Hulu iPhone App Reportedly In The Works
According to a report from Silicon Alley Insider, citing a "plugged in" industry executive, the Hulu.com for iPhone app is a couple of months away but will be "badass."
The application will reportedly function over a stable connection on both 3G and Wi-Fi connections.
Mobile video has been slow to see traction thus far. There are several streaming video applications available to iPhone users -- CBS' TV.com and Joost, for example -- but none have seen abundant uptake. The problem likely has to do with video quality and the design of the application.
Hulu.com may bring something a little different to the table. The design of the Web site is slick, to say the least, and the video quality is always good. Hulu.com launched an ad campaign recently, with Alec Baldwin taking the introductory bow during the Super Bowl, and may be indicative of the fact that the company is willing to spend the money to boost its user base.
Getting video in front of iPhone users -- especially if the app is well designed -- could continue to expand its influence. Currently, Hulu.com users can receive content from Fox and NBC. According to reports from paidContent, ABC is even considering getting in on the act which would bring ESPN content to the site as well.
The Hulu.com app, it should be noted, will still be subjected to Apple's somewhat inscrutable App Store approval process. Whether or not Apple will approve an app that may cut to the heart of its iTunes video sales remains to be seen.
But Apple has a track record of being innovative when it comes to design and products, so the iPhone maker may be willing to give the Hulu.com app a pass if there's enough of a groundswell for it. Then again, if the company thinks Hulu.com competes a little too closely with its TV and movie service, the app may never see the light of day.