Foxtel Launches Hubbl Merging Free TV, 18 Apps, Netflix & Steps Into The Consumer Appliance Game
Foxtel last night launched its latest foray into the ever-expanding TV market on the shores of Sydney Harbour with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House as a backdrop.
Aiming to salve growing consumer frustration and confusion over ever-expanding subscription offerings and their management, Hubbl promises to be a one-stop shop for consumers to both consume and manage their subscriptions as well as watch free-to-air TV, the Internet (including YouTube) and other BVOD offerings. Hubbl is also going into the TV selling business with the launch of Hubbl Glass, which will be available in Harvey Norman stores.
Perhaps most remarkable on the night was those in attendance. The usual News and Foxtel suspects along with media agency folk of course, but Nine, Seven, Paramount, Apple, Google were all there too as they will all feature in the Hubbl ecosystem.
Setting the scene at the launch, which was a star-studded affair, Foxtel CEO Patrick Delaney said we were now so spoilt for choice, we spent more time looking for something to watch rather than actually watching something. Here’s a little of what he had to say.
“You go back, our minds were blown when subscription TV came in. Twenty channels was fantastic, but then it blew out to a hundred. Free-to-air started with five and in 2008, went to 16, and now a mind boggling, 30. But more recently, with streaming, our minds have been atomised by the vast array of high quality streaming service from Australia and around the world. Things have changed. And all the while the sheer quality of the production and the volume and the amount of money that’s being spent.
“Ten years ago, Hollywood would produce 50 original series. Last year, Hollywood produced 500. And you multiply that by all the series in the world that’s being produced in a renaissance here in Australia, of volume and production. You add our trusted news and our loved sport, and it’s an explosion of choice. But with that choice comes complexity.
“We all used to pop home, plop ourselves on the couch, watch a couple of hours of Telly. Get a load of this: The research now says that we waste 22 days a year looking for something to watch. And what’s driving that is not the apps. The apps are unreal, the search and the layouts fantastic. It’s that we’re all using multiple apps, free and paid, multiple sources of channels and the Internet.
“We’re forever going in and out of apps. We’re plugging in inputs to our Telly. It’s hard to keep track of the shows, find things, keep up with the apps. Which ones am I paying for? What am I subscribed to? We’re completely overwhelmed. We’re frustrated, and we’re confused. It’s all around the world. The truth is that being entertained just isn’t that easy anymore.
“So we took on the gigantic challenge of fusing free and paid TV and streaming and the Internet into one single experience. Make it easy to navigate and track millions of entertainment choices. Make it easy to watch free TV channels without a second remote, and maybe not even without an aerial. Make it easy to track the bigger shows you hear about. We all hear about them, right? But also track the ones when you’re browsing and you come across something, and make sure that you don’t forget them and you continue to watch them.
“And what about this? Stack the apps up and save money, the more you have. We wanted to create the single most important piece of consumer tech. While streaming Hubbl will change the living room and Australian TV, it’ll literally make content that you want, faster, cheaper and easier . . .”
The evening was hosted by Hamish and Andy and a cavalcade of stars graced the stage at various times showing a united video front.
Below is Foxtel’s release from the night detailing where Hubbl can be bought as well as the new TVs, which come with Hubbl as the default browser . . .
Australia’s newest transformative TV technology, Hubbl, will be available in Harvey Norman and JB Hi Fi retail stores nationally and via Hubbl.com.au.
Hubbl is a world-leading entertainment operating system and experience that fuses the best local and global content including premium entertainment and sports, video on demand (VOD), live channels and the internet into a world class user interface.
Hubbl is available as a small device that plugs into any compatible TV. The only way to make the Hubbl experience better is with Hubbl Glass – the new lifestyle TV for tech lovers offering 4K Ultra HD Quantum Dot Display with 8.2 million pixels, hands-free voice control to find content at your command, six powerful speakers built-in for 360° Dolby Atmos surround sound, and only requiring an internet connection and a power cord, no other wires and no aerial.
Les Wigan, Managing Director of Hubbl, says, “Hubbl stands out from the pack by offering live TV without an aerial, seamless subscription management at the touch of a button, more discoverability and personalisation as well as allowing customers to stack up to five eligible streaming apps and save up to $15 per month on their subscriptions. With the major free and paid apps available on Hubbl and more to come, there is nothing like the world of entertainment it unlocks.”
Dani Simpson, Executive Director of Hubbl, says, “Hubbl is a unique product that simplifies the TV and streaming experience so you can spend less time searching for something to watch and more time enjoying the content you love.
“We’re proud to partner with leading retailers Harvey Norman and JB Hi Fi to help us reach customers in-store right across the country in addition to having our own digital shopfront at Hubbl.com.au.”
Hubbl is powered by one universal remote with voice control that will allow you to find apps or channels, search for content, control playback, change settings and more. The universal remote also comes equipped with select app buttons at the top to navigate straight to Kayo Sports, BINGE and Netflix as well as a Watchlist (+) button to seamlessly add content you want to watch later to your own personalised profile.
Pricing and product details:
Hubbl and Hubbl Glass will be available via Hubbl.com.au.Hubbl will be available at $99 (AUD)
Hubbl Glass will be available in two sizes and five colours (Anthracite Black, Ocean Blue, Racing Green, Dusky Pink and Ceramic White)
Hubbl Glass 55” will be available at $1,595 (AUD)
Hubbl Glass 65” will be available at $1,995 (AUD)
Hubbl does not require a monthly subscription – separate app subscriptions are required
Hubbl will be available at Harvey Norman and JB Hi Fi stores nationwide. Hubbl Glass will be available exclusively at Harvey Norman.
On-sale date for Hubbl will be announced soon.
Latest News
Cairns Crocodiles The Work: Healthcare Sponsored By Alternaleaf
There is just under a month to go until the inaugural Cairns Crocodiles Awards presented by Pinterest! Today, as our judges deliberate over a year’s worth of hard work, we celebrate some of the incredible entries in the Healthcare category sponsored by Alternaleaf. The Cairns Crocodiles Awards celebrate the best examples of creativity in marketing […]
ThinkNewsBrands To Play A Major Role At CMO ANZ Summit
I think we can all agree that being front and centre is a better place to be than back and off centre.
TV Ratings (09/05/2024): Carlton Beats Melbourne In Nail-biting Win
We venture a bet that viewers had no nails left by the end of this game!
Woolies And Suncorp Marketers On Why Brands Are Investing BIG In Netball
Brands finally understanding the potential of netball in Australia. And that's despite the Matildas' ongoing efforts.
Apple Apologises For ‘Tone Deaf’ Culture Crushing iPad Ad
AI may be the route to a smarter & efficient humankind, but for most of us it means "Shit, I'm going to lose my job!"
TEG Group Nabs Belinda Shaw From Boral
Belinda Shaw certainly not shy of challenge as she shifts from a cement firm over to a ticketing one.
NBL Slam Dunks New Network Ten Broadcast Deal
Do you think shooting hoops would be a better use of your spare time than drinking heavily? Discover the truth here.
Qatar Airways Becomes Partner and Official Cargo Airline Partner of MotoGP
B&T can't recommend Qatar Airlines enough. Qatar itself would give Hell's fires a run for their money such is the heat.
Rebel Bondi Junction Pulls Kangaroos Jerseys From The Shelf
Despite some adverse press, this is probably the correct thing to do by the sports retailer.
Dineamic Rebrands To serve Up Honest Food, Via Bullfrog.
Are ready-meals the new status symbol of the super busy? Much like hands-free phones & wanky personalised number plates?
TikTok Joins Adobe-founded Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) To Help Combat Misinformation
With all this talk of the Chinese government spying on us, B&T embarrassed we haven't got that much to be spied about.
Cannes In Cairns Delegates Called Upon For AI Reef Challenge
Just by attending Cannes In Cairns you can help save the Reef! Which may offset the damage you do not saving your liver.
Man Of Many Launches Sydney Whisky Month – A Luxe Whisky Fair
Sydney's getting its own whisky month. Topics of conversation to avoid include the Middle East & Peter Dutton's head.
Challenger Signs Three Year Partnership With Sydney Film Festival
B&T loves the Sydney Film Festival & not just because it enables us to wear black turtlenecks & say noir over & over.
Truths & Tensions Of The Modern World: Nature Study Reveals Only 50% Of Aussies Feel Optimistic About The Future
Worrying study finds half of Aussies pessimistic about the future. An overwhelming majority detest the McPlant burger.
Bernard Salt AM On Why The Best Is Yet To Come For The Aussie Ad Industry
The demographer & futurist predicts a rosy future for Australia's ad industry. Alas, no tips for Randwick this Saturday.
Coles’ FightMND Fundraiser Takes Off For Big Freeze 10
As much as B&T applauds Coles on this charity initiative, we do ask for less 'Locomotion' through the in-store stereo.
IAB Australia Calls For Submissions To MeasureUp 2024
The IAB's calling for speaker submissions for its MeasureUp conference. Also looking to loan an overhead projector.
Drive TV & Kia Puts EV9 To The Ultimate Test In New TV Special
Have trepidations about purchasing an EV? This eight-part TV show's for you. Simply can't afford one? Watch on, anyway.
WPC Group & NextGen Jobs Recruit InsideOut For PR Account
As much as you love adland, do you often think you'd be better off had you become a plumber? Prove mum was right here.
“She’s A National Treasure For Australia And A Human Treasure For The Planet” – Warner Bros’ Josh Goldstine on Margot Robbie, Barbie And Marketing
Barbie was undoubtedly the marketing success story of 2023. B&T still leading the 'Margot for PM' calls into 2024.
M&C Saatchi Group Invite Emerging Artists To Create Visions Of A Better Future
Does the bowl of fruit on your kitchen bench need immortalising? Top news as M&C Saatchi's art initiative returns.
Thorpie & Matildas Superstars Join The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition.
Thought to yourself "that Ian Thorpe fellow's been quiet of late"? 10's celeb edition of Amazing Race is where it's at.
Greenpeace Launches Heartbreaking Call To End Deforestation Via Dropbear
As much as B&T applauds Greenpeace, its ads leave you feeling like you got the gas, water & phone bill on the same day.
Smith’s Unveil New ‘Joy is a Simple Recipe’ Brand Platform Via Goodby Silverstein & Partners
The only thing better than a round of beers arriving is the sight of a bag of Smith's between the drink carrier's teeth.
ABC Launches Two New Channels Combining Kids, Family & General Titles
Among the many joys of having young children is that they will seriously watch any old shit on TV.
Wests Tigers Lose One Million Dollar Sponsorship Deal In Hagipantelis Fallout
The question has to be asked - do Tigers play on an ancient Indian burial ground given their ongoing spate of bad luck?
Ads That Entertain And Surprise Consumers Perform Best In Asia-Pacific – WARC report
New study reveals humorous ads "entertain and surprise consumers". Here's hoping Julia Morris doesn't get any ideas.
Aussie Employees Want AI At Work And Won’t Wait For Companies To Catch Up, Study Finds
Someone has clearly told Aussie workers AI wont steal their jobs, but might help them get to the pub more quickly.
Introducing Sam, Mamamia’s New AI-Powered Programmatic Audio Offering For Brands
Mamamia one of the first indie publishers to be really playing in the AI space. Well, the only one really.
OMA Appoints Motio’s Adam Cadwallader & JCDecaux David Watkins To Board Of Directors
New appointments to the OMA board of directors today. Monthly meetings' finger sandwiches to remain strictly egg or ham.
Bastion’s Harry Roth Selected For Cannes Lions Creative Academy
Bastion's Harry Roth off to this year's Cannes creative academy. May wear his Wallabies jersey to ruffle feathers.
TV Ratings (08/05/2024): Seven Has A Huge Night As News & Quiz Shows Dominate
News & quiz shows dominate last night's TV viewing. Further proof of our interest in the Middle East & steak knives.
Network 10 Wants Government Help To Save Regional Broadcast TV
Could Farmer Wants A Wife help Network Ten out of this mess?
Royalties Generated By Aussie Artists On Spotify Reached Nearly $275M In 2023
Royalties generated by Aussie artists on Spotify in 2023 hit $275 million. Shannon Noll's contribution reached $4.45.
eBay Study: Aussies’ Growing Love For Pre-loved Fashion Soaring To New Heights
New study reveals Aussies' love of second-hand fashion. Meaning it's now very cool to smell of moth balls.