No doubt, Hulu’s been kicking butt in growing their web audience by providing legit, mainstream television content. And word is they’re now considering international expansion. So Engadget’s ‘Best portable Internet device‘ query has got me thinking… Are there any mobile devices capable of streaming Hulu shows?
Let me start by saying “best” is a relative term term - In my experience, the iPhone provides the most efficient and enjoyable way to browse the web on a small form factor device. However, it’s obviously not the “best” browser for visiting sites that utilize Abode Flash content. While Apple’s gone outside the browser to offer YouTube via a custom interface and H.264 content, a large percentage of web video is off limits. Such as Hulu.
The Nokia N800 and N810 Internet Tablets also utilize a highly regarded web browser - Mozilla-based and with Flash support. Though, you’ll probably need to use the stylus… Supposedly YouTube does OK, but reports on Hulu have been mixed as Steve O’Hear of Last100 and I discovered this AM - seems like the CPU and/or Flash version aren’t sufficient to present smooth video playback.
Other than bringing a Windows UMPC into the mix, is anyone aware of a mobile device that is capable of streaming Hulu video?
(And let’s not even talk about Netflix Watch Instantly and Microsoft DRM… Though, Silverlight will be going mobile - which might have come in handy at NBCOlympics.com this month.)
