Orb Networks makes software for streaming media from our home computers to other devices including cellphones, Xbox, Wii, PS3, etc as well as other computers.
I used to use Orb to share some big videos that I didn’t want to wait hours uploading with a family member across the world and just stream it with Orb.
They had previously released a iPhone App – OrbLive for iPhone. It used to work only on WiFi/EDGE. Now, OrbLive for iPhone has been updated to a new version that allows live TV streams over WiFi as well as AT&T’s EDGE & 3G networks.
Well watching TV streams with Orb isn’t really straightforward but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist either to do it.
How to use Orb?
- Install Orb software in your XP or Vista PC
- If your PC has a TV tuner card, you can stream live TV
- Get into Safari at mycast.orb.com to see your live stream
OrbLive for iPhone
- iPhone App is available as a free and paid app ($9.99)
- Free version just streams random files
- Streams media over 3G + WiFi & EDGE
- Paid version allows more control over what you watch
Download OrbLive
Will Apple Ban OrbLive?
Apple has in the past banned apps that stream live video from the AppStore. Qik is a great example that is so popular with jailbreak 2.1 iPhones but that isn’t still available in AppStore.
Even though OrbLive is accepted by Apple and available in AppStore I am going to wait to see if it was a mistake and let Apple pull it out.
But, with AT&T buying up a WiFi hotspot provider and boosting their current free WiFi offering to their iPhone & Blackberry customers, maybe it is time they feel ok with streaming live video on their 3G network. It is also about time to get the ability to record video on iPhone natively.
I guess we will find it out shortly, won’t we?
Update 02/05/10: AT&T has announced that they will allow Live tv on iPhone over 3G through Slingbox Mobile iPhone app.
