Qik Incorporated is conducting an "invitation-only alpha" of its video phone broadcast service. Qik allows users to stream live videos from their Windows Mobile devices to the Qik.com website, where according to account settings they are archived, or else published to all or to specific users.
Once the Qik software has been installed on a phone, "just two clicks" sends live audio and video from the device to the Qik website, the company claims. There, registered users can make their videos available live or on an on-demand basis, according to the company.
Qik says available management tools give users the option of making all videos they create public, making them all private, or choosing on a case-by-case basis. Users can choose to have the site archive all video they send it, effectively turning any Windows Mobile phone into an always-available camcorder. In the future, tools for editing recorded videos will also be available, says the company.
The company touts the use of Qik by video bloggers such as TechCrunch editor Michael Arrington and congressman John Culberson of Texas. It also cites Variety magazine's use of Qik to do live coverage of the Cannes Music Festival and other events.
Qik's VP of Product Management Bhaskar Roy, can be seen below in a video recorded by Michael Arrington, and made available publicly on the Qik website. Videos made by Variety magazine can be found here.
Qik co-founder Bhaskar Roy shows off the company's new Windows Mobile version Source: TechCrunch via Qik (click to play)
Previously, the software was only available on Nokia's Symbian-based S60 platform. As per the alpha announced today, it runs only on the Windows Mobile-based Samsung Blackjack and Motorola MOTO Q phones. Ultimately, the intent is for the software to work on every camera-equipped Windows Mobile device, according to the company, though a time frame was not given.
Qik also did not provide memory requirements or the amount of bandwidth required, although it noted that users will require an unlimited data plan. Resolution and frame rate of Qik videos was not specified; examining videos posted at the company's website, however, shows their size to be 320 x 240 pixels.
Ramu Sunkara, CEO of Qik, said "We're thrilled to be bringing Qik's live streaming service to Windows Mobile phones. In the meantime, Qik continues to provide a service that helps keep friends and families stay connected, features breaking news from professional media and citizen journalists, and fosters a totally new kind of communication."
Owners of supported Samsung or Motorola phones can apply for the invitation-only alpha by visiting the sign-up page on the Qik website, here.
