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00:00:00 – 00:15:28
In his review of the Hubble set-top box from Foxtel, Alex Kidman provides a critical assessment of its features and functionality. The Hubble box is designed to integrate free-to-air TV with streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and others, although it lacks support for some services such as BritBox and Shudder. Kidman notes the straightforward setup process but criticizes the cumbersome password input method, controlled network settings, and slow processor. The search functionality, though attempting to be comprehensive, is inconsistent, failing to find certain content despite available metadata. Limitations in user experience are highlighted with critiques on personalized content recommendations, the absence of a dedicated button for the Electronic Program Guide (EPG), and restrictive app store updates. Although the device supports major streaming services, the missing apps and problematic syncing issues with services like Binge and KO Sports detract from its appeal. Kidman also comments on Hubble’s current discount offers for subscribing to multiple services but advises rotating subscriptions to save money. Ultimately, while the box has some merits, including 4K capability and the convenience of an integrated broadcast TV experience, it does not compare favorably against more versatile and cost-effective alternatives like the Google Chromecast or Fire TV Stick.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Alex Kidman reviews the Hubble set-top box from Foxel, intended for entering the streaming market. He discusses its integrated search features and pricing, emphasizing that it may appeal to a niche group of TV viewers but is not entirely as promised at launch. The setup process does not require a subscription to other services, only a Hubble account, which is straightforward to create. However, Kidman criticizes the controlled network settings and slow processor. He specifically points out the frustrating password input method using an up-down letter chooser instead of an on-screen keyboard.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the presenter criticizes the user interface for setting up passwords and Wi-Fi connectivity, describing it as an “awful experience” and suggesting that using an ethernet connection would be more efficient. The video then shifts focus to the Hubble set-top box’s search functionality, which aims to integrate free-to-air TV and streaming platforms. The presenter demonstrates a voice search for “WrestleMania,” noting that although the search produced accurate results, the system is still inconsistent. Issues such as failing to find “The Great British Bake Off” despite having the metadata available on binge are highlighted as significant drawbacks.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the reviewer discusses several issues and features of a media box named Hubble. They highlight problems with the search functionality and its inability to consistently find content, possibly due to internet connection or database issues. The personalized content feature is also critiqued for recommending irrelevant shows, like “Australian Idol,” without an option to reject them. The mention of an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) without a dedicated remote button is noted as an odd omission, necessitating navigation through menus to access it. They also address that while the box supports free-to-air content and has an EPG, it works more effectively with an antenna, which isn’t connected for the demonstration. Lastly, the built-in app store is underscored as restrictive since users can’t install new apps themselves; they have to wait for updates to include services like Optus Sport, Stan, and Paramount Plus.
00:09:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the limitations and shortcomings of a particular streaming device. The main points include the device’s support for major streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Disney Plus, but it lacks support for others like BritBox, Shudder, and non-English language market apps. The user experience is also critiqued, especially in relation to searching for content and the functionality of certain apps, such as Binge, which does not sync watched content across devices effectively.
Additionally, there is a specific criticism regarding the KO Sports app on the Hubble device, where the user experience is notably worse. For instance, users can’t fast forward through ads when watching past sports matches, unlike on other devices. The segment ends with a mention of account stacking, a theoretical feature where billing for streaming apps could be consolidated through Hubble, although more details on its feasibility are to be discussed.
00:12:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses a discount offer related to subscribing to multiple apps through a service called Hubble, where subscribing to more apps results in more savings. They note that Hubble’s app selection is currently limited to a few services like Netflix, Disney Plus, KO Sports, Binge, and others, which might not be enough to entice users.
The speaker advises against staying subscribed to multiple services all the time, suggesting instead to rotate subscriptions to save money. They also evaluate the Hubble box, a streaming device available for $99, highlighting its 4K capability and integration with broadcast TV as positives. However, they note that it doesn’t stack up well against cheaper alternatives like Google Chromecast with Google TV or Fire TV Stick, due to certain quirks in the user interface and issues with Wi-Fi design.
The speaker concludes that while the Hubble box might be a good option for those who watch both broadcast TV and streaming, the device’s value proposition is limited by its current limitations and competition.
00:15:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the Hubble TV set-top box, noting that it is well-suited for individuals who desire a combination of broadcast and streaming TV. The speaker invites viewers who own the Hubble TV set-top box to share their thoughts and encourages those considering a purchase to ask questions in the comments. The segment concludes with a reminder to like and subscribe to the channel.