Today, we got the latest version of the live-streaming app Qik, a version that will work on the iPhone 3GS. No, we didn’t get it through the App Store, because Apple or AT&T or both still won’t allow for applications that stream live video from the device to be accepted into the store. So instead, just like before, we have to settle for the ad-hoc version, which is fine, but severely dampens the application’s potential reach.
So how does the iPhone 3GS version of Qik compare to the one that worked on the iPhone 3G? Overall, video quality-wise, I would say the iPhone 3GS version of Qik and the iPhone 3G version look about the same. This is despite the 3GS having a nicer camera (3.2 megapixels versus 2). And even though the iPhone 3G didn’t have video camera capabilities, Qik was able to build its own encoders to use the regular camera for video capture. The iPhone 3GS of course, can do video, and it has APIs that give developers access to it. But it would seem that Qik is still limiting the quality of the video that gets streamed, to ensure better live performance.
But where the new version of Qik shines is when you get in close to something. That’s because it uses the new camera’s auto-focus feature to maintain quality up close (check out the third video below). This is a very welcome feature.
The entire app itself seems to run faster as well, no doubt thanks to the iPhone 3GS being a much faster device than the iPhone 3G was. And it can do a few other neat tricks, such as shut the camera down when Qik is open but you haven’t been streaming anything for a while (you simply tap the screen to activate it again). Another curious option appears to suggest that you can allow the app to run in the background (when the Qik app is closed). I tried that out, but couldn’t get it to work. Perhaps that feature is coming later to take advantage of the fact that Qik cannot put this app in the App Store, so it doesn’t have to play by the App Store’s rules.
The iPhone 3GS does get pretty hot when live streaming, but it did while streaming from the iPhone 3G as well, in my experience.
The bottom line is that Apple/AT&T need to allow these live-streaming apps in the store eventually. Video is the killer feature of the iPhone 3GS and live video is a key part of the market. Though I don’t think you’ll hear too many people complaining for the time being because uploads to YouTube, and using the new Kyte app are so fast (and better quality), but eventually, live video streaming from the device will be demanded.
Qik also recently released a version of its app that will work on the older iPhone 3G with the new 3.0 software that is jailbroken.
So basically AT&T’s crappy network prevents yet another wonderful app from being accepted. I miss the days of open networks and open computing, even if Microsoft was in charge.
+1
+1
Actually, Apple did not give API access to developers for video. Officially there is still no stream access for the video only access you have is to take capture the video using the iPhone UI and then do something with the video.
But there is access to the video camera APIs, correct? For example, Kyte is using it in its app.
Its undocumented access which apple has decided they won’t allow the apps that use the undocumented camera ui elements to get updates. A few apps already ran in a few snags.
Kyte app can upload videos to Kyte.tv from the 3GS. If thats what you mean, then yes there is is an API for that. Although no way to stream live video through the 3GS (officially)
Techcrunch you to mention that Qik has released a app for android devices that’s, wait for it, in googles app store. When the qik app is mentioned you should mention its android and symbian version at least in passing. Which of course highlights Apples draconian app store policys.
so how does one get the “ad-hoc” version? since 3GS can’t be jailbroken yet
The phone was jailbroken before it even came out. Checkout the iphone dev team’s blog.
I’m wondering the same thing as Brian.
I have it, you don’t have to jailbreak your phone. It’s one of those “who you know” deals
I don’t think they want a ton of people on it now, just a small group of beta testers.
Works great though and defiantly belongs in the App store.
Ah, all clear now. Thanks Sean.
I “know” people too and they won’t even give it to me. I’m a little pissed, actually, considering I beta-tested their original release and even provided several bugs to them.
Adhocs are limited to 10 ppl per version. Play the lotto, might have better luck.
kinda disappointed in the quality of the video. Especially after seeing how good uncompressed video looks like on the 3gs
Agree. Oddly the video sucks.
I would have thought it the new camera would have made it alot better.
Just set-up an account and downloaded Qik via Cydia on 3.0 (3G). Apart from a delay between live and broadcast, which you’d kind of expect of course, I thought it was pretty good. Certainly seamless to setup and get going.
We might look at this as an aid for field service engineers to the support folk. Not as a primary tool, but something that would help them troubleshoot issues on site.
It has been out for Android for free for several days, and has also had an update.
Sweeeet… This will be Apple’s undoing, people don’t need the hassle of a fickle app review team or inconsistent statements from Apple. End users will simply start buying what has the apps they want to use.
On the one hand, I like the iphone-concept where everythings fits very well together.
But, on the other hand, I’d like to have the freedom to install whatever I want.
Which , then, could probably break/hit the iphone-concept which I like so much.
What shall I do?
Unfortunately, while Apple announced the Camera API at the launch event for the 3GS, they haven’t made it available to developers yet (correct me if I’m wrong). It’s still ugly hacks to get access to the camera, which apple sometimes allows, but sometime doesn’t.
3GS already has YouTube upload and the quality is awesome
I think I will stick with built in YouTube upload and get my 30 sec – 3 min videos in better quality any day ! (it may be 30 sec delayed) but 99% of the folks don’t care about live cat shows
what about that huge delay for YouTube videos showing up on the iPhone, in these “real time” times YouTube needs to get on the ball with their h.264 encoding.
Wait. You’re from the Cleveland area and you’re a Michigan fan? Or is that someone else’s blue and yellow I spied?
They really need to get this live streaming thing figured out, that is a feature that could sell a lot of phones.
Hey all,
We just got our adhoc version of qik for the 3gs, and shot a vid showing off it and some new hardware to go with it.
We have created a twitter petition online to get AT&T to get their shit in gear. Please take the time to sign it and check out our vid!
http://twitition.com/28nzu
http://www.yout...h?v=UdTsNQ0ZaM0