Live Switcher Mobile Comes to iPhone and iPad
Canon has launched a new app, Live Switcher Mobile, designed to turn your iPhone or iPad into a multi-camera live-streaming setup. Currently exclusive to Apple devices, the app allows users to switch seamlessly between up to three connected devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
Streamlined Live Streaming for Creators
The app aims to simplify live streaming by removing the need for bulky equipment. It includes features like an automatic switching timer, allowing users to set the number of seconds before the active shooting device switches to another.
Interestingly, Canon’s own digital cameras aren’t supported yet, though the company plans to add this functionality in the future. Android is also not supported at this time.
Canon’s announcement suggests the app primarily targets YouTube and Facebook streamers. However, it can also be used with other live-streaming platforms by manually entering the platform’s streaming URL.
Competes with OBS for Mobile Streaming
Live Switcher Mobile appears to compete with desktop streaming software like OBS. Unlike OBS, which doesn’t offer an iPhone or iPad app, Canon’s app caters to creators looking to stream directly from their cameras rather than a computer.
Canon highlights its utility for gaming streamers, though users would need to stream games played on their smartphones. Its standout feature, however, is the ability to manage multiple cameras, making it ideal for streamers creating top-down content like cooking, crafting, or art tutorials.
Freemium Model and Requirements
The Live Switcher Mobile app is available for free on the App Store, but it operates on a freemium model.
- Free version: Includes watermarked footage, 720p resolution, and advertisements (though ads aren’t visible to viewers).
- Premium features ($17.99/month): Removes ads and watermarks, unlocks image overlay, picture-in-picture, resolution switching between HD and FHD, and more.
To use the app, you’ll need an iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 or newer.
A Lightweight Solution for Creators
With its portable setup and multi-camera functionality, Live Switcher Mobile is an excellent tool for creators looking to streamline their live streaming process. While its features cater mostly to specific niches like cooking or crafting, it could prove invaluable to those who want to broadcast with multiple camera angles.
