Ustream Viewing Application: Finally, change has come.

It seems fitting that I am writing this on the day that Barack Obama is sworn into office. I mean this on two levels: firstly, the application that I am reviewing typifies the change in technology and free information that I feel that our government is just now catching up with (and only barely, at that).  And secondly, as I watched the coverage of the inauguration on CNN's Live feed, I thought, "I wonder when someone will figure out live streaming on the iPhone.  This is a huge news event, and people want to be able to watch it on different devices, including streaming video to a multitude of devices."

Enter Mr. Pence, who introduced me to this great, if flawed, new app.

The list of streams is comprehensive.

I haven't played with it extensively, but I am happy that it exists.  Ustream Viewing Application, by Ustream.tv, Inc.,  is an application that allows sites like CNN.com to stream their live feeds to the iPhone and iPod Touch.  We can now watch video, live, on our iPhones.  YES WE CAN! (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)

The interface is cool, with bottom-tabs for Live, Archived, and a list of Upcoming feeds.  However, if this app takes off--and I think it will--some more categories will be needed.  In addition, you can sort feeds by "Top Live" and "Featured" as well as search through all the available feeds.

Another cool feature is the option to log in with a Ustream.tv account and "chat." It's a great idea, but it doesn't work very well for me, hanging on the "sending message" dialogue box.

The streaming video is heavily compressed but watchable.

Turn your device to landscape, and it resizes appropriately, but sadly there is no YouTube-like "Full Screen" button.

The video quality leaves a little to be desired.  I also lose connection on my fairly good wifi network--quite annoying, but I am sure it's something that can be fixed in the near future (the app is currently on version 1.0).  The biggest drawback is that the app does not work with either the 3G or Edge network.

Currently, this app is heavily flawed, but I like it because it holds promise.  As compression technology continues to advance and the app developers work out some of the more glaring bugs, I think the Ustream Viewing Application could become very useful, even for networks and other live broadcasts.  This app seems to be a logical step forward and I wish it all the best.

Comments

[squarerhino]

puppy cam!