PlayOn has managed to bypass the Apple App Store completely using an HTML5-powered Web app. Which gives access to Hulu, Netflix, and other online video services through the iPhone, iPod Touch, and (with a workaround) the iPad.
Mobile Video Streaming
The world is going mobile, with smartphones, laptops, and tablets providing people with more methods of venturing online while out of the house than ever before. And the consumption of media, including video, is a big part of this trend.
Many streaming video companies are riding with this shift, offering viewers apps for their device of choice. But some, such as Hulu, are trying to profit from the move, by charging for the privilege.
However, there is now a way of bypassing this.
PlayOn Bypasses Apple Store
is a company which allows you to stream media from the Web to a variety of devices. And these devices now include the iPhone and iPod Touch. And the iPad as well if you’re willing to follow some instructions.
PlayOn was going to release an app via the Apple App Store, but after continual delays decided to bypass iTunes and offer an HTML5 Web app independently. And this means Hulu can be watched on Apple devices without the need for a Hulu Plus subscription.
The mobile app is free, but it requires a PlayOn subscription to work. This costs $39.99 for the first year, and then $19.99 every year after that. Or you can pay a one-off $79.99 for lifetime membership. There is a free 15-day trial for those not willing to stump up the cash without first trying it out.
Conclusions
I highly suspect Hulu will go all-out to prevent access via the PlayOn app, at least if past experience with Boxee is anything to go by. If that doesn’t happen then this seems like a good deal.
The quality may not be as good as Hulu Plus, but PlayOn is certainly a lot cheaper.
