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Qik

Definition

Qik is a mobile live video streaming service that was acquired by Skype. It allows users to capture and share videos in real time using their smartphones. Qik can also be used for video conferencing, making it useful for both personal and professional communication.

Phonetic

The phonetics of the keyword Qik is “kwik”.

Key Takeaways

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  1. Qik is a mobile-based live video-sharing website and two-way video conferencing application for smartphones.
  2. The application offers seamless integration with popular social media platforms, allowing users to share live videos directly from their mobile devices.
  3. In January 2011, Qik was acquired by Skype, which significantly enhanced its usability and the range of its services.

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Importance

Qik is a significant term in technology because it refers to a mobile live video streaming service that was once very popular. This application, developed by Qik, Inc., allowed users to stream video live from their mobile phones to the internet. Qik was paramount in ushering the era of live video content on social media platforms, normalizing and popularizing the concept of real-time video sharing. Its influence led to the development and improvement of many similar services after it. Ultimately, Qik was acquired by Skype, further highlighting its importance and impact within the social and digital communication sphere.

Explanation

Qik is a versatile mobile-based application that revolutionized the way people share videos by providing live-streaming services via mobile devices. It’s primary purpose is to create real-time connections among consumers, enhancing communication by enabling users to share significant moments as they occur. This app allows you to broadcast live videos to the world and share them on different social networking sites. You can also send video messages to friends and family privately. Traditionally, users had to record a video, save it, and then upload it to a platform for sharing. Qik simplified this process by introducing live video streaming, eliminating the uploading and saving steps. This technology has facilitated instantaneous and interactive communication, resulting in more engaging and dynamic content. Whether it’s streaming a live event, sharing a baby’s first steps in real-time, or quickly sending a video message, Qik has fundamentally reshaped the way we use videos for communication.

Examples

1. Video Calling: Qik is a mobile video sharing and video mail service that was especially popular for its ability to allow users to instantly record and upload videos. So, an example would be a business professional utilizing Qik to conduct a live video conference call with coworkers or clients.2. Video Streaming: Qik has also been used by many for live video streaming. A well-known instance went viral when a journalist stuck in Egypt during the Arab Spring was able to use Qik to stream the events live on his blog. This displayed the useful technology Qik provided for live reporting and citizen journalism.3. Personal Use/Entertainment: On a more personal level, individuals can use Qik to share live moments with their families and friends from any part of the world. An example would be a person travelling abroad using Qik to record and immediately share their travels with friends back home.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Q: What is Qik?A: Qik is a mobile live video streaming and two-way video conferencing application that allows users to stream live videos directly from their phones to the internet.Q: Who developed Qik?A: Qik was developed by a private software company named Qik Inc., which was started in 2006.Q: What platforms does Qik support?A: Qik supports a range of platforms including iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile, and Symbian.Q: What are some of the key features of Qik?A: Qik provides various key features such as live streaming, real-time sharing to social media platforms, two-way video calling, and video mail.Q: Can videos on Qik be shared with social media platforms?A: Yes, Qik provides the option to instantly share videos on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.Q: Is there a cost associated with using Qik?A: There are both free and premium versions of Qik. While the free version offers basic features, the premium version provides additional features such as unlimited video storage and priority customer support. Q: How is Qik different from other streaming services?A: Unlike traditional live streaming services, Qik focuses on mobile video content. It allows users to capture, share, store, and broadcast videos right from their smartphone.Q: Can I save my videos using Qik and watch them later?A: Yes, Qik provides a video storage feature which allows users to save their live streams and watch them later.Q: How can I use Qik for two-way video calling?A: To use Qik for two-way video calling, both parties must have the Qik application installed in their phones. Users can then invite each other for a video call.Q: Is Qik still operational?A: No, Qik was bought by Skype in 2011, and the service was fully shut down in April 2014.

Related Tech Terms

  • Video Streaming
  • Mobile Application
  • Live Broadcasting
  • Skype
  • Video Messaging

Sources for More Information

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