YouTube Connect rumor: live video for all

YouTube offers live video through Creator Studio, but it is a limited service very few have access to. Not to mention it is a project that hasn’t quite taken off; it is nowhere close to competitors like Periscope, Facebook Live or Meerkat. It’s time for Google to up its game and the latest rumors suggest they have already started working on a true competitor.

A new report from VentureBeat cites “a source close to the matter”, who states the Search Giant is working on a new live streaming app called YouTube Connect.

According to this insider, YouTube Connect will have much of the functionality we find in services like Periscope and Facebook Live. The murmurs say anyone will be able to simply log into the app using a Google or YouTube account, then simply start streaming away using a smartphone.

There is said to be a feed featuring videos from friends and YouTube subscriptions. In addition, it will incorporate tagging and chatting.

And it seems this is truly for everyone. Users will be able to view from the app (which will come to both Android and iOS), as well as the web. Furthermore, there is rumored to be an option to save broadcasts, allowing your followers to view the clips after the fact.

In all honesty, it is hard to comprehend why YouTube didn’t jump on live video in a grand scale before. This site is, after all, the king of video streaming. The live aspect is only a natural progression, as was 360-degree compatibility.

There are no rumors on a specific launch window, but keep in mind Google IO is coming in May. Seems like a good time for a launch, right?