Periscope App

Periscope

Periscope: Apps are an integral part of owning most mobile phones and tablets today. Most prominent social networking websites have a corresponding app. Apps make life easier, and make the transition from the internet to your smartphone simple. The following short article reviews a popular app: Periscope.

Periscope is an app that is compatible with both Apple and Android devices. The app allows you to share live streaming video and connect with others. For example, you can send hearts if you like someone’s broadcast. The more hearts you get, the higher they float on your screen. The maximum hearts you may send is 500, but users can log out and log back in to send more hearts. The maximum number of users that can be followed is 8,000.

The app was developed by Kayvon Beykpour and Joe Bernstein. The company they founded was sold to Twitter before the app was even launched. The proceeds from the deed vary according to the sources cited. Some say it was over $50 million, while others say that it was between $75 and $100 million. Still, others claim that the sale generated much less profit.

The idea of the app rests on the fascinating ability to stream videos live. Live television allows for a better and more up-to-date information about events, places, and people. However, the app has had some issues, for example, the streaming of copyrighted material, such as the premiere of the fifth season of Games of Thrones. Periscope’s TOS (terms of service) stipulate that it is forbidden to stream copyrighted material, but they have been accused of not taking it seriously enough. Apparently, tougher policies and better tools are needed to counter the problem.

Despite Periscope’s popularity, customer reviews vary. Some people remain fascinated by the app, while others deplore how unsafe it is and the lack of a “report abuse” button. Other problems cited are that the app glitches and crashes at times. However, many celebrities use Periscope to broadcast events they are a part of, which is interesting to watch. So, the ultimate decision rests with potential users whether they want to download the app or not.

Periscope of a submarine.  Illustration: Megan Jorgensen