Only two days after its release, Ustream’s iPhone Viewing Application has already hit the top spot of the App Store’s Entertainment section, and is ranked the 6th most popular free application overall. Ustream says that its latest figure for number of downloads stands at a whopping 113,000, which only represents the first 24 hours that the application was available (Apple doesn’t update download counts in real time). The application allows users to watch live and archived streams from Ustream.tv directly on their iPhone or iPod Touch, and also features an integrated chat.
Despite its popularity, it looks like users have had a number of gripes. With an average rating of two stars, many of the app’s user reviews complain about crashing, the lack of support for 3G or Edge (you need to use Wi-Fi), and little in the way of mainstream television content. These issues aside, the application is still very cool, and will only get better as the developers push out updates.
We’re still waiting on Ustream’s second application that would allow users to actually broadcast video (the viewing app only lets you stream). While competitors like Qik and Flixwagon have created similar apps that work on jailbroken iPhones, none of these have made their way to the App Store. Ustream’s application was submitted last week and has not yet been approved by Apple.
Update: This post originally said that Ustream saw 113,000 downloads in 48 hours. While it has been around 48 hours since the application launched, Ustream says that the download figure hasn’t been updated to include today’s downloads, so it really only represents the first day that the app was available on the store.
113k? Is that normal?
Well, they’re one of the top apps so it’s much larger than what most people are seeing.
113k sounds ridiculous.
How does iTunes update/rank. Does that mean the other apps got 113k-ish downloads in one day too?
The Ustream app only checks to see if there is a working wifi connection before it will run.
Ustream DOES work over 3G.
Try this:
1. while on a wifi connection, open the Ustream app.
2. turn off your wifi router while remaining on the app.
3. Ustream seamlessly switches over to working over 3G
What does this tell us? There are some very arbitrary (and sloppily enforced) rules about what can and cannot access AT&Ts 3G network.
113,000 seems like quiet a bit in one day.
Congrats to John and team over there..
Considering the validity of the gripes, I’d be interested in seeing the number of uninstalls – churn/attrition.
I’m very impressed with the App. I’m sure with future updates, it will be even better.
http://kisalt.net/d2
never trust them!!
Well it IS number 6…
It would also help if they allowed us to login to our uStream user accounts. I have my favorite channels bookmarked. Access to that would be cool.
@Rolf – Agree…
I’d like to see my favorites instead of the upcoming section..
Overall I’m blown away by the app though
Jailbreak and you can trick it into working over 3G/Edge too
– http://beaugile...on-your-iphone/
Holy crap that is a s#@# load!
Congrats…works great also.
Damn Apple, give Ustream 3G!!!
Not Apple..ATT’s piss poor 3G network.
ATT fails.
if the figure is correct, they rock!
I <3 my Ustream app! Puppies at work!
The Ustream App worked AMAZING for Obama’s inauguration in NY. I wish AT&T allowed it on 3G.
Good work Ustream.
You can get Ustream to work over 3G with a few simple mods. Too bad I figured it out after the inauguration!
The process involves a jailbroken iPhone, and editing the VoIPover3G.plist file.
Here is my step by step tutorial: http://www.ipho...on-your-iphone/
Doesn’t jailbreaking your iphone cause other issues?
I’m very impressed with the App. I’m sure with future updates, it will be even better.
But just out of the gate, I think they did a great job!
those numbers seem like someone is telling a fib
Thanks Ustream. I watched the Inauguration on the iPhone and my TV. The iPhone had less lag than the TV! Truly amazing.
Thanks for an amazing app.
hello
It is now the #1 free app in the app store. I wonder how those app store charts are calculated, based on number of downloads over what period?
I hate the fact that I can’t make the picture go fullscreen on it. like doubletapping it or something.