In a quest to better improve their entertainment service, Apple TV finally nabs the popular Hulu Plus streaming service app, which lets viewers stream popular television shows and clips. The new addition became available on Tuesday morning with no announcement or firmware update request.
It took Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) a long time to finally obtain this popular television streaming service for their TV box which is kind of surprising considering they’ve had Hulu Plus apps for iPhone and iPad for years. Moreover, Hulu Plus has long been a staple of many other popular TV box streaming devices like Roku HD, Nintendo Wii, Sony Playstation 3, and Xbox 360.
Hulu offers two types of services: free and Plus. Obviously, you need a paid Hulu Plus account to stream the shows on any device that’s not your computer, as well as access entire current seasons of your favorite shows. At $8.00 a month, it’s a popular alternative to Netflix, which does offer more in terms of movies and shows. If you want to watch Hulu for free on your television set, there is a way to get around the small monthly fee. All you need is a compatible Mac computer with the AirPlay function built-in, and the most updated Mountain Lion software.
It’s great that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) now finally offers one of the most in-demand apps on their TV streaming box which already features apps from Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX), YouTube, Flickr, WSJ Live, NHL, NBA, and MLB.tv. Although their app selection is still relatively small compared to the likes of Boxee and Roku, you can still watch iTunes content, as well as view saved pictures and videos from your Apple devices. It’s important to point out that Apple may also continue to add more apps and content in the near future.
As more and more people connect their computers to their television sets, the internet streaming business will continue to boom. Although Apple TV has been around for quite awhile, it looks like they may be getting to a late start in this business. If they can conquer mobile phone and tablet markets, why can’t they conquer the internet streaming business? They still have a little faqrther to go but I think they can do it, especially if they add games and get more apps. That way, they could turn Apple TV into a total entertainment box that will appeal to the entire family.
