UStream.tv live viewing comes to the iPhone
First announced last week, live video streaming service UStream.tv's iPhone app is finally out and free for downloading. It lets you view live and pre-recorded UStream content from the comfort of your phone. I was using it to watch some of the inauguration coverage earlier this morning, however for most it will simply be a way to get at pre-recorded content from their device.
The app lets you both search and browse through UStream content, and will begin playing shows almost immediately. Included is live user chat, which is displayed below or to the side of the video, depending on how you're holding your device. You'll need to be logged in to see and leave comments, otherwise the space simply stays grayed out.
Watching shows on UStream on the iPhone is a breeze, the connection drops and Wi-Fi requirement might kill some of the fun though.
(Credit: Josh Lowensohn/CNET Networks)The one big caveat with this app is that you need to be connected to Wi-Fi to use it, as the app does not yet work over 3G or slower EDGE networks. Attempting to use it without being connected to Wi-Fi simply kicks you back to your phone's home screen. The same thing happens if you go too far out of range of that Wi-Fi network. I see this as the one big deal killer, since you may not always be near a Wi-Fi connection when wanting to access UStream programming.
Besides video, the standout feature is the audio quality, which is comparable to what you'd get on your computer. This is no doubt due to requiring Wi-Fi. The audio I was getting from CNN's inauguration feed came in loud and clear.
Not so hot were the frequent stutters and dropped connections that made me miss several chunks of live footage while watching a buffering screen. If UStream can iron out some of these kinks and let users get a more lightweight stream over 3G, this app would be a real keeper.
Josh Lowensohn writes for Webware.com, CNET's blog about Web applications and services. E-mail Josh, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Josh. 
http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/19/palm-investor-mcnamee-details-pres-neat-location-based-features/
He didn't add a toilet so users could use the bathroom either. Sheeeeesh who cares, use the app to watch shows and stop WHINING!
If you like sitting at Starbucks or at your house and watching TV on the small screen go ahead and this application will more or less do what it promises but for those of us who want to stream television ANYWHERE this application falls flat on its face.
I would rather have load screens and wait for buffering than not have the ability at all. Application deleted.
Isn't that a glaring contradiction? The video and audio quality can't be amazing if they are missing in chunks...
- by mexic0 January 30, 2009 7:36 PM PST
- I tried ustream and there is little value in it for me. I am not interested in 50 different puppy cams, a half dozen aquariums, kitties, or a view of people dancing in a nightclub. The other streams held no interest for me either.
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