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Qik Releases iPhone 3G Compatible Video Streaming App

Submitted by Michael Johnston on August 16, 2008 - 3:38am.
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On Wednesday, Qik released version 0.3.02 of its video streaming app for the iPhone which now supports both the iPhone 2.0 software and iPhone 3G. Using the new version, iPhone 3G users can stream live video over a 3G network, as the app now works with both WiFi or 3G. Additionally, the new version has a few new exciting features. Alongside more video options, you can now tweet your stream on demand, make a stream private, mute your mic, and hide the chat window.

Visiting the Qik booth at New Media Expo, I was able to get a demo of the app from Qik themselves. The app has been vastly improved since the version I played with a couple months ago. It still has the well deserved "beta" designation, but it's definitely worth looking at.

From the Qik blog:

  1. If you have not already, you'll need to sign up at http://qik.com/sign_up and receive an SMS from us to activate the application.
  2. Launch Cydia.
  3. Go to the "Sections" tab at the bottom and scroll down to "Multimedia."
  4. Under Multimedia, you will find Qik. Tap on it then select "Install" at the top right, then in the same spot tap "Confirm."
  5. Now you will see Qik get installed. You may hit the "Return to Cydia" button at the bottom or just quit Cydia when it is done installing.
  6. You'll now notice a "Qik" icon on your home screen - Go ahead and launch it.
  7. As long as your initial signup SMS/text message is still in your inbox for the first launch, your account will be linked to your device.
  8. Make sure you have 3G service or are on WiFi (edge is not sufficient enough to stream video) before you begin broadcasting.
  9. Hit record and enjoy Qik!

Qik is currently in public beta and can be accessed under "Multimedia" in Cydia. Because of restrictions in the SDK, Qik still requires a jailbroken iPhone to be used.

Submitted by javaGuru on August 16, 2008 - 5:50pm.
Does anyone know when this will be available in the iTunes App Store?

Submitted by Kevin Dunahee on August 16, 2008 - 6:08pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by javaGuru View Post
Does anyone know when this will be available in the iTunes App Store?
I'd bet money that it won't be anytime soon. Apple doesn't allow any apps record video at the current time. For now, this is jailbreak exclusive.

Submitted by javaGuru on August 16, 2008 - 6:26pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Superman View Post
I'd bet money that it won't be anytime soon. Apple doesn't allow any apps record video at the current time. For now, this is jailbreak exclusive.
Does this app actually record video to the phone or does it stream the video to qik's servers for streaming and recording live content?

Submitted by Kevin Dunahee on August 16, 2008 - 7:08pm.
Ya know, I have never used the app myself so I cannot tell you anything for sure. I was under the impression that it could record video as well, but again, someone else will have to chime in.

Qik

Submitted by KDC (not verified) on August 16, 2008 - 9:27pm.
This app is really cool. It records video sort of. . .but not on the iPhone itself. It turns your phone into a broadcast tool and streams live video to your personal Qik webpage for others to see either live or after you've finished recording. With my test on Wifi it only has a 3 second delay!! There is another software that does the same thing that has a little bit more robust features (you can add title information and share video (via email) that you've saved - all from the iPhone. It's called Flixwagon and is available via Cydia. I have both on my phone but I like Flixwagon better. The video quality is better IMO. (www.flixwagon.com). This is now my favorite application. Where I used to take pics and send to people if I wanted them to see something I was looking at - no I just use these programs for them to get a look through my eyes with video.

Submitted by Peter000 on August 17, 2008 - 1:41pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KDC View Post
This app is really cool. It records video sort of. . .but not on the iPhone itself. It turns your phone into a broadcast tool and streams live video to your personal Qik webpage for others to see either live or after you've finished recording. With my test on Wifi it only has a 3 second delay!! There is another software that does the same thing that has a little bit more robust features (you can add title information and share video (via email) that you've saved - all from the iPhone. It's called Flixwagon and is available via Cydia. I have both on my phone but I like Flixwagon better. The video quality is better IMO. (www.flixwagon.com). This is now my favorite application. Where I used to take pics and send to people if I wanted them to see something I was looking at - no I just use these programs for them to get a look through my eyes with video.
With either of the services you mention, after the video is uploaded and posted, can it be downloaded again, or cross posted to YouTube?

And it would be nice if you (iPhone Ally) would designate up front (perhaps even in the post title) that the app you're reviewing is a J/B app. It's not always immediately clear. Especially to newbies.

Submitted by Karoliukas (not verified) on August 17, 2008 - 5:05pm.
For me, after U install the app, you can't use camera, when u try - crash. The same if you want to look to your pictures - crash. And even if you want to change wallpaper - crash.

I have to uninstall, and use another similar program