Despite Hulu’s apparent hypocrisy, I’m quite pleased to see them release a desktop video client (v0.9) today. The (beta?) Hulu Desktop software is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems and, after just a few minutes of poking around, it looks like they’re off to a good start. However, I do question the authenticity and sincerity of their Boxee-free blog posting… given the noise they previously made and steps they’ve taken to block most third-party apps. Unfortunately for Boxee (and the others), Hulu’s got the studio relationships (or is that genetics?) and quality content. Which is what matters.
Back when Hulu first dropped the hammer, I’d been contemplating picking up a used Mac Mini to power our secondary HDTV – running ElGato’s EyeTV DVR software with a USB OTA tuner and Boxee for Hulu content. Without Hulu, I didn’t have a lot of use for Boxee. Or a Mac Mini. It now may be time to reevaluate that solution in light of Hulu Desktop. Although, I’d still rather see Hulu video land on a pre-existing TiVo or Roku CE device. (Not ZillionTV.)