Samsung is taking on Meerkat and Periscope with its own app

Hoping to mimic the success of apps like Meerkat and Periscope, Samsung has a new live streaming app that will allow users to broadcast their videos from their smartphone directly to YouTube. It looks like an interesting feature, my only complaints would be that there won’t be any way to post comments and it’s going to be exclusive to the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, not to mention the unappealing name: Live Broadcast.

During today’s unveiling for the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+, Samsung revealed an interesting, potentially powerful new feature for video makers. Both phones will tout a feature called Live Broadcast, which will allow users broadcast a live video stream from their phones directly to YouTube. Live Broadcast appears to be Samsung’s play against popular live streaming apps like Periscope and Meerkat. The feature is built directly into the native camera app, and it allows you to schedule schedule streams or push them live immediately. Stream are up to 1080p resolution at 60fps. It should be noted, though, that there’s no social integration within the camera app, so you can’t see comments. Also, older phones like the Sony Xperia series from years past have touted a similar feature. Still, Live Broadcast could be a game changer, as it could make the feature a must-have for manufacturers going forward.