Apple is presenting a live streaming concert of the electronica band Underworld this evening at 12AM Eastern/9PM Pacific time in order to perform a large scale test of one of the new features of OS 3.0. Adaptive Bitrate Streaming is a usage of the HTTP streaming protocol that was added with the latest software update for the iPhone. The protocol allows not only for steaming live video over the internet, something that Ustream has become famous for (but has yet to include in their iPhone app), but also on-the-fly adjustment of the stream to accommodate a devices particular CPU and data bandwidth.
iPhone Hacks does make a good point too about the fact that Apple could be using HTTP streaming to get around AT&T’s objections to streaming content in apps like the Slingplayer Mobile App:
he embedded support for HTTP streaming protocol in the iPhone provides a route around limitations imposed by AT&T on Apple due to concerns of bandwidth consumption over its 3G network. It will enable companies to deliver their content to iPhone users over the web without any restrictions at optimal quality.
The lack of publicity for the concert and the timing of the test, as late as it is, points to the fact that Apple seems to be running this test carefully in hopes that it will not bring down AT&T’s already fairly rickety data network. You can tune in to watch the show at Underworld Live or you can check out the streaming technology company Akamai’s site here which also has non-live streaming content up for you to check out. So if you’re stuck somewhere less than exciting this Friday night, check out the first of what is likely to be many concerts streaming right to your iPhone.
[Underworld Live]via[iPhoneHacks]via[NewTeeVee]
It‘s quite in here! Why not leave a response?