Report: Xbox Live to Add Hulu Subscriptions

From DailyTech: While many thought that Apple's iPad would steal the stage at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft had different plans.

It is rumored that Hulu, the online database for hit TV shows and movies, will be added as a service for Xbox Live users. The idea is that Hulu will be added to the Xbox 360 dashboard, much like the current Netflix application.

The iPad was long expected to be the chosen device to initiate the paid subscription version of Hulu. However, many now believe that Microsoft will be the first in that race. Sources are still unaware of how users will pay for the subscription; it may involve purchasing Hulu monthly passes for blocks of time and/or with Microsoft Points. Also, Hulu for the Xbox is expected to potentially get its own streamlined interface, differentiating it from the wide variety of shows and movies found online.

Questions have been raised as to whether or not users will actually pay for the subscription, when instead they can access Hulu from their computer. One possible solution would be for Microsoft to give free subscriptions to Xbox Live Gold Members.

Microsoft is also set to unveil Project Natal at E3 as well. The motion-sensing Natal camera was said to be sold in accordance with the Xbox. This suggests Microsoft is trying to target a different group of users -- such as families and casual gamers -- instead of the hard core soldiers of Call of Duty.

E3 is set to kick off June 15, 2010 and run until the 17 of June. Microsoft's Media Briefing is scheduled for June 14 at 10:00 AM PT.

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