Hubbl: Puck specs revealed & First Look user interface photo gallery – techAU | Maqvi News

I attended a briefing at Foxtel’s Sydney HQ today to get to see their new Hubbl combined hardware and software product, which aims to aggregate global and local TV/movie apps through one interface and ensure easy streaming, searching and watching of content on free to air catchup apps, VOD, pay TV and subscription services like Netflix.

Upon launching the following global and local streaming apps will be available on the Hubbl platform:

• • Global: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV+.
  • Aussie: Kayo Sports, BINGE, Flash, ABC iView, ABC Kids, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9Now and 10 Play.
  • Lifestyle: As part of the launch of Hubbl, LifeStyle, a new streaming app that brings together the best lifestyle content, will also launch on the platform.

While there is also a TV product called Hubbl Glass my focus is on the $99 Hubbl puck device which looks similar to an Apple TV box and Fetch Mini. Note I do not have a Hubbl puck device to try out yet. Those will be available next week.

Jason will comment on the Hubbl Glass once he receives his review loan TV to try out.

Hubbl Puck Specifications

This is based on a a Sky UK Limited Linux / BlueZ STB with Qualcomm QCA1062 controller, according to bluetooth certification database device.report .

The key positive is the software interface which aims to seamlessly blend live TV, Free to air catchup, subscription services, VOD etc.

Video output is in 4K and three HDR formats are supported: Dolby Vision, HDR 10, HLG.

For those who like to hard wire their home entertainment devices you’ll be glad to hear that the Hubbl puck has a 10/100Mbps Ethernet / LAN port.

Refresh rate is fixed to 60Hz (unlike Apple TV which supports variable refresh rate) which may disappoint some people.

If you were expecting to use a Web Browser on your Hubbl that is not supported.

It looks like Bluetooth 5.1 LE and Classic is only supported for the remote unlike other streaming devices like Fetch boxes and Fire TV which support bluetooth headphones.

Hubbl Initial Thoughts & Interface Photo Gallery

The following photos of the Hubble user interface were taken by me during today’s briefing.

Based on this brief glimpse it does seem an easy way to find, navigate and resume playing access different live and streaming video content.

The proof is of course whether it works in real life testing.

Two catches are:

1. Notably many smaller streaming services are not available on Hubbl eg Tubi, Britbox, Hayu, Shudder, Acorn TV, Docplay, iWonder, Kanopy and AMC+. They may become available later.
2. Stan, Optus Sport and Paramount+ will join the Hubbl platform soon after launch. They’ve agreed to join but their content hasn’t been integrated into Hubbl search etc yet.