Twitter's Live Streaming App Periscope Comes to Android
Twitter has launched its live streaming app, Periscope on Android devices earlier this week, allowing users to record broadcasts using their handheld devices.
After its debut two months ago, the Twitter-owned live streaming app, Periscope is now on Android, after the social networking service introduced the video streaming application to smartphones and tablets running Android OS.
Periscope took off 10 days into its initial launch in March 26, reaching a total of 1 million users, particularly among media personalities and celebrities. It also found popularity in pay-per-view piracy and citizen journalism.
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Earlier this month, Meerkat became available for download on Google Play after moving out of beta, prompting Twitter to follow with a Periscope version for Android.
Available in Google Play, Periscope allows users to broadcast live streams from their Android devices, allowing other users to tune in and watch to those broadcasts.
Users with devices running Android 4.4 KitKat can download the live streaming app which immediately opens to a list of broadcasts from people users are currently following.
Previously, Periscope was available only on iOS devices. The launch of the video streaming application on Android has wrought a few changes according to the principle of Google's Material Design, as well as the addition of some features specific to Android.
Twitter acquired Periscope in March 2015 for $100 million, and launched the app after its competition, South by Southwest's Meerkat made its debut.
The app made the news in April after it was discovered users were using it to live broadcast HBO's "Game of Thrones" Season 5 premiere to their followers, causing Twitter to announce they were banning users misappropriating the live streaming app for video piracy.
The same issue was highlighted during Floyd Mayweather, Jr and Manny Pacquiao's pay-per-view fight in May 2. Periscope also made the news when CNN correspondent Max Foster pioneered its use to cover the birth of Britain's Princess Charlotte of Cambridge also on the same day.
