For several years Apple decided not to go for a live stream of their events. Today is a special day, because Apple will be streaming their keynote live for the first time since years. Apple did an official announcement yesterday.
Apple will broadcast its September 1 event online using Apples industry-leading HTTP Live Streaming, which is based on open standards. Viewing requires either a Mac running Safari on Mac OS X version 10.6 Snow Leopard, an iPhone or iPod touch running iOS 3.0 or higher, or an iPad. The live broadcast will begin at 10:00 a.m. PDT on September 1, 2010 at www.apple.com.
Apparently it is not possible to view the live stream if you’re on a windows or linux machine. The stream is only compatible with a Mac, iPod touch, iPhone or iPad.
While the protocol has been proposed as a standard, so far Apple is one of a few companies who has implemented it. As a result, the video will only be easily viewable on the specified platforms. There seem to be some advantages to the system over existing streaming technologies. Notably, there should be no router/firewall issues as the stream is sent over standard HTTP protocols. (via MacRumors)
You can try and find out if you are able to follow the live stream by using the following link: this HTTP Live sample stream. This link will offer a free sample of the stream.
Server Farm
As to why Apple is delivering a live stream of the presentation, some people say Apple wants to test their new server farm. An anonymous tipster said: “Apple’s first live video broadcast in years is a test of the server farm’s ability to stream a future version of iTunes for iOS devices. The goal is to monitor traffic load and quality”. (source: cult of mac)
I’ll also be doing a Twitter coverage. The most important bits of information of today’s keynote will be posted in the form of tweets on iPadFreakz’s official Twitter-account: iPadFreakz Twitter. So for those of you who are unable to follow the live stream, maybe the twitter coverage is a nice alternative option.
Summary
When Steve Jobs ends his keynote, I’ll be posting a summary of the event, so you can calmly read about today’s music event. You’ll be able to read about the latest iPod touch and possibly about a new iPod nano, iTV and iOS 4.1 as well. Hope to see you back and have a happy “Apple Event”.
