Well you can throw free streaming content from Hulu on Apple’s iPad out the window because it looks like that is definitely not going to be happening. Those of you here in San Francisco planning to buy one of these next month can go ahead and cry now.
In a report by Peter Kafka of MediaMemo, it appears that content providers are still planning on bringing Hulu to the Apple. However, while it is free for users on the web, Hulu most likely will be a service that costs money on the iPad through a subscription:
Hulu and its owners, three of the big broadcast TV networks, want to bring some version of the Web video service to Apple’s device.
But the most likely scenario is one in which access to Hulu on the iPad comes as part of a subscription package, multiple people familiar with the company tell me.
This is not really anything new because the website has been looking at ways it can turn a profit and apparently this is the way they are going to try and make it happen.
So you’re probably thinking to yourself. Hulu runs with Flash, how on earth is it going to run on the iPad? Well, it has also been rumored that Hulu has been at work on a non-Flash, Apple-friendly, verison of the website.
It’s possible that Hulu might appear on the iPad but it’s going to have to jump some major hurdles to get there and once it does, it’s probably not going to be free. On the other hand, depending on how much it costs, I think it still could make a huge impact in the iPad market.
If you are thinking about getting an iPad next month, you can go here to find the closest Apple Store in San Francisco so you can post a sign up today reserving your seat in line. Although no Hulu and AT&T service might drive people in SF away.
We'll see.
For more info, contact Adam: admillios@gmail.com
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