Although Hulu Plus will be open to all PlayStation 3 owners next week, Google TV is rumored to be arriving in Spring 2011.
Wednesday brought rumors that Google TV was heading to the PlayStation 3. The news arrived shortly after the disc-free version of Netflix became available for the Sony console and prior to Sony's confirmation that Hulu Plus was heading to all Sony devices, including the PlayStation 3.
Last week we reported that the supposed PlayStation Phone would use Google's Android 2.2 (Froyo) and could possibly grant access to the thousands of apps already available on the Android Market. A Sony spokesperson even admitted that the company had a "relationship" with Google without further elaboration. That said, rumors of Google TV heading to Sony devices isn't quite so far-fetched--Sony already offers a Blu-ray player with Google TV installed.
While a specific source wasn't provided, the rumor pins Google TV's launch on the PlayStation 3 for Spring 2011. It's speculated that Google TV will be Sony's retaliation against Microsoft's deal with AT&T to provide U-Verse for the Xbox 360. However a more concrete theory suggests that Google TV would bring apps to the PlayStation 3 in one huge bundle including YouTube, Facebook, Last.fm, Twitter and more.
It also wouldn't be surprising to see Google's Chrome browser replace the clunky, annoying stock version currently residing on the console. Given that the PlayStation 3 supports the use of USB mice and keyboards, the console would provide a more user-friendly, PC-like experience through the use of Google's installed software.
In related news, PlayStation Network Senior director Susan Panico said that Hulu Plus was now available on 2010 BRAVIA HDTVs and BRAVIA Internet Video Link (via the BRAVIA Internet Video platform), with additional devices such as Blu-ray players and more receiving support soon. However Panico added that Hulu Plus would also be available via the PlayStation Network's free access, unlocking the video streaming service to all PlayStation 3 owners.
"Beginning next week, Hulu Plus will lift the invitation-only availability of its service, which was previously exclusive to select PlayStation Plus subscribers, and open it up to all PlayStation Network members, making the PlayStation 3 the first and only console dedicated to gaming to offer the service," Panico said.
The subscription will cost $9.99 per month, however those who already pay the yearly fee for PlayStation Plus will get the Hulu Plus service for free.
This is wrong, you still need to purchase Hulu Plus for 9.99 a month. Unless they changed something overnight.
Also, note that Hulu Plus will be available to all UNITED STATES PSN members
Maybe that's why they don't let use linux anymore on the PS3, so people have to use the Google's software and then they can sell whatever else they want...
I am for this, i just think that once all is said and done, putting all of these features into consoles will prove that everyone should just get PCs and once bluetooth comes to MoBos, controllers for the PC. Kinect for the PC. Why even make consoles if we are just trying to get available features from a PC onto them? I know there is a price difference, but for 300 bucks, I think nowadays even, you can make a PC with comparable specs. I probably am wrong, and look forward to people correcting me on this article's comment thread, TBH. I feel like it is becoming a more valid argument.
"Console vs PC"? what really is the difference going to be in 5 years time?
Hopefully the same stuff as now. I don't need the apples of the worlds and the $ony's of the world taking away features from what I bought"for the sake of piracy". $ony is trying to make up for not enough R&D when they released the thing, if I were wrong they wouldn't be trying to re-create it as we speak. Consoles are a closed environment, I don't want those policies enforced on my pc ...or any more added to my console
The above statement is a bit misleading. Before last week, you needed to have a PAID PSN Account to access the Hulu Plus service (for $9.99/month)
Now, all PSN members -FREE and PAID will have access to the Hulu Plus app. However, In order to stream Hulu Plus content on y our PS3 you will need to subscribe to Hulu Plus paid monthly service.
To sign up, you can visit: http://www.hulu.com/plus/ps3
I see the validity of many of the arguments raised about making the console too much like a PC and vice versa. As a moderately technically inclined guy, $ for $ I don't see you being able to match the versatility of the PS3. What I appreciate most about it is the ability to stream (Netflix & Hulu Plus) in HD. I can't get that quality with the Netflix app in Media Center or even directly online from their website. I look forward to the addition of Google TV.
As for the app store, so what? If you don't want to use it, ignore it. I'd welcome the GoogleTV instead of buying another $300 addon to my TV. I'm actually hoping for it.