Skype launches new iPhone video app
Following its acquisition of Qik mobile video software, Skype has launched a new iPhone app called Qik Video Connect.
The new app lets you stream live video from your iPhone to a unique URL that you can send out to your friends and family or share via Twitter and Facebook. You can also upload pre-recorded videos.
The new app comes in two forms; Qik Video Connect for free and Qik Video Connect Plus for NZD$4.19.
For handing over real money you get:
Real-time effects
Customise and enhance video chat and live video streaming with seven effects and filters.
Video editing
Use video editing tools directly from your device to share the best moments.
HD quality
Upload and share true HD quality videos captured on your phone.
Skype says, "Users can instantly share what is happening around them with friends and family through a live video call. If they aren’t able to connect live, then users can still share by sending a video mail.
"They can even post a live video link to Facebook and Twitter so friends can watch the moment as it is being recorded. The new social video feed makes it easy to follow what friends are doing by receiving alerts when new videos are shared and watching those videos right from the phone.”
Both versions of the app enable live video chat over 3G or wi-fi between iPhones and iPod Touches with built-in cameras.
Qik is integrated with your phone’s contact list and you can send a private video mail through email or SMS.
You can make all your videos private too, just in case you were worried about someone stumbling across your live stream or library of previously uploaded videos.
We’ve played around with the free version and streamed live footage of the office to others. There were a few delays in live streaming in some instances but not all and once you stop recording video on your iPhone, it automatically uploads to your page on the Qik website, which you sign up for upon firing up the app.
3G videos weren’t the best quality, though some of that could be down to my iPhone 3GS’s poor built-in camera (compared to iPhone 4’s).
Search the app store for Qik Video Connect and let us know what you think below.
The app's been available on other devices for a while now. Find out more on the Qik website.
