[UPDATE][5/4][MOD]Hulu working BRILLIANTLY on Honeycomb {TESTERS NEEDED}

UPDATE 5/4: It has been determined, although it remains unclear as to why, that you need a modified kernel in order for this mod to work. It is my intention to get Hulu working across the Honeycomb platform, so if you have any input as to why Tiamat's kernel is required, please address it in this thread

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Download links at the bottom of the post.

Using a modified version of the new (4/29)10.2 Flash update, created by imneveral0ne, from the Thunderbolt forums, and Dolphin Mini, with minor settings adjustments, you can enjoy smooth, clear playback of content from Hulu, in it's full browser format. This includes access to all content, including those deemed unavailable for access by mobile devices or TV's. The apk modification essentially changes the user agent of Flash as it appears on the net.

Previously, this has been possible using a similarly modified apk, changing your user agent to desktop, and viewing Hulu using an alternate URL, www.hulu.com/widget/player. While not only presenting an awful UI, this method of playback resulted in choppy video that often fell out of sync.

If you are currently not using Dolphin Mini as a daily browser, it will be easy for you to install it, and implement it as a single purpose browser. Just change the homepage to hulu.com. It's UI is conveniently matched to the design of Hulu's website, which makes for a clean experience. It's light and fast, and could be a daily driver for those looking for a minimalist browser.

The entire experience is smoother, Flash is behaving like it should. Selecting options from within the Hulu playback interface has been a nightmare, but with the updated flash, and HRI66, it's an entirely pleasant way to watch great content on the Xoom.

As for playback, you will find smooth playing video, at 480p. 480p looks great on the Xoom and the Tegra 2 handles it beautifully. By manually lowering the resolution of choice, to either 360p or 288p, you will notice the decrease in resolution, however, you should increase your available bandwidth and relax the stress on your processor, likely saving battery life.

Regarding HD, it is possible, with Hulu Plus of course, to play video in 720p . However, because hardware acceleration has yet to be enabled, the resulting video will be choppy and most likely unwatchable. This has been tested with an over-clocked Tegra2 at 1.5ghz. It would be fair to assume that when the Xoom and/or Honeycomb receive the update Adobe is referring to, 720p HD playback will be possible. In the mean time, 480p looks fantastic.

Also of note, true multitasking is possible using this mod. You can go back to your homescreen, open new apps, check your mail, and your Hulu video will remain playing in the background. You can still hear audio, and work during commercials, resuming playback instantly.

As for installation, this couldn't be easier.

1. Download modified Flash 10.2 HERE CHOOSE LINK #2 LABELED Flash 10.2 + Hulu_2.apk OR from this dropbox public link

2. Uninstall your current version of Flash using the Manage Applications setting.

3. Reboot

4. Install modified version of Flash 10.2

5. Install Dolphin Mini from the Market HERE

6. In Dolphin Mini, change the user agent to Desktop (Menu>Toolbox>UserAgent>Desktop) and change plug-ins to always on (Menu>Toolbox>Settings>Enable Plug-Ins>Always On). This will ensure Flash content plays back immediately.

7. Go to hulu.com and enjoy all the great content on the go with your Android Honeycomb Tablet!!!!

Instructions updated to reflect the following contribution.

bwcorvus said:

One thing i would recommend, uninstall flash, reboot, then install the new version 2 hulu flash file. If you want to test if you have the right one installed, go to Flash Version and it should show WIN 99 99 99 99.

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If you are having trouble, for example, Hulu is telling you Flash is not installed, please leave a post in the thread noting your model(Wifi or 3g), your build number(HRI39, HRI66 etc), your kernel(modified or stock) and your recovery. It has been determined that a custom kernel is required for this mod to work appropriately. If you have any idea as to why this may be the case, please dump your ideas in this thread.

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jase33 said:

hulu.com not working for me. widget site works fine.

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You have not followed the instructions. You need to ensure your useragent is set to Desktop, and that you have enabled add-ons to Always-On.

funnycreature said:

Will this also work with Dolphin HD? I have never used mini...

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I can confirm it DOES work with Dolphin HD, however, I have noticed MUCH better performance using Dolphin Mini. It's very light weight and the pages load very smoothly. If you are looking to replicate my positive experiences, I highly recommend Dolphin Mini.

jase33 said:

You did not read or understand my post. I said it doesn't work for ME. The add ons were enable. I can say that the full site works for me in stock browser since installing. Thanks for taking the time to work this out. Good luck with it.

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It is my intention to have a tutorial for anyone who wants to watch Hulu on their Honeycomb tablet. When you say it doesn't work for YOU, I want to know why, so that I can help others who may run in to a similar situation. Of course it will work in the stock browser, as long as you change the user agent to desktop. This of course will be reset to default android upon restart, unless you are using a modified framework.

The goal of this post is show how you can consistently get quality Hulu playback without the need to adjust settings, more than once, upon the initial install.

Being that XDA is a community driven site, your input is appreciated. If you get a chance, see if you can get Hulu working under the conditions I suggested, and compare your experience to the stock browser with the user agent changed. I'd be curious to know the results.

KeithRob said:

For some reason, I can't install the apk it says cannot open directory.

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You may not be able to download and install from your Xoom. You can either download it from your desktop and transfer it, or try this dropbox link HERE

Let me know if that URL works.

Thanks.

KeithRob said:

That url works. However its saying that flash isn't installed but it it now. I also can't seem to find the setting for enabling add ons, I did find the setting for enabling plug ins though. Are they the same?
Thanks

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Press the menu button in Dolphin Mini, then on the right side, settings. In settings you should be able to change the add-on values.

mac35 said:

I DLed from the Dropbox link, uninstalled the old flash, installed the new APK, installed Dolphin Mini and updated the user agent and plug in settings but I still get the message:

"Hulu requires Flash PLayer 10.0.32 or higher. Please download and install the latest version of Flash Player before continuing."

Bummer.

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I cannot replicate that error. Try clearing data/cache for Flash after installing the modified apk.

I want to help get this running for anyone who wants it!

KeithRob said:

doesn't work. tells me i have to install flash player.

i've downloaded the second link the one that says flash 10.2 + hulu and then uninstalled the market version of flash. i then reinstalled the the modded flash and installed dolphin browser mini.

I changed the ua string to desktop, but there is no add-on values. There's only a setting that says plugin support, and i checked always on.

I've tried it three different times and each time it can't detect the flash player in the browser.

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Try clearing you cache and perhaps rebooting your Xoom, lets get this working!