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Image source: Hulu Blog
BY NICHOLE CARTMELL
Apple TV users will see a change when they power up their streaming boxes today. The
company has added another third party content provider to the device. Here is KTLA with
the story.
“Couch potatoes rejoice ... Hulu is now available on Apple TV. This has been one of
the most requested features for Apple’s $99 streaming box.”
A blogger for CNET says this makes the already top streaming service even better. But the
writer said announcement of the Hulu application came quietly.
“The app showed up without fanfare, with its icon popping up next to Netflix without
an announcement from Apple or a required firmware update.”
A reporter for All things Digital says the addition to Apple is no game changer but does
level playing field with devices like Roku and Xbox 360.
But he points out two interesting notes about the development.
One, like Netflix, Apple will probably keep a portion of Hulu’s monthly fee.
And two...
“Hulu and its owner/content partners had little choice but to get Hulu Plus onto Apple
TV. Because with the new Airplay feature in Apple’s new Mountain Lion update, anyone
with an Apple TV can already “mirror” the free Hulu Web service onto their TVs.”
In the past year, Apple TV has added a number of third-party content providers including
Netflix, MLB.TV, and the NBA TV. A writer for PC Mag suggests the addition of Hulu might
mean Apple TV could be looking to build bigger.
“Though Apple has referred to Apple TV as a ‘hobby’, the Cupertino tech giant has
been steadily adding new apps to the streaming media box, giving users more of a reason to
cut the cord from their traditional cable TV packages.”
CNET says users who currently have a Hulu subscription can already begin watching shows
on demand. And after a one-week free trial, new users will be required to pay a monthly
fee.