Ustream has launched an updated iPhone app, 3GS Recorder, that allows users to upload videos from their handset. The company's previous app could only be used to view content from Ustream's website. With the addition of recording capabilities to the iPhone firmware v3.0, videos can now be sent to Ustream, Twitter, YouTube or Facebook.
A new application is circumventing Apple's anti-pornography restrictions at the iTunes App Store, claims the New York Daily News. The Ustream application, recently released on iTunes, is said to have hosted at least one adult video stream following its launch, in which a woman teased a live chat audience without actually undressing on-camera. The stream appeared to be promoting another website.
A dedicated Ustream app is in development for the iPhone, according to company head John Ham. The app will let users tap into the main features of the site, which allows visitors to not only watch live video broadcasts, but participate in chat with others. Most other details of the app are unknown, but it is likely to require a 3G or Wi-Fi connection, and Ham suggests it will be available "in a matter of days."
Google today launched the surprise addition of Gmail video chat to its webmail interface. The feature lets contacts use Google Talk to start a two-way video or audio-only conversation with anyone currently online and can be started in the middle of a text chat. Like dedicated desktop apps, the web version carries a picture-in-picture view and can be stretched out or made full-screen.
Google's popular video hosting site, YouTube, will support live streaming by the end of 2008, according to one of the site's originators. Co-founder and chief technology officer Steve Chen disclosed the information at a recent party in New York City, insisting that "We'll do it this year." The news is significant in that despite the dominance of YouTube, it has been beaten to the availability of streaming by sites such as Ustream and Justin.tv. YouTube may thus need live technology to retain market control.
Yahoo this morning took steps to up-end Google with Y! Live. The first service of its kind from a major web company, the feature aims to bring the same live recording seen from more focused sites such as Justin.tv or Ustream. Users can link a webcam or any other connected camera to the site and host live performances viewable from any Mac or PC with Adobe's Flash installed; show hosts can also interact with as many as four other primary guests as well as a much larger number of live chatters.
