iPad would also offer a premium Hulu service. However, these claims have not yet been fruitful. Considering the clamor for Hulu on multiple devices, these reports can be the result of wishful thinking -- or Hulu is planning an aggressive multi-platform approach, not unlike Netflix.

[Thanks, MLC]

Hulu coming to PlayStation Network 'soon,' according to Bloomberg report originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumorang: Reuters sources say Hulu may expand to Xbox and iPad

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST

International news agency Reuters is adding to the "rumor and speculation" that the Hulu video service is coming to Xbox 360 and iPad. Sources claim Hulu is developing a subscription model to be rolled out on numerous devices over the next couple months, but it's unclear if the pay model will occur after the service is available on more devices. Although the report mentions "multiple devices," the only ones specifically mentioned are Microsoft's console and Apple's tablet.

The Hulu subscription service will allegedly charge for "older episodes and other content," while new shows will continue being free. Apple didn't mention the service during its big iPhone 4 reveal this week, so perhaps Microsoft will make it official at its E3 press conference next week.

Rumorang: Reuters sources say Hulu may expand to Xbox and iPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Hulu coming to Xbox Live, currently tied up in red tape

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:25:00 EST

It's probably fair to say that few things would excite internet dweebs like us more than television and film streaming service Hulu arriving on a gaming console already connected to the internet and, more importantly, to our televisions. Tech site Gear Live has a rumor that Hulu streaming functionality is coming to the Xbox 360, to be announced at this year's E3. 1UP has a similar rumor that reads "a Hulu application for the Xbox 360 definitely exists" -- unfortunately, said application is allegedly being held back by rights issues with Hulu's content owners (read: NBC, CBS, etc.).

Both sites source an anonymous person "close to Microsoft" as the origin of the rumor -- perhaps embittered soon-to-be ex-employees Robbie Bach and J. Allard have hit the streets with huge leaks?! Yeah, we don't think so either. Regardless, we've reached out to Microsoft for the inevitable "We don't comment on rumors or speculation," but we'll let you know what the company officially says of the rumors if we hear back.

Update: Microsoft responded with "We don't comment on rumor or speculation." Surprise!

Source - 1UP
Source - Gear Live (Via Engadget)

Rumor: Hulu coming to Xbox Live, currently tied up in red tape originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayOn video streaming beta playing on Wii now

JC Fletcher — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EST

MediaMall Technologies has opened up a beta of the Wii version of its PlayOn streaming media software, already available for PS3, Xbox 360 and other devices. Basically, that means that you should be able to download the PC software and then use the Internet Channel to watch Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and other content on your TV.

There's a 14-day free trial of the software, after which you have to pay $39.99 for the full version -- by the way, we couldn't help but notice that the price has increased, and the duration of the trial decreased, since last year. $40 is kind of a lot, but not when compared to the cost of an Xbox 360 or another Netflix-capable device. Unless it turns out not to work well -- which many of us are no doubt on our way to determining right now.

[Via Engadget]

PlayOn video streaming beta playing on Wii now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to get Hulu back on your PS3

Justin McElroy — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST

As much as we love our PS3s and as much as we love having the first three seasons of Three Sheets at our fingertips, this workaround that gets Hulu back up and running on the PS3 is still a bit much for us. We tried to read all the witchcraft, with its VMs and DNSes, but we got kinda headachey and had to lay down.

If you've got a stronger stomach (and are still avoiding services like PlayOn), give it a spin and let us know how it works out.

How to get Hulu back on your PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hulu to PS3 users: 'Naw, son!'

Xav de Matos — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

Yesterday morning, PlayStation 3 owners discovered access to Hulu was no longer functioning through the console's Internet browser. According to Engadget, PS3 users of the video content provider were treated with an apologetic error message, citing the desired content was not available on their "platform" of choice. Engadget is quick to point out that, while Hulu's recent Terms of Service changes make no mention of the console, changing an Internet browser's user-string to match the console reveals it is specifically being targeted. Conspiracy theories? Throw them in the comments below while we try to clear up this cloudy situation.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in. Image Credit: FormatWarCentral.com]

Hulu to PS3 users: 'Naw, son!' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony: No plans to change XMB or offer Netflix service

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Interviews

After Microsoft's successful launch of the NXE (New Xbox Experience), GamePro had a few questions to ask Sony. The redesigned interface for Xbox certainly looks a lot sleeker than before -- would Sony consider changing up the XMB (Xcross Media Bar) to make it feel new and fresh? Unlikely, according to John Kohler. "Grand-scale changes [to XMB] are probably not realistic, because it's something that's been so well-received," he states. The XMB is used in a number of Sony products, from PS3 to PSP to DVR systems and HDTVs. Why change something that's uniquely "Sony"? However, Kohler does note that PS3 fans that are vocal about a change are likely to get it. "If consumers pound on our door loudly enough, we'll make sure they're listened to. That's been evident in the firmware updates [for the PS3 and PSP], which came out because of consumer feedback."

One of the big changes added to the NXE was the addition of Netflix streaming support. However, it doesn't appear Sony will offer a competitor to the service any time soon. "We've concentrated most of our efforts on our download service, both rentals and downloads of movies and TV shows. Our efforts will continue to be there, because our customers want to own the content." Netflix offers users access to a large number of titles to stream for a monthly fee; Sony's model allows users to buy the content a la carte. While we wish Sony would also offer an unlimited rental service for the PlayStation Store, there is an alternative that we've been using lately: Hulu. Ever since the last firmware update, we've been visiting the site to catch up on our favorite TV shows. Now if only Sony would add Hulu to the XMB ...

Sony: No plans to change XMB or offer Netflix service originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayOn beta allows streaming Hulu; Netflix support planned

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:45:00 EST

Filed under: News

The PS3's media server capabilities just got a nice injection with the recently released PlayOn beta. The easy-to-use client streams media from your PC to your PS3. The most exciting thing about the client must be its support for Hulu, the free video streaming site which broadcasts a number of high-profile network shows. For example, we installed the beta and we were able to watch NBC's 30 Rock almost instantly.

There are a few problems, though. The files are poorly compressed: a single episode of 30 Rock is over a gigabyte, which demands a rather speedy connection between your computer and PS3. The quality isn't too great thanks to the web-friendly MPEG-2 codec being used. And, once the 60 day trial ends, the service will ask for $30. However, if PlayOn can get the planned Netflix streaming to work, they may just have a new customer.

PlayOn beta allows streaming Hulu; Netflix support planned originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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