YouTube is now testing live video streams in Google's latest effort to have the most visited video website help turn a profit since being purchased by Google. The two-day trial offers a glimpse into a future YouTube service that leaves users with more questions than answers.
The new YouTube platform was in effect on Monday and Tuesday in the United States, with Google expected to analyze data and prepare for a launch soon. The site first introduced YouTube Live during a Google press release last week, but users were unsure when they would have a crack at the new feature.
HowCast, Rocketboom, Young Hollywood and Next New Networks will work with YouTube to provide the new streams to users. HowCast sees an especially bright future in live video, with company CEO Jason Liebman pointing out that recent comScore research indicates live streaming has jumped more than 600% year-over-year.
I have a hard time believing viewers are anxious to head to YouTube on their PCs to watch live content. I know YouTube has showed live political debates, sporting programs and concerts, but live material just isn't something I care to try out at the moment.
Google has launched numerous new efforts to try and help advertisers and content creators make money through the most visited website; but has been very ineffective as of late, even with several new features and settings for site visitors.
YouTube Leanback, first introduced in July, aimed at making it easier to continuously watch as many videos as possible but is not very practical. The site already offers 720p and 1080p high-definition streams along with its regular 480p -- and even included a new 4096p (4096 x 3072) resolution for high-resolution projectors.
I've tested the YouTube Leanback feature in the past, but don't feel like YouTube is working hard enough to roll out features that are actual meaningful for visitors and content makers. A YouTube screen that supports 4096p is great, but obviously ineffective for the majority of Internet users.
