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Qik charging $5 monthly for EVO 4G video chat (updated)
Last we thought, that mandatory $10 "premium data add-on" for Sprint's EVO 4G would additionally include YouTube and Qik video chat, and well, we may have been only half right. The gang at Android Guys have what's alleged to be a scan from Sprint's training materials, and according to one image, Qik's gonna cost you another $4.99 monthly via PayPal (not through the carrier) to use. We've reached out to see if we can confirm, but if true, it's a bit of a bummer to see the premiums continuing to add up. At least Fring's Skype video is still free, and as you can see in the video after the break, it works pretty well. Update: We're now privy to the official May 26th edition of the Evo 4G launch guide and can confirm the $4.99 fee. While Sprint hasn't said anything publicly, it's looking like that fee will stick saving a last minute call from the governor. Update 2: Qik has come out and clarified that the $5 fee will be for "advanced premium features," and two-way video calling will be completely and utterly free. That's what we like to hear. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Sprint's HTC EVO 4G put through its bandwidth-sucking paces
So, since you're stuck paying $10 extra per month for "premium data services" (not that bad of a 4G tax, if you ask us), what wonders await you on the HTC EVO 4G, fueled by Sprint's next-gen network? Well, if these best-case-scenario tests we just did are any indication: everything you ever dreamed of. Of course, Sprint's WiMAX might end up stumbling up the steps of reality, but there's no denying that this is 21st century technology that's worthy of some of the excitement that's been lavished upon it. We just saw demos of Qik video conferencing, YouTube HQ (output brilliantly over HDMI), simultaneous data and voice usage, and even a straight-up speed test (4Mbps down, 1Mbps up, the latter of which is a hard cap). The phone performed brilliantly in each scenario, but of course that's to be expected when you have a 4G tower in the building. Check out the videos of all this breathless action after the break. Added bonus? All four (totaling about 100MB) were uploaded with our laptop tethered over WiFi to an HTC EVO 4G. Don't be jealous. Okay, be just a little bit jealous. %Gallery-92917%
Qik Premium: video downloads, higher quality, Nokia only for now
Qik has finally gotten around to charging its customers this week with the announcement of Qik Premium, a new service that employs both a new phone client and some tweaked back-end stuff to offer users a handful of new features. The biggies appear to be MPEG-4 video downloads straight from the uploaded segments on Qik's site and some sort of higher-quality transcoding algorithm with faster playback that won't be available to standard, non-paying folks. That's not all, though -- Qik Premium is the gift that keeps on giving, because they're working on the ability to upload videos from your phone's in-built camera app next. To kick off Premium on the right foot, Qik's going back to the platform where it started -- Symbian -- for a new release for S60 that's available now in the Ovi Store; long-term pricing is an open question, but for the month of March, they're running a $4.99-a-year special.
More streaming video fun: a first look at Qik Live for iPhone
The folks who first showed us video streaming live from an iPhone, Qik, now have an official (non-jailbreak) app available in the App Store. Like Ustream Live Broadcaster, Qik Live [iTunes Link] is a free iPhone app that streams live video to a web page where friends, relatives, and the world at large can watch and hear what you're currently doing. Qik Live has a very streamlined interface that's simple to use. You'll need to sign up for a free Qik account before you start blasting your video to the world, but you can do that from within the app. The app runs on iPhone 2G, 3G, and 3GS devices on 3G or Wi-Fi networks. Once you've launched the app and logged in, a pre-broadcast screen appears showing a live image. Settings are changed by tapping on a 320 x 240 landscape image to bring up a small menu. The menu options include muting/unmuting sound, turning chat on/off, setting a video to private, editing the title and description of a broadcast, choosing where to share the video, or sending the last stream to someone via email.
That was Qik! After Ustream's debut in App Store, Qik submits streaming app
We were all a bit surprised when Ustream's free Live Broadcasting iPhone app [iTunes Link] was approved by Apple and tossed into the App Store yesterday. After all, it wasn't that long ago that it seemed that no streaming video apps would ever be approved for the iPhone platform due to AT&T's reluctance to have their network overwhelmed by self-produced live vidcasts of emo guitar players "broadcasting" from their unheated rent-controlled flats. No sooner had the Ustream app magically appeared than we began to receive emails from Qik stating that they were submitting their streaming video app for approval. Qik currently has Qik for 3GS [Free, iTunes Link] in the app store, which allows recording and eventual uploading of video to their site, but not live video streaming. According to a blog post on the Qik site, the app has been resubmitted and the wait is on. Having a choice of legal video streaming apps that don't require jailbroken iPhones will certainly open up a new chapter in the iPhone story.
Qik gets rebuilt for Droid, 480p streaming is upon us
Qik had already been available on Android, but when you bring a monster like the Droid into the mix, it warrants a rewrite -- and that's what the company has put together this week. Qik's new Droid-specific build brings a wealth of new features into play, chiefly Android 2.0 support and an impressive 720 x 480 streaming video resolution, perfect for the Droid's expansive display and 5 megapixel (albeit questionably usable) camera. The version also includes an improved version of what Qik calls the "Speed Sharing Ribbon," an area at the bottom of the display that allows users to drop frequent contacts for sharing recorded videos. There's no word on when the new version hits Droids around the nation, but it's already in an invite-only beta stage, so hopefully it'll be available soon enough. Follow the break for a quick video of that wild 480p support in action -- you ready for the data onslaught, Verizon?
Found Footage: iPhone and Qik go live for New Mexico reporter
Albuquerque TV Reporter Jeremy Jojola recently used a jailbroken iPhone and Qik [iTunes link] to broadcast a story live for KOB-TV. It's a far cry from the big trucks with microwave antennas and satellite dishes that are usually seen where news stories are broadcast.The audio and video quality isn't perfect, but it shows how fast the technology is moving. Jeremy told me he used the AT&T 3G network for the connection.We've already reported on the Qik app which was recently updated to allow uploading of video using the 3G network, but so far, the live capability has been nixed by Apple/AT&T. The only way to get the full benefit of live streaming is by jailbreaking the iPhone. Qik runs on a huge variety of other smartphones with full live capability, even on the AT&T network. If you'd like to see Jeremy's story, it's available by clicking the Read More link below. The actual story is about iPhone developers who live in the area. Here's Jeremy's blog with some more info. [Via Poynter Institute online]
Qik for iPhone updated, now uploads video over 3G
Hmmmm. Seems that FCC pressure might be doing wonders for those App Store approvals. Qik, which we reviewed earlier this month, had been pretty well kneecapped by either AT&T or Apple; choose your villain. But lo and behold, today Qik [iTunes link] was updated so now it can upload video over the 3G network, not just WiFi as was the case in the first release of the app. I just tried it and it worked fine, happily uploading a video with no WiFi in sight. That realy improves Qik, but on every other smartphone Qik allows live streaming. Only the best and most powerful smartphone in the world has the no live restriction. Coincidence or conspiracy? I downloaded the update, and yes, it works over 3G now. It's clear that something is causing Apple/AT&T to loosen up a bit. May that continue. Kinda hard to argue that Sling Mobile can't work over 3G now, isn't it? As most know, Sling Mobile was crippled for the iPhone even though it is allowed on every other capable phone on AT&T. Let us know your results with Qik, and if you get a moment, send the FCC some flowers.
Qik for iPhone 3GS update removes 'WiFi only' restriction, 3G streaming is a go
Well, that was fast. Just one week after hitting the scene, Qik for iPhone 3GS has been updated to move that nasty "WiFi only" restriction, meaning you can now stream your videos to the internet over a 3G network. We just tried it ourselves and, sure enough, it works like a charm. After you've read through all that FCC literature, hit up the read link and download the (thankfully still free) app -- just be careful how much fun you have with it this weekend. Let's see how AT&T's network handles this one. [Warning: iTunes app link.] [Via The iPhone Blog]
Streaming video from your iPhone? They crippled the app for that.
Qik [iTunes link] is an eagerly awaited free app for the iPhone. Most other video capable phones have a version of it. Qik allows, among other things, live streaming from your phone to the web. How could someone not want that capability? Early on, Qik offered a version for jailbroken phones that worked quite well. digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/Streaming_video_from_iPhone_They_crippled_the_app_for_that'; Well of course, we've learned that what can run on other smartphones may not necessarily make it to the iPhone, and predictably the App Store version has been crippled. You can record video, upload video (Wi-Fi only) but no streaming or uploading over the 3G network. In fact, you can't even live stream over WiFi. I'm sure doing all this this violates the hastily revised terms of service from AT&T. It still grates that the phone that is helping to save AT&T financially has its users abused by having lesser services than other phones that are allowed on the same network. Of course, if video streaming is forbidden, what about YouTube and MLB At Bat [iTunes link], that streams two live games a day? And what about the SlingPlayer app, that is allowed to stream across the cellular data network on other AT&T phones but only over Wi-Fi on the iPhone? I know, there are so many iPhones that it would swamp the inadequate AT&T network, but what did AT&T expect when they fought so hard to get the iPhone? Do they really think streaming by a few Slingbox users or Qik addicts will ever top the bandwidth stats of the baseball app? Today Qik added this to its website: "We've submitted an update to the App Store which will have it working over 3G networks, too. We'll let you know as soon as that upgrade has been cleared. " I wouldn't hold my breath on that one, and it isn't clear if it's just for uploading or live streaming. The Qik app works fine as far as it goes. I shot some video, and uploaded it to the Qik site after creating an account. The video was pretty compressed, but that's to be expected. It's a nice app, but without the main feature of live streaming it doesn't add much to what the iPhone 3GS can already do. The iPhone as-is allows you to send short videos via email, YouTube and MobileMe using the 3G network. Go figure. The FCC is looking into all this, and the AT&T and Apple answers will be interesting. iPhone owners don't want to be treated like second class citizens, and as this farce continues that's what it is beginning to look like. If I could, I would require Apple and AT&T execs to take a look at the famous Apple 1984 commercial and decide if they are the one throwing the hammer, or if they are on the screen.
Qik for iPhone 3GS now available, still not capable of live 3G streaming
So, there's good news and bad news. The good news is that Qik for iPhone 3GS is now available, and it's completely gratis to download. The bad news is that it probably won't do exactly what you want it to. You see, those on Symbian S60 have grown used to a Qik that can actually stream live video to the internet, whereas this app is currently just a "capture and upload" piece. Moreover, it only works via WiFi, so if you're not near a hotspot once your video is done, you'll have to wait until you wander back over to one before it automatically begins uploading. Though, you can let the app automatically inform viewers of where the video was taken (in case you feel like pampering guests who show up unannounced), and you can also frame the video horizontally or vertically. The Qik team assures us that an update is in the works to add 3G uploading, but for now, it's WiFi or bust. Which is kosher so long as it's free... we guess.[Thanks, Jackie]
Video: Nokia 6790 Surge / Mako gets a QIK onto the small screen
Having already given you the AT&T spec sheet and images on this new Nokia, the only things missing are launch date, price, and a bit of video. Well, a janky QIK video just made its way to YouTube claiming that Nokia's Mako is coming to AT&T in mid-July as the 6790 Surge. It should be "priced pretty well" but those details haven't been finalized. So if a quick messaging device running S60 beneath a 2.4-inch 240x320 pixel display with HSDPA data and 2 megapixel camera is enough motivation to prompt another mouse-click then by all means, click through for the video overview provided after the break. Stay cool, bye.
Qik now available on Android
Qik, the live mobile video streaming service pioneered on S60, has always set out to tackle as many phones and platforms as it possibly could -- and the latest to get hooked up today is Android, which means you can push video to the world anywhere you've got a T-Mobile signal on that G1 of yours (and all the better if you're in one of those AWS 3G markets). The software's actually already available in the Android Market, so go ahead and test it right now; just put some pants on first, alright? Please, this is a family service.
TUAW reader livestreaming Tokyo Marathon from head-mounted iPhone
If you were looking for a challenge, you might consider running a marathon with an iPhone 3G strapped to your head. That's exactly what TUAW reader Joseph Tame of iPhoning Japan will be doing next Sunday, March 22nd (Saturday night for those of us in the US).Joseph was one of the 5,000 lucky people who were selected to run in the Tokyo Marathon, and he decided to livestream his experience to all of the people who weren't so lucky as well as the rest of the world. How's he going to do this? Using a jailbroken iPhone 3G running Qik, software that gives the iPhone livestreaming capabilities. His "modified hat" uses the strap and the "sponge of speed" to hold the iPhone screen-first against his forehead. Qik.com will be showing the race from Joseph's head on Sunday / Saturday, and you can leave comments on iPhoning Japan to make his iPhone vibrate and let him know you're sending along your best wishes. Joseph has a fun, tongue-in-cheek introductory video on his blog that explains it all in more detail. All of us here at TUAW will be watching and urging Joseph along to a fast finish in the Tokyo Marathon.
Qik video streaming service now ready for J2ME phones
There's a decent chance you completely forgot about Qik, a nifty little startup that enables live audio / video streaming from feature phones to PCs, after hearing absolutely nothing from it since July. If so, it's all good -- the folks at Qik still want you to indulge in its first public alpha release for a slew of J2ME phones. For users with a Nokia 5300, 6300, 6500 classic, 6500 slide, 6555 or 8800 Arte, you can join your brethren with a Sony Ericsson K850, K858, W890, W910, W908, K660, G502 or Z750 in streaming live content right from your phone to your lovely posse. Give it a go and let us know how it turns out, will you?
Qik launches on Installer.app
A while back, Qik announced that they would be creating a video broadcast client for the iPhone. When they first announced it, Qik was only available in a limited beta to jailbroken phones. However, Qik has announced that all jailbroken 1.1.4 iPhones will be able to get the client through Installer.app. Since Apple hasn't yet allowed streaming video using the iPhone's camera, jailbreaking is the only way to use Qik.Qik, as you may already know, is a way to broadcast live, streaming video from a mobile device. While they are not offering an App Store version of their client, you can download it via Installer.app by adding "http://qik.com/iphone1" to your sources list. If you are using iPhone 2.0 software, you might be able to downgrade to 1.1.4, however, the risks outweigh any advantages you might get.There seems to be a growing field of jailbreak applications as Apple continues to disallow some SDK-built apps. Even though we have the official SDK, there are still too many limitations for some apps and their users.[via TechCrunch]
Qik moves to open beta
You no longer need to know someone who knows someone who knows the founder of a VC firm sinking money into Qik to get in on its rather lovely streaming video action. We're just messing around, of course -- it was never quite that hard to get into Qik's invite-only alpha / beta before in our experience -- but it just got even easier with the popular service moving into an open beta phase. Offering both S60 and Windows Mobile clients (with iPhone allegedly on the way), Qik does a pretty stellar and unique job of streaming live audio and video straight from your handset to your millions of adoring fans glued to their computer monitors around the world (or just your mommy and daddy, as the case may be). So go sign up, paste your username down below here if you're so inclined, and just be sure you're not recording when you... ahem, don't mean to be. If you catch our drift.[Via All About Symbian]
Qik to offer streaming for iPhone users
Qik is making sure that Flixwagon doesn't beat them at their own game. Video streaming from mobile devices has quickly become very popular, and Mashable has a video that Qik sent them in which they demo their soon-to-be-in-alpha release of Qik for the iPhone. Currently, Qik streams from devices like the Nokia N95. An iPhone app would certainly boost their user base and service as a whole.[via Mashable]
