Hulu is entering virtual reality. The new Hulu VR app offers access to “more than 25” 360-degree videos, with or without a Hulu subscription. It also offers access to the entire Hulu 2D library in a virtual living room environment.
Hulu VR app
The Hulu VR app has been released into the Oculus store and is currently viewable from the Samsung Gear VR, which relies on Oculus’ technology. Support for the Oculus Rift is expected soon but Hulu has not specified exactly when it is coming.
There are close to 30 exclusive 360-degree videos available through partnerships with Discovery, National Geographic, Showtime, Viacom, and others. These videos can be experienced with or without a Hulu subscription.
In addition, Hulu is releasing its first original VR short film, “The Big One”.
- “The new VR app includes Hulu’s first originally produced VR short film, “The Big One.” For the short, Hulu partnered with Lionsgate to bring Freddie Wong and his RocketJump brand into the virtual reality space. “The Big One” invites users to witness a meteor shower that soon turns into an apocalyptic nightmare.”
From the app you can also watch the entire Hulu catalog of 2D content in a simulated virtual environment, including a living room, a big-screen theatre or on a scenic beach.
The Hulu VR app is currently supported on Samsung Gear VR. Hulu adds that “additional supported devices and platforms are coming soon”. More information is avaialble on hulu.com/labs/huluvr.