What is Hubbl? Inside the new TV technology that’s changing the way we watch

By now, you’ve probably seen ads popping up all over the place for Hubbl. It’s a kind of entertainment product, but it’s not a new streaming service. What is it exactly ?

Hubbl is both a new line of hardware and an advanced operating system designed to combine your streaming services and free TV. But is it all marketing hype, or is there some truth to this branding? Let’s start with the basics:

What does it do?

Simply put, Hubbl is a TV and streaming aggregator. Hubbl combines your streaming subscriptions on a single interface and merges them with existing free TV channels. With this, it allows you to create custom watchlists that take into account your streaming services and a “Continue Watching” feature that is consistent across everything you watch. The hope is that Hubbl will simplify the way you find and watch content, while providing the ability to manage your eligible subscriptions in one place.

Doesn’t my Smart TV do this?

To varying degrees, yes. But Hubbl is more than just a home page to access your existing apps. The first thing you notice when using Hubbl is how it seamlessly integrates streaming apps with live TV.

Have you ever come across a reality TV show (or other) on free channels that immediately got you hooked? Well, Hubbl automatically tells you which streaming service you can find more of that show on, meaning you can immediately go back to the first season for context, or you can add it to your cross-app watchlist and start watching at your own pace. .

What streaming services work on Hubbl?

At the time of release, alongside native apps Binge, Kayo Sports, LifeStyle and Flash, you’ll also find Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV+, iView and ABC Kids, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9Now and 10 Play . .

Stan, Optus Sport and Paramount+ are expected to join the Hubbl platform soon.

Get your hands on Hubbl

If you want to get started with Hubbl, you have two choices. The first is the A$99 Hubbl “puck” device (simply called Hubbl). This is a small device that you connect to your existing TV via HDMI. It’s relatively simple to install and the remote works well with most existing TVs. This will probably be the most popular entry point into Hubbl.

Additionally, there is also the Hubbl Glass Smart TV, with a built-in soundbar and pre-installed Hubbl. Starting at A$1,595 and available in 55″ and 65″, Hubbl Glass features a 4K Ultra HD quantum dot display with 8.2 million pixels, hands-free voice control and six speakers. powerful built-in speakers for 360° Dolby Atmos surround sound. Hubbl Glass is available in two sizes and five colors (charcoal black, ocean blue, racing green, dusky pink and ceramic white).

If you are in the market to purchase, Hubbl Glass is currently exclusive to Harvey Norman and Hubbl.com.auwhile the Hubbl washer is available from JB HI-FI, Harvey Norman and The Hubbl website.

How much does Hubbl cost?

The standalone Hubbl device has an introductory price of A$99. For Hubbl Glass, two different size options are available:

• Hubbl Glass 55” – AU$1,595

• Hubbl Glass 65” – AU$1,995

There are no monthly subscription fees for Hubbl, as it is simply a portal through which you access your existing services (paid and free). However, separate app subscriptions are still required for some services.

How does Hubbl subscription bundling work?

A strong selling point for Hubbl is “Stack & Save,” which lets you stack eligible streaming services Binge, Kayo, Netflix, Flash, and Lifestyle. Essentially, the more streaming apps you connect to through Hubbl, you get a cumulative discount on your monthly bill.

At launch, if you combine 3 apps via Hubbl, you save $5 per month. If you stack 4 apps, you save $10 per month. If you add all 5 eligible apps, you can save $15.

Is Hubbl worth it?

The Hubbl interface is surprisingly snappy, intuitive, and seamlessly integrates traditional free broadcasts into its streaming offering. Nowadays, many people install a TV and never even connect to an antenna to stream TV for free. In recent years, the experience of watching TV has been reduced to scrolling through a number of apps, being inundated with content but never finding anything to watch. With its Watchlists and TV Guide combined, Hubbl does a good job of changing up this routine. The ability to tune into free TV without an antenna is also a feature that will probably get a few people to try it, and if you’re a prolific streamer, you can save a lot of money on your monthly content costs. .

Learn more or purchase either device on the Hubbl website, here.