First Look: Ustream for jailbroken iPhones

Since the initial launch of the iPhone in 2007, people have wanted some type of video recording or streaming application. Of course, the iPhone SDK agreement doesn't allow this type of integration with the iPhone, but some developers have already gone ahead with creating these applications, and releasing them to iPhone owners with jailbroken devices. One such company is Ustream, who released their broadcasting application for the iPhone just a few weeks ago.

With a jailbroken iPhone and the Ustream Broadcaster, you have the same options as if you were sitting in front of your computer logged into Ustream broadcasting. Once you enter your Ustream credentials, the application will automatically log you in each time you open it. Once it determines you have a sustainable Internet connection, you will get a split pane view: the upper pane will show your live video, while the lower pane will show the live chat. Across the bottom you have a broadcast button, which will set your video live online, a record button, and a mute button. There is also an "ask viewers yes/no" button; tapping this button will pop-up yes and no buttons on your viewers screen where you can poll them for a specific question.

You have a myriad of options in the Broadcaster preferences. You can choose the video quality by selecting either High (auto) or low quality. You can also choose whether or not to broadcast audio, auto record, or send location. At the bottom of the preferences section you have the ability to send a Twitter message letting viewers know when you go online.

In all, I found this application to be extremely useful for broadcasting to Ustream while mobile. The frame rate and quality is also high enough that your viewers won't be bored to tears waiting for the next frame -- I was actually surprised at how good the quality for the viewer was. I only had one major complaint with the application: when you are connected via the cell tower, the application doesn't automatically switch you to low quality for EDGE; instead you get a message saying that frames are being dropped and you might want to switch to low quality. Other than that, this app is stellar and well worth jailbreaking your phone if you must have it. You can find the download instructions for Ustream Broadcaster on the Ustream website.


Share