For several months now, Ustream has had an iPhone app that allows you to view video from the service. But “view” is the keyword there. You could only watch it, you could not record and send your own video back from the iPhone. But starting today, you finally can.
The new Ustream Recorder is a free application available in Apple’s App Store that allows you to send video from your iPhone to the web. Unfortunately, despite long-standing talk that it might be able to send live video from your iPhone to the web, that is not the case. Instead, Ustream appears to be attempting to use some spin by calling it a “live-to-recorded video recorder” — um, okay, isn’t all video at some point technically recorded live? Yes, it is.
Mentioning “live” was not necessary here because this app does not stream video live. Not that it’s Ustream’s fault, it’s Apple that doesn’t currently allow apps that do that in the App Store. So instead, this app records video and then uploads it to the web. The problem is that there are already a number of other apps out there that do this, like Kyte and 12cast. But Ustream wants to challenge them on the iPhone by offering more options.
The app gives you the option to share you videos to Ustream, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook or Ustream on Facebook. This makes the app much more flexible than its competitors when it comes to deciding where you want to send your video. Ustream also promises high-quality video from the app, which isn’t a surprise given the quality that Kyte’s app outputs.
Also interesting is that the app allows edit and manage videos that are already up on Ustream, even if they weren’t recorded with the iPhone. You simply pull download them to edit them.
But the reason why Ustream isn’t too bummed about its app not offering live-streaming is that they envisioned it used in another way, with another new service they’re launching.
Called “Media Stream,” it’s a functionality that basically allows broadcasters to pull in other video clips to supplement their own streams. Imagine it this way: Say you’re watching the CrunchCam, but one of the TechCrunch reporters has just shot a cool video and uploaded it. Assuming they had the correct privileges, that video would then show up as a thumbnail below the live feed. And if a user clicked on it, they could watch it.
Again, that is pre-recorded video being sent in from the iPhone, but such a use-case actually sounds pretty cool. And for publishers it’s fairly flexible. You can accept videos from anyone that submits them if they use a hashtag that you set (to be able to identify the right videos). You can then choose to accept certain videos into your feed on a case-by-case basis. Or you can approve certain users ahead of time so that their videos will definitely show up in your stream.
The functionality works on Ustream and on embeds.
It’s disappointing that the app doesn’t offer live video streaming, but again, that’s not Ustream’s fault (Qik can only do it by bypassing the App Store with an Ad-Hoc install method). But a nice set up upload options and this new Media Stream capability should make Ustream’s app a good option in an increasingly crowded iPhone 3GS video app field.
Sounds cool
I LOVE USTREAM. I was watching Soulja Boy on it last night.
I heard a rumor that Ustream is being sued – apparently they are not DMCA compliant – something about it taking 5 days for them to respond to takedown notices – that is irresponsible and bad for the industry
That is funny. Look at Justin.tv supposed Entertainment section:
http://www.just...y/entertainment
Nothing but copyrighted content!
Well played Ustream, well played.
There should be a Ustream phone… how sweet would that be…
I don’t think its that cool.
Meh, this company kinda sucks based on previous experience as a marketer.
I’m pretty happy with the Broadcaster-application that is available via Cydia.
I love the live Ustream app. Works great for me.
I think it isn’t Apple’s fault though, but ATT’s. They are worried about network congestion.
Yes!!!!!! Finally Ustream got us an iPhone app. I’m going to go record my hike today.
Also the media stream sounds awesome – very live feed..twitter like. Fits right in
Once again Apple fails (or ATT, not sure which)
ATT, not Apple
In the App Store that is HUGE!!!!!!!!!! I just tried this app – it’s great!
Indeed poleznyak! And how many did not lazish on no solid bla bla bla. But not here, and it pleases!.
I remember months ago Qik promised to have a streaming video app for the regular iPhone…. but they only released one that requires jailbreaking.
Oh its cool that now we can record and upload videos to Ustream.
And ya that live office video is good.
I just tried this. It rocks.
Frieking sent to my YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Ustream with one-click.
I’m going to give my friends the # hashtag to send vids my way/to my channel
You can do the same and much more with CellSpin Free App, Shozu paid App and many more
You can send to your twitter, facebook and all the other social networks
http://www.cellspin.net
http://www.shozu.com
Yep, AT&T Loves to sell data, just not too much of it until they figure out how to deliver their promises.
Apple loves to put features on devices and disable them until they figure out its time to fake “add them” to boost up sales of an aging device.
But these two fail to synchronize their nonsense at the same time
The loss: iPhone users miss out on fantastic apps such as Qik and Flixwagon. Even now, when video is finally available now on the device, and an unlimited data plan should give users any right to use it.
i like