Foxtel wants to sell you a TV

Foxtel is getting into the TV game with the launch of Hubbl, its new entertainment platform. The situation is a little confusing, as Hubbl refers to the software that runs on Foxtel's new set-top box and TV, the set-top box, and the parent company of Binge and Kayo (replacing Streamotion). The TV itself is called Hubbl Glass.

We'll start with the software, where the key pitch is aggregating streaming services and free-to-air TV in the same interface. At launch, Hubbl will support Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV Plus, Binge, Kayo, Flash, ABC iView, ABC Kids, SBS On Demand, 7Plus, 9Now, and 10 Play. Optus Sport, Paramount Plus, and Stan are said to be coming soon after launch. Hubbl is however missing dedicated apps for niche services like Dropout, Hayu, and Shudder.

Foxtel Group and Hubbl CEO Patrick Delany says Hubbl will "fuse free and paid entertainment" into "one seamless experience".

"Hubbl is only as good as the breadth and depth of apps integrated onto the platform to ensure a truly converged streaming experience and in removing frustration when it comes to the choice of what to watch," said Delany.

While platforms like Apple TV and Google TV work in a similar way, part of the Hubbl proposition is bundling subscriptions for a discount. Netflix, Binge, Kayo, Sport, Flash, and Foxtel's upcoming Lifestyle streaming service will initially be services that can be bundled. Users need to subscribe to at least three services to get a discount. Subscribing to all five will get users a discount of $15 per month. This discount will only last for 36 months, however.

The Hubbl software platform runs on the Hubbl set-top box, which will sell for $99. It's a small puck similar to an Apple TV, and is fairly standard for a streaming device. 

Meanwhile, Hubbl Glass is pitched as an all-in-one "lifestyle TV". It comes in five different colours, a 4K Quantum Dot panel (with Dolby Vision and HDR 10 support), voice control, and six integrated speakers to remove the need for a soundbar. The company says it only needs an "internet connection and power cord".

Hubbl Glass will be available in a choice of 55-inch or 65-inch. Other specs include WiFi 6, three HDMI ports, a USB-C port, and an Ethernet port. There's also a TV tuner for anyone who still wants to connect a TV tuner.

The 55-inch Hubbl Glass model will set for $1,595, while the 65-inch model is a little more expensive at $1,995. The five colour options include black, blue, green, pink, and ceramic white.

Hubbl Glass will be available from Harvey Norman and directly from Hubbl. The Hubbl set-top box will be available from Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, and the Hubbl website.

The on-sale date for Hubbl has yet to be confirmed, but will be announced "soon".

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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