Hubbl

Hubbl
FormerlyStreamotion (2018–2024)
IndustryStreaming media,
Video on demand
Founded26 November 2018
HeadquartersArtarmon, New South Wales
Area served
Australia
Key people
Julian Ogrin (CEO)
ProductsBinge, Kayo Sports, Flash, WatchAFL, WatchNRL, Lifestyle
ParentFoxtel
Websitewww.hubbl.com.au
Logo as Streamotion (2018–2024)

Hubbl, previously Streamotion,[1][2] is an Australian over-the-top streaming subscription provider, wholly owned by Foxtel. The company has developed and operates the local streaming services Kayo Sports, Binge, Flash and Lifestyle, as well as operating the WatchAFL and WatchNRL services in international markets.

In 2022, Foxtel announced their development of a television operating system known internally as Project Magneto, based on the Sky Stream box available in the UK.[3] In October 2023, the service was formally revealed under the name Hubbl, which aims to bring content from both free-to-air providers and paid subscription services into a single user interface.[4] The platform can be accessed via two products; the Hubbl puck, an external digital media player which 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 as JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman retail 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

Kayo Sports

Kayo Sports, codenamed Project Martian during 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 from Fox Sports as well as ESPN, beIN Sports and Racing.com. In addition to this, a multiscreen feature is also available, allowing subscribers to view multiple live events simultaneously.[10]

Binge

Binge, codenamed Project Jupiter during development, is Hubbl's entertainment focused streaming service that was launched on 25 May 2020. Set up to compete with the likes of Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Stan, the service features content from major networks and studios including HBO, Warner Bros, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, FX (even though it has already begun losing its titles to Disney+) and the BBC.[11] The service also features a selection of live streamed linear Foxtel cable networks including FOX One, LifeStyle, Fox Arena and BBC First.[12]

Flash

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 including Sky News Australia, Sky News UK, CNN, BBC News, and Fox News.[13] In 2023, Foxtel shuttered the service's editorial team, bringing an end to daily original content on the platform.[14]

Lifestyle

LifeStyle is a streaming service which distributes non-fiction content from Foxtel's Lifestyle group of networks, launched alongside the Hubbl platform.[15]

References

  1. ^ Manning, James (28 December 2023). "Foxtel Group's Hubbl launch: Binge, Kayo Sports accounts moving to new platform in February". Mediaweek. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  2. ^ "Foxtel begins transition to Hubbl streaming brand". Telecompaper. 8 January 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  3. ^ Tadros, Edmund (20 November 2022). "We're not America: Foxtel boss says streamers are getting it wrong". The Australian Financial Review. Nine Entertainment. Archived from the original on 24 September 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  4. ^ 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. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  5. ^ a b Molk, Steve (7 March 2024). "Steve Molk grabs the remote for a hands-on look at Foxtel's new TV--HUBBL GLASS". TV Blackbox. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  6. ^ Jaspan, Calum (21 February 2024). "Can Hubbl refloat Foxtel's bubble?". The Sydney Morning Herald. Nine Entertainment. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  7. ^ "Hubbl announces 10 March launch date". Mediaweek. 1 March 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  8. ^ 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. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  9. ^ Knox, David (12 May 2023). "Streaming now two-thirds of Foxtel Group subscribers". TV Tonight. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  10. ^ Dudley-Nicholson, Jennifer (27 November 2018). "Kayo sports streaming service, dubbed 'Netflix of sports', launches in Australia". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. Archived from the original on 31 December 2018. Retrieved 2019-01-02.
  11. ^ Story, Hannah (23 May 2020). "Everything You Need to Know About Foxtel's New Streaming Service". PopSugar. Archived from the original on 30 May 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2023.
  12. ^ "Foxtel's Binge streaming service: Price, features, comparison and content". finder.com.au. Archived from the original on 6 June 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2019.
  13. ^ Wilson, Zanda (22 September 2021). "Foxtel details launch of news streaming service Flash". Mumbrella. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  14. ^ McKnight, Robert (16 February 2023). "FOXTEL axes FLASH editorial staff as streaming service struggles to find an audience". TV Blackbox. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  15. ^ Estera, Christine (19 February 2024). "Australia's biggest streaming apps join new TV technology Hubbl". news.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 7 March 2024.