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UStream.tv Hits the iPhone
By Dave Peterson | January 20, 2009
The new iPhone app for UStream.tv hit the iTunes Store yesterday, making the live streaming network just a little more mobile. For those who’ve never used or heard of it, UStream is a free web service that allows anyone to produce a live video show on the web. Depending on the quality of your upload, what viewers receive on the other end can look pretty impressive.
Last night, Geoff Smith started up a live stream with the intention of checking the performance of the app. As often happens with Geoff, the streaming experiment turned into an impromptu concert. During the show, I downloaded and installed the app, then brought up the show. The app is very simple, and if you’re lucky enough to be looking for a highly-viewed show, finding what you want is simple. Last night people (myself included), were having trouble getting the chat room feature up and running, but today it’s coming through without a problem, so I’m guessing there were some day one difficulties that have been cleared up.
The app generally works well, although one major drawback is the need for a Wi-Fi network. Buffering varies, depending on the quality of the feed you’re watching (the higher the quality, the more trouble it gives the app). Last night it looked good with no serious issues (compared side by side with the web site version on my computer), but today other programs were stuttering and dropping frames. Obviously if there are issues on Wi-Fi, it’s not ready for 3G yet. Until then, it’s a novelty, useful at Starbucks, but not yet the watch-it-anywhere experience streaming fans are hoping for.
Topics: iPhone Apps | No Comments »