Hubbl
 | |
| Industry | Streaming media, Video on demand |
|---|---|
| Founded | 26 November 2018 |
| Headquarters | Artarmon, New South Wales |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Julian Ogrin (CEO) |
| Products | Binge,Kayo Sports,Flash,WatchAFL,WatchNRL,Lifestyle |
| Parent | Foxtel |
| Website | www |
Hubbl,previouslyStreamotion,[1][2]is an Australianover-the-topstreamingsubscription provider, wholly owned byFoxtel.The company has developed and operates the local streaming servicesKayo Sports,Binge,Flash andLifestyle,as well as operating theWatchAFLandWatchNRLservices in international markets.
In 2022, Foxtel announced their development of a televisionoperating systemknown internally asProject Magneto,based on theSky Streambox available in the UK.[3]In October 2023, the service was formally revealed under the name Hubbl, which aims to bring content from bothfree-to-airproviders and paid subscription services into a singleuser interface.[4]The platform can be accessed via two products; the Hubbl puck, an externaldigital media playerwhich can be connected to compatible television sets and the Hubbl Glass, a 4K LED Smart-TV with a built-in soundbar and the Hubbl service already integrated into the device.[5][6]Both of those products began to be on sale on 10 March 2024 via Hubbl's website as well asJB Hi-FiandHarvey Normanretail stores.[5][7]Hubbl also acts as a unified billing service for streaming subscriptions, with Streamotion moving their billing operations exclusively to the service.[8]
Hubbl's streaming services have grown to become Foxtel's fastest growing business sector, with streaming users comprising two-thirds of the company's customer base.[9]
Services
[edit]Kayo Sports,codenamedProject Martianduring development, is Hubbl's subscription streaming service for its sports content. The service was launched in November 2018 and offers both live streams and highlights packages fromFox Sportsas well asESPN,beIN SportsandRacing.com.In addition to this, a multiscreen feature is also available, allowing subscribers to view multiple live events simultaneously.[10]
Binge,codenamedProject Jupiterduring development, is Hubbl's entertainment focused streaming service that was launched on 25 May 2020. Set up to compete with the likes ofDisney+,Netflix,Amazon Prime VideoandStan,the service features content from major networks and studios includingHBO,Warner Bros,Paramount Global,Sony Pictures,Universal Pictures,FX(even though it has already begun losing its titles to Disney+) and theBBC.[11]The service also features a selection of live streamed linear Foxtel cable networks includingFOX One,LifeStyle,Fox ArenaandBBC First.[12]
Flash
[edit]Flash News is Hubbl's news aggregation OTT platform that was launched on 14 October 2021. The service offers live news coverage from major linear cable networks includingSky News Australia,Sky News UK,CNN,BBC News,andFox News.[13]In 2023, Foxtel shuttered the service's editorial team, bringing an end to daily original content on the platform.[14]
LifeStyle is a streaming service which distributes non-fiction content from Foxtel'sLifestylegroup of networks, launched alongside the Hubbl platform.[15]
References
[edit]- ^Manning, James (28 December 2023)."Foxtel Group's Hubbl launch: Binge, Kayo Sports accounts moving to new platform in February".Mediaweek.Retrieved7 March2024.
- ^"Foxtel begins transition to Hubbl streaming brand".Telecompaper.8 January 2024.Retrieved7 March2024.
- ^Tadros, Edmund (20 November 2022)."We're not America: Foxtel boss says streamers are getting it wrong".The Australian Financial Review.Nine Entertainment.Archivedfrom the original on 24 September 2023.Retrieved7 March2024.
- ^Elsworth, Sophie (26 October 2023)."Foxtel unveils its new Hubbl TV technology to make TV viewing much smoother".The Australian Business Review.News Corp Australia.Retrieved7 March2024.
- ^abMolk, Steve (7 March 2024)."Steve Molk grabs the remote for a hands-on look at Foxtel's new TV--HUBBL GLASS".TV Blackbox.Retrieved7 March2024.
- ^Jaspan, Calum (21 February 2024)."Can Hubbl refloat Foxtel's bubble?".The Sydney Morning Herald.Nine Entertainment.Retrieved7 March2024.
- ^"Hubbl announces 10 March launch date".Mediaweek.1 March 2024.Retrieved7 March2024.
- ^Barrett, Dan (23 February 2024)."'Doesn't my TV already do this?': Is Hubbl a Foxtel thought-bubble or worth the trouble? ".Guardian Australia.Guardian Media Group.ISSN0261-3077.Retrieved7 March2024.
- ^Knox, David (12 May 2023)."Streaming now two-thirds of Foxtel Group subscribers".TV Tonight.Retrieved7 March2024.
- ^Dudley-Nicholson, Jennifer (27 November 2018)."Kayo sports streaming service, dubbed 'Netflix of sports', launches in Australia".news.com.au.News Corp Australia.Archivedfrom the original on 31 December 2018.Retrieved2019-01-02.
- ^Story, Hannah (23 May 2020)."Everything You Need to Know About Foxtel's New Streaming Service".PopSugar.Archived fromthe originalon 30 May 2020.Retrieved22 September2023.
- ^"Foxtel's Binge streaming service: Price, features, comparison and content".finder.com.au.Archivedfrom the original on 6 June 2020.Retrieved2 June2019.
- ^Wilson, Zanda (22 September 2021)."Foxtel details launch of news streaming service Flash".Mumbrella.Retrieved7 March2024.
- ^McKnight, Robert (16 February 2023)."FOXTEL axes FLASH editorial staff as streaming service struggles to find an audience".TV Blackbox.Retrieved7 March2024.
- ^Estera, Christine (19 February 2024)."Australia's biggest streaming apps join new TV technology Hubbl".news.com.au.News Corp Australia.Retrieved7 March2024.