Canon has launched a new free iOS app for livestreaming. With Live Switcher Mobile, you can switch between up to three iOS devices on the same wireless network.
Multi-camera livestream
Canon advertises the Live Switcher Mobile app as being for one-person multi-angle livestreaming. However, there’s no reason why you couldn’t use it for a two-person interview set-up or other multi-person scenarios. Once you have installed the Live Switcher Mobile app, you can add additional iPhones and iPads on the same wireless networks to access the cameras. If you don’t want to use the camera on the phone running the app, you can add three secondary devices.
Using the app
When the main screen of the Live Switcher Mobile app opens, it shows your smartphone’s front camera video. There are also icons to add additional cameras. Once connected, switching between cameras is as simple as tapping the image for that camera.
In addition, there is an Auto Switch option for situations where you can’t operate the app. You can choose between 8, 12, 16 or 20-second intervals and the app will cycle through the available cameras automatically.
Choose your platform
You can select your livestreaming platform from a separate menu on the Live Switcher Mobile app. YouTube and Facebook are available as included options. However, for other platforms, you will need to enter the relevant streaming URL.
Alternatively, you can choose to record your video, rather than livestream it, selectable with a switch on the main screen.
Captions and images
You can display captions and graphics over your video with the Live Switcher Mobile app. However, the selection included is quite limited. You will need to sign up to a paid plan to add more or display saved images as part of your video or livestream. Also, you can stream the display screen from one of the secondary devices. This means you can share images, videos, games and other apps from another smartphone.
Other features
The Live Switcher Mobile app supports picture-in-picture which is ideal for game streaming. You can also use the microphone audio from each smartphone and adjust the volume individually for a perfect mix. In addition, the app can display social media comments from viewers during your livestream. Canon says that in the future Live Switcher Mobile app will support digital camera connection for even higher quality video.
What we think
For the first iteration, Canon’s Live Switcher Mobile has a lot to offer. Despite the company marketing it for one-person livestreams, you could do so much more. It would be ideal for an interview with a wide camera showing both people as well as close-ups of each. For even more flexibility, you can run three smartphones as cameras and operate the app on a fourth. The features are quite limited in the free version so you might find you run up against the restrictions very quickly. However, you can thoroughly test drive the Live Switcher Mobile app to see if it meets your needs without paying.
Availability
The Live Switcher Mobile app is available to download for free from the Apple app store now. However, you will need to subscribe to a paid plan to take advantage of some features.