Hulu offers two tiers of service, a free one and then their Hulu Plus subscription service for $7.99/month. The free service allows viewing select current TV show episodes but only via a desktop or laptop computer browser. Those that wanted to watch the shows had to sign up for the Hulu Plus service to view any of Hulu’s streaming programs via their tablet or mobile phone. At their Hulu Up Front event, the company announced that beginning this summer, . Surprisingly, this was just a single paragraph in their lengthy press release.

There are no specific details other than it was be a “selection of ad-supported full TV episodes”. This could mean the same level of selection as those free programs through the Hulu website which is typically a couple of the most recently aired TV episodes available roughly one day to one week after it airs on the networks. Unfortunately, it could also mean an even more reduced number of episodes. We won’t know until the service is launched. Expect plenty of ads placed into these programs as well. Many Hulu Plus programs even have ads, just not as many.

Of course, one of the reasons for the expanded free Hulu service may have to do with the improved ad systems. This includes the launch of a new In-Stream Purchase Unit. Essentially, Hulu will be able to run ads for Pizza Hut pizza that provide links for viewers to connect and order a pizza while watching their program.