Rumor: Hulu Coming to XBox Live
June 4, 2010 - By Erin Stuelke
Pre-E3 rumors are flying around the internet like crazy. One of our favorites comes from Hulu and Microsoft. According to sources at GearLive, Microsoft plans to reveal Hulu as one of its new Xbox LIVE services. Unlike Netflix, Hulu has maintained a no-devices policy meaning that you can only watch Hulu directly on your computer. There are ways around this, such as using intermediary software like PlayOn, but there are no Hulu-approved alternatives.
So far, there appear to be two downsides to this partnership. First, according to 1UP, while Microsoft already has the necessary software to implement a Hulu interface on the Xbox360, getting rights to Hulu programming hasn’t been negotiated fully. Also, it appears viewers will have to fork over a subscription fee for the service in addition to their Xbox LIVE Gold fee. It’s unclear how much the subscription will cost and how Microsoft will go about charging for it.
The Electronic Entertainment Expo begins mid-June. Hopefully, Microsoft proves this rumor to be true.
Sources:
- Exclusive: Hulu coming to Xbox Live at E3 [GearLive]
- Hulu on Xbox 360 Exists, but Tied Up by Rights Issues [1UP]
