Hulu Category
Google looks set to venture into the living room with Google TV, an Android-based set-top box capable of delivering the best of the Web (and online video) to your television set. And it’s partnered with Sony and Intel to make Google TV happen.
Google is, without a shadow of a doubt, the biggest name on the Internet right now. The search giant controls the search sector, is making gains with its Chrome Web browser, has Maps, Street View, and all those other cool apps, and, of course, owns YouTube.
Google has also made the move to smartphones with its Android operating system. But it’s yet to venture into the living room, at least until now.
ComScore has released its viewing figures for online video during January 2010. And the results aren’t positive on a month by month basis, although year on year figures are better. The big losers this time around are Hulu and Vevo.
Hulu is losing all Comedy Central content, which includes the immensely popular The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. What’s more, Viacom is warning it may sue anyone uploading or embedding unauthorized clips on their sites. I smell trouble ahead.
Video is going to play a big part in the success or failure of the iPad. And Apple needs services and content providers to come on board quickly if it stands a chance of taking the device mainstream. Hulu and CBS have at least hinted they would be willing to support the iPad.
SeeSaw has now arrived, having left its short beta and launched fully for anyone resident in the U.K. to use. More content is promised, and Arqiva is already talking about pay-per-view and subscription options in the near future.
Hulu UK has been delayed yet again, this time by disagreements over the kinds of advertising deals UK broadcasters could offer. And with the likes of Channel 4 and Five now offering their content on YouTube and SeeSaw, I’m beginning to wonder if Hulu will ever go international.
