14 DAY TRIAL // The latest App Store tip from Apple concerns the use of the HTTP Live Streaming protocol in iPhone apps that access the cellular network to deliver video streaming. The Mac maker stresses that HTTP Live Streaming poses key benefits like the ability to dynamically adjust to varying network-bandwidth conditions. As such, developers whose apps stream videos are also required to include a low-quality stream of no more than 64 Kbps, so the app can resort to it when the network is strained.
Talking about “Delivering Video to Your iPhone App,” Apple explains that, “HTTP Live Streaming provides a state-of-the-art standards-based solution for streaming video over wireless networks.” As noted above, “A key benefit of HTTP Live Streaming is the ability to dynamically adjust to varying network bandwidth conditions,” the Mac maker says. “It can store multiple video clips of different quality on a server, and then deliver the one that matches what the customer is capable of viewing on the network they are currently accessing,” Apple reveals.
Starting now, it is imperative that developers support HTTP Live Streaming in their video-focused apps, Apple points out. Applications will need to be prepared to handle any kind of network, which means extra work for developers.
“Your application must use the HTTP Live Streaming protocol if it uses the cellular network to deliver video for any stream with a duration of 10 minutes or more,” Apple continues to explain. “In addition, applications using HTTP Live Streaming over the cellular network must include a low quality stream of no more than 64 Kbps for your app to resort to when network conditions demand it.”
Developers are directed to the HTTP Live Streaming Overview in the iPhone Reference Library, so they can learn more about using HTTP Streaming in their apps. Those interested in streaming live events without special server software, or sending video on demand with encryption and authentication are particularly advised to read through the document in question.