Qik Video Connect gets Android and Apple users seeing eye-to-eye and works with some devices running Android 2.1 and up, iPhones, iPad 2s and any iPod Touch with a camera, letting Apple fanboys and Android apologists speak face to face over 3G, 4G, and WiFi with the device of their choosing…………
Qik, which was acquired by Skype earlier this year has previously only offered a fully functional live streaming and chat app on Android via pre-loaded devices. Qik offered a simpler version of its mobile video service in the Android Market which allowed users to record video but this app lacked any chatting capabilities.Now, Qik is bringing the full featured Qik app to the Android Marketplace, the company tells us exclusively, allows you to live stream video and now conduct live video chats with contacts over 3G, 4G or WiFi. And you can chat between Android 2.1-2.33 phones and any iOS4 devices, including the iPad 2 and iPhone 4.The Android app automatically integrates with your phone’s contact list to show you who is available to chat live and allows you to video chat using back camera (show what is happening around you) and/or front camera (show your face).If you cannot connect with your friends live, you can also send video mail via threaded video mail conversations and you can send video mails to anyone, including friends who don’t have Qik, via email or SMS. The Android app has also added a few social features, and allows you to connect via Facebook and will notify you when your friends share video on the app. You can play these videos within the app and comment on content. Videos can also be shared through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, blogs and other sites.
The addition of a live video sharing and recording app in the Android Market is a big development for the company’s technology, says co-founder Bhaskar Roy. Previously, Qik optimized over all experience for specific devices and carriers, but now these capabilities are being brought to all Android handsets. While Roy declined to comment on how Qik would be integrating its technology with Skype, he did say that the companies are currently working with OEMs to figure out how to integrate the streaming video technologies with the hardware to consume less CPU and battery power.Qik is offering Video Connect Plus app for iPhone/iOS for free this week (It’s normally $2.99).Other apps that allow for live streaming on Android phones include Justin.TV, Ustream and others. But Qik says that its apps have been updated with more social features, including the ability to conduct live video chatsand share live video with friends on social networks.
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