Xbox 360 to get Hulu? (Update: Probably not)

(Credit: Gizmodo)

Ah, there's nothing like a little random tweet to start a rumor.

"Just finished promos for hulu/microsoft event I'm doing on june 8!" Olivia Munn of G4's "Attack of the Show" wrote on her Twitter feed last night.

Seems harmless enough on the surface, but put it in the hands of some zealous bloggers, their antennas on high alert for any E3 related news (Microsoft's press conference is on Monday), and the rumor wheels start churning. Could Microsoft be planning to announce Hulu support for the Xbox 360?

Sounds good to me--and a lot of other people, too. Some folks are already streaming Hulu to their Xbox 360s using a little software program called PlayOn, but the idea here is an integrated Hulu application along the lines of the Netflix video streaming plug-in that's currently available to Xbox Live Gold subscribers who also have a Netflix account.

Those keeping score between Microsoft and Sony will be quick to note that the PS3 already has Hulu support via the PS3's built-in Web browser. If Microsoft were to add Hulu as well, it would be a small coup, and it wouldn't be a shocker considering Microsoft has been looking at possible XBox 360 tie-ins to Hulu and YouTube for several months. However, at yesterday's All Things D conference, NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker reiterated Hulu's , anti-Boxee stance saying that, "Right now we're committed to Hulu being an online experience, and that's where our vision is today, and I think that will continue." So, take this rumor for what it's worth.

Comments?

(Source: Twitter via Gizmodo)

Update: Alas, Ms. Munn's Hulu-Microsoft connection is related to Microsoft's new Bing search engine and a Bingathon on Hulu June 8. Ms. Munn refers to the event on her Web site, calling Bing a "Web browser." (Thanks to commenter Ninjatuned for pointing this out). Of course, Microsoft could still announce Hulu support for the Xbox 360 on Monday, but we wouldn't bet on it.

[myles taylor]

I would like that. I already stream netflix to my 360 and have a computer hooked up to my TV for Hulu. Add a way for my to wireless hook a keyboard up to my 360 and I'd be happy using it as a media center.

[absolUtmagnitUd]

I would buy a second 360. And scrap cable. My first year savings would be over $600.

[djjeesh]

Can't wait. Would like to eliminate the need for Playon... sorry Playon developers.

[paulimusmaximus]

Eh, it would be better if it was built in, but I don't mind using Playon.

[ninjatuned]

umm all you have to do is look at the first post on her website http://www.oliviamunn.com and see that it's just a promo on Hulu for Microsoft's new search engine Bling. Come on Cnet I expect a little better from you.

[cswires]

I have been using Tversity 1.6 for about the last week. So far have been easily watching House and Green Wing (funny Brit comedy) off Hulu through the 360. Only issues so far is BBC programming which is a bit of a non team player, but haven't take the time to troubleshoot yet. Thumbs up so far.

[mpeterson78]

Hulu on PS3? It's a joke. The framerate is really bad and stuttery and you can't even make it completely fullscreen. A dedicated Hulu application within the Video XMB dropdown would be awesome.

[mogley2005]

Maybe your connection is bad, I have been streaming Hulu on my PS3 for awhile and it works amazing, even in the 480p setting. Very quick etc. The only sputters that I have on it are typically the HULU servers, since the same shows do the same on my PC.

[happyslappy13]

this would be AWESOME!

[tmalin1980]

PS3 already has a hulu,netflix,espn,cnn interface. It's called playon. I paid like $30 for the program and it works awesome...try it

[fennisdembo]

Haha - how funny and stupid that anyone would fret about which big company's hardware can work with another big company's content. I have a 360 set up right next to my PC which can show whatever it wants to on the same TV. I am verrrry bored waiting for Big Content to figure out how to allow me to have all of the stuff I already have.

[epenn03]

Hulu just released hulu labs and the hulu desktop... wanting to keep hulu an internet experience seems kind of hypocritical. They should embrace every format for Hulu as it would lead to a larger audience and more revenue for the company due to increased ad placement.