UStream consolidates iOS apps, adds social aspect
updated 05:40 pm EST, Tue March 8, 2011
One app now allows watching or broadcasting
UStream, the web service that broadcasts web shows and allows users to create their own live streams, has combined their previous two iOS apps -- one for watching, one for broadcasting -- into a single free app now simply called UStream v2. Users can now "go live" on microphone or camera-enabled iOS devices, or simply watch, follow and interact with their favorite broadcasters almost anywhere. The app also now features sharing a link to one's own stream or other UStream content with friends on Twitter and Facebook.
Also new in v2 is the ability to interact with one's audience through chatting and polling and a new "featured" carousel to help discover new content. Users can now follow their favorite shows by joining UStream Crowds, and get alerts for scheduled events so they don't miss a favorite show. The menu can now be customized with a user's favorite features, and social-network notifications are now built into the app.
UStream v2 requires iOS 4.1, and features native support for English and Japanese. One known issue in the new release is that video streams may switch to audio-only under poor network conditions. The company plans a fix for this with the release of iOS 4.3.
