Foxtel Group is yet to divulge specifically what the Hubbl interface will look like, how it will make streaming content seamless without switching apps, and how it will simplify subscription management. However, it has said the product will be released in two form factors.

The first is a box called Hubbl Hub that plugs into any compatible TV; without further details, iTWire anticipates this will be much like Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, and others of this ilk - that is, an Internet-connected device that provides the media and displays it on your television via HDMI.

The second is called Hubbl Glass - a TV with a built-in soundbar and with the Hubbl smarts embedded within. Hubbl Glass won't need any cabling save for power and an Internet connection.

Hubbl promises to bring much more than the competing devices mentioned above no matter which form factor you opt for. Rather than the user individually installing apps such as Netflix, 10Play, Stan, 7Plus, and so on, and managing all their subscriptions, Hubbl says it will provide access to streaming media without going in and out of applications, and with the hassle of subscription management taken out.

Pictured above: Hubbl Glass

Pictured below: Hubbl Hub

The Foxtel Group advises more details are to come in the next few months; until then iTWire anticipates the product will offer plans with bundled subscription services, perhaps akin to the entertainment bundles traditionally offered by Foxtel back in its satellite and cable heyday. And, with its own software making available all the aggregated content in a single interface, with discovery, searching, favouriting, watchlist, personalised profiles, and playback continuance.

Whether our imagination matches the reality is yet to be seen. However, Foxtel is certainly eluding to this.

Hubbl and Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany said, “we all love the explosion of choice that streaming has delivered us over the past few years. But there is no doubt we are all experiencing the same frustrations: having to go in and out of apps, keeping track of show recommendations, remembering what we started but did not finish watching and who in the family is paying for what. Hubbl solves these frustrations.

“Hubbl is the next quantum leap in entertainment technology and is the solution to a complex Australian streaming landscape caused by the fabulous explosion of choice in streaming services available to Australians. 

“Hubbl is like nothing in the market – ‘it is TV and streaming made easy’ - seamlessly integrating world-leading technology with a purpose-built design and unrivalled app integration that sets it well ahead of the curve.

“It has been built with Australian consumers in mind, effortlessly fusing free and paid entertainment and sport from apps, channels and the internet into one seamless user experience - delivered via Hubbl Hub or a world-leading TV, Hubbl Glass. It will deliver a frictionless paid and free entertainment environment, and we believe will become the heart of the home for millions of Australians.”

The company says Hubbl will launch in the coming months, and more details will be released soon.