Hulu Desktop Beta

Posted by joe on Jun 16, 2009 in Technology

Hulu has recently released “Hulu Desktop Beta” as a desktop alternative to using a web browser.  Hulu is a website that provides on-demand streaming video of TV Shows, Movies, and clips.  I do not own a television because of services like Hulu.

I have been impressed with Hulu Desktop for the week I have been using it.

Pros:

• Use your remote control – Being able to use my remote control means I can watch TV from my couch without having to get up
• Easy to use interface – The interface is easy to use
• Continuous Playing – Once the show you are watching is over, a similar show will automatically play next
• Mac and Windows – Hulu has a client for both Mac and Windows operating systems

Cons:

Hulu desktop is in beta development which means Hulu Labs has plenty of time to fix most of its problems.

• Random Crashing – Hulu desktop crashes once or twice a day for me; with more testing I’m sure this will be eliminated
• Interface – While the interface is easy to use, there still lacks a high level of customization.  The app can be greatly improved with more options and customization.  For example, the continuous playing has no options.  I would like to see option to have continuous playing play similar shows, the same show in order, and the same show in a random order.

Conclusion

Hulu desktop is a powerful application with a very bright future.  It is a program will join the revolution to change television as we know it.  A desktop application for one of the most popular web tv providers is a huge step to getting more television shows and movies onto the web.

If you don’t have it already, download hulu desktop.