According to an interview with the NYTimes, Microsoft’s Shane Kim seems to suggest a deal with Hulu may be in the works that will allow Xbox 360 owners to use the excellent video streaming service.
Their deal with Netflix, the company’s first streaming partner, is “just beginning to scratch the surface.” Kim also noted that they were looking to add a music service as well. (Most likely Zune, but you never know)
The interview, paraphrased says, “He argued that while there may be hundreds of video sites, most of the activity is concentrating on a handful of sites like Hulu and YouTube. So his first instinct is cut a handful of deals that integrate the Xbox more deeply into such sites.”
A deal would make great sense for both parties. Hulu would gain audience and advertising revenue and Microsoft would be able to turn their console into a very formidable video streaming hub.
Obviously there could be no deal at all in the works. We will keep you updated.
Result for: video streaming service
MySpace
has announced they have begun testing a streaming video service for cellular phones.
The global rollout of the video beta for MySpace Mobile began today and will work on streaming-enabled phones such as the BlackBerry Bold and Nokia N95.
Users can access the site through m.myspace.com from their phones to view videos they or others have uploaded as well as content from providers such as TMZ, National Hockey League, National Geographic, The Onion, and College Humor.
“Video is a natural next step for us in mobile,” John Faith, vice president and general manager of Mobile for MySpace, added in a statement. “MySpace will continue to grow our video library as we increase delivery channels in order to keep pace with our users’ accelerating desire for video consumption.”
The videos will be supported by RipCode which uses real-time transcoding to allow viewing from multiple headsets.
“As the volume of video grows and the number of mobile devices supporting video continues to expand, companies have to find alternative solutions to deliver content to their customers across multiple screens,” Brendon Mills, CEO of RipCode, added.
Result for: video streaming service
Netflix has announced that they will be raising subscriber rates for consumers who want to receive Blu-ray discs by $1 USD beginning next month.
Netflix has been testing such a price increase on certain markets since August but the hike will go official to all Netflix consumers who want Blu-ray on November 5th.
Netflix currently has 800 Blu-ray titles available but says that less than 20 percent of subscribers order the titles. The company is “is raising Blu-ray access prices to make up for this significant cost difference” added Jessie Teitz, VP of marketing at Netflix.
The company also reiterated that its video streaming service would be available to Mac owners by the end of year.
