Lycos Cinema launched over a year ago, in an effort to compete with YouTube and Joost. It actually has more in common with Hulu, though that site hadn’t even been conceived when Lycos Cinema launched.
The big difference with Lycos Cinema is the chance to watch streaming content with other viewers simultaneously using the company’s patented Simulstream technology.
TV As A Social Activity
The main thrust of the site is the idea that rather than television being a solitary hobby, the fun is derived from watching with other people, and sharing the moment with those around you.
Building on this theme, Techcrunch is reporting that Lycos Cinema has now been upgraded to increase the social side of video sharing. This includes a new chat interface and member profiles detailing what other people have been watching.
Lack Of Content
The big problem with the site, and the reason that it just can’t compete with Hulu at this point, is the lack of (good) content. None of the major studios have yet signed up, and so users have to make do with content from small independents.
There’s also the fact that rather than being completely free, the site is a hybrid, with some shows ad-supported, while others have to be purchased, and watched in a certain time frame.
Lycos Cinema is an interesting diversion, but until more well known content providers sign on the dotted line, it cannot be recommended over Hulu, or even the failing Joost.
