Introducing Hubbl - TV and streaming made easy from Foxtel

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Foxtel finally unveiled its new TV and streaming technology – the Hubbl. Designed to make access to entertainment and sports simpler, Hubbl is Foxtel’s solution to most users feeling overwhelmed with the plethora of content available to them. 

Now available for purchase, here’s everything you need to know about Foxtel’s latest “transformative TV technology”.

What is Hubbl?

The rise of streaming has changed the way we watch television. However, what was first perceived as a convenient way to access entertainment soon became a crowded field with on-demand services and their respective content sprouting nonstop. With the myriad of options available, consumers are bound to feel frustrated and even fatigued. 

Australians with multiple streaming services may also find it troublesome to navigate from one app to the next, searching shows and movies on different platforms, which include free to air, and then proceed to service for, say, streaming live sports. 

But what if there’s a way to merge all your local and global apps, plus free to air TV, on one interface and searchable through a single remote with universal search function and voice control? While there are already existing devices that provide similar utility, Foxtel adds more nifty service features to make it worth your while.

Hubbl (small device)

Hubbl comes in two forms – Hubbl, which is a puck-like device that you can instantly plug into a compatible smart TV, is the more affordable option. It’s a streaming box that resembles other set-top boxes like Fetch, which also combines free-to-air TV, streaming apps, and movies streaming in one place.

Fetch TV, however, doesn’t have BINGE and Kayo, nor does it specifically aim to eliminate streaming fatigue by converging more apps and subscription management.

Hubbl Glass

Hubbl Glass is a 4K smart TV with Hubbl inside. It’s an enticing offer especially if already on the lookout for a brand new TV. Equipped with a built-in soundbar, it  only needs an internet connection and a power cord, no other wires required.

With a 4K Ultra HD display and 6 built-in speakers, Hubbl Glass is an elegantly designed, transformative TV with all the tech needed for better and easier streaming. 

It is available in five colours:

How much will Hubbl cost?

If you’re already happy with your smart TV, the Hubbl box costs only $99. For an entertainment upgrade, which, of course, begins with a sleeker smart TV, Hubbl Glass offers two sizes: 55-inches and 65-inches.

Here’s a quick recap of pricing:

Hubble on-sale date

It will be available from 10 March in Harvey Norman and JB Hi Fi retail stores nationwide and on Hubbl’s own website. The Hubbl Glass, however, will only be available at Harvey Norman for now. 

Can I get Hubbl as part of a Foxtel TV package? 

Foxtel’s Hubbl resembles the Sky Glass in the UK, which customers can pay off over time as part of an entertainment package. But will Australia’s Hubbl be available via other schemes on Foxtel other than just buying it outright? 

As of this writing, Foxtel has announced that Hubbl will only be available for purchase outright, although other payment options are also being considered. 

What streaming apps will be available?

One of Hubbl’s selling points is the integration of local and global streaming apps on one interface, which means you can easily navigate between watching shows and movies on BINGE or Netflix to streaming live sports on Kayo or Optus Sport. There’s no need to go in and out of apps to explore content as you’ll find everything on a single platform. As of April 2024, Hubbl has also included Kayo Freebies, which even allows users to access without an account.

Here are the subscription-based streaming apps that have been confirmed to join Hubbl’s line-up.

Can I watch free to air TV on Hubbl?

Yes! Free to air TV will be available, letting users access free content on the one platform. Watching free to air on Hubbl is also possible with or without an aerial, plus it includes an integrated TV guide within the user interface. 

The following free catch-up streaming apps will be available to access. 

What are the Hubbl features?

Foxtel’s new TV tech aims to eliminate the hassles of streaming by merging all streaming and free to air, providing a single search function for all services, and letting users customise watchlists across apps and free to air using the one interface. 

Here’s a quick recap of essential features you need to know. 

Features	Description
Universal search function	Search across streaming and free to air TV in one go with the Hubbl remote, equipped with a universal search function and voice control.
Stack & Save	Bundle eligible streaming apps and save money on plan fees. Eligible apps areNetflix, BINGE, Kayo Sports, Flash, and Lifestyle. Bundling all five will get you the maximum $15 discount.
Manage subscriptions in one go	With all your streaming apps in one place, it’s easier to manage everything in one go.
Create watchlists across paid apps and free to air	Get streaming instantly by creating watchlists across all your streaming apps and free to air TV, merging all your favourites and must-see entertainment into one.
Only one ‘continue watching’ list	Easily get back to what you were watching with the ‘continue watching’ feature. With Hubbl, resuming TV shows and movies is even easier as there’s only a single ‘continue watching’ list for all streaming apps and free to air.