HTC Re camera gets live streaming smarts

HTC’s periscope-shaped Re camera has been given some new smarts in the shape of the ability to live stream to YouTube.

Thanks to an update to the Re’s Android app landing tomorrow, January 9th (iOS users having to wait until some time in the first quarter), HTC’s rather odd-looking action camera will be gaining a new ability in allowing users to share their precious memories and moments as they happen with anyone in the world.

By anyone, I mean those who will be tuning in to your performance on YouTube. Of course, you’ll be able share links to private or public streams via your social networks, texts and emails too.

By itself, the HTC RE is already a versatile and handy piece of mobile photography equipment, able to shoot stills and record videos and store them even locally in a microSD card. But an action camera like this is meant for action and there is really no better way to convey the spirit of the moment than through live streaming.

Unfortunately this doesn’t mean that the Re can be used as a remote camera as it needs to be connected to a smartphone to transmit the footage, but it certainly does give the device a real advantage in the casual end of the action camera market.

Saying that though, it still has one up on the likes of the GoPro. Granted, it can live stream but it has to be done via a third-party site via an iOS-only app – keeping in mind that only the more expensive, more recent cameras even have Wi-Fi connectivity.

If HTC has been clever with this new feature and made it easy to use then it may be enough for people to be attracted to this hardy, portable camera and look beyond its unusual design.