Hulu will launch a Virtual Reality app alongside the $99 Samsung Gear VR

Hulu, the second name you probably think of when you think of streaming media, announced that they will have a Virtual Reality app ready to go when the Samsung Gear VR launches in November. The $99 Virtual Reality device will launch next month ahead of competitors Oculus, HTC and Sony and will hopefully lead the charge of personal virtual reality devices. There is currently a $199 Innovator Edition available, but hopes are high for a lower priced version for the masses. They will already have Netflix, YouTube and Hulu on board for streaming media at launch.

“We’re ready” states Tim Connolly, Hulu’s head of distribution.

Hulu appears to be going in feet first to support VR. There are rumors that the media giant will create a new series that will only be able to be viewed in 3D. Hulu is already producing a short VR film called “The Big One”. The film is being helmed by YouTuber Freddie Wong, made alongside his upcoming original Hulu series.

[blockquote author=”Tim Connolly”]”We think this is a smart bet that helps position us as an innovator and helps us learn earlier on what could be a substantive storytelling environment,”[/blockquote]

Hulu has been known for its serialized TV shows, but live television isn’t in their immediate plans. Expanding to live TV would give them a boost over competitors Netflix and YouTube, but Connolly states they’re currently in “if” mode right now. Last week, Bloomberg reported that Amazon has been in talks to bring live television to their Prime streaming service and Apple has been securing deals with networks for their streaming service.

A live VR program could score with consumers. Apps like Twitter’s Periscope are gaining in popularity as people can take a peak inside other lives in real time. Being able to do that or watch live breaking news in 3D would be a compelling product.

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Source: CNet