Orb to Apple: Live TV is better, so we brought it to iPhone
Criticizing Apple for capping the iPhone’s potential, Orb Networks released an application enabling users to stream Live TV and other video formats to the iPhone or iPod Touch from any PC.
It’s called Orb Live, and during the announcement Joe Costello, CEO of Orb Networks, wasn’t shy in criticizing Apple for preventing the iPhone from doing this or something similar out-of-the-box.
"Steve Jobs may think that buying shows from iTunes is the same as watching TV, but iPhone users know better. When the NBA playoffs are on, you want to see the game, live, wherever you are. Free."
We’ll admit: there are many instances when live, free TV can’t beat the downloaded alternative, and it would be really, really nice to watch it on-the-go. Then again, that’s what bars are for, right?
Anyway, Costello wasn’t done with his open and direct criticism of Apple’s practices. Despite the iPhone’s cutting-edge technology, there are still some things much less expensive phones can do that Apple’s mobile can’t.
"Although the iPhone provides users with a great way to experience the web, it offers a ridiculously sub-par streaming video experience. When all the carriers’ free phones can stream lots of things that my iPhone can’t, something’s seriously wrong. OrbLive finally brings the iPhone’s streaming video experience up to par with other mobile phones."
He’s obviously pushing his product, but he has every right. His program fills a hole Apple won’t.
Check out the program’s site to learn how to install Orb Live, which requires a PC and a jailbroken iPhone or iPod Touch. If you’re still curious, there’s a YouTube video that demonstrates the software.
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