A few weeks back we were excited to hear Ustream was approved for the iTunes app store. At the time, it seemed obvious Qik would follow suite and make a move for approval. Well it’s happened; Qik (version 4.40)streaming video service has been officially approved by the app store and is now ready to download.

This smooth application lets you to stream videos right from your iPhone.  If you don’t already have a Qik account, simply create one after downloading the application and you’re ready to start shooting video in public or private mode. If you choose private you’ll control who sees the video by sending various parties a direct link from SMS or email.

Why we like Qik:

Qik was the first to bring video to the iPhone, even before Apple.  The only problem with Qik was that users needed to Jailbreak their phones to get access to the app. One major drawback of Jailbreaking is that you void your factory warranty.  Although now that Qik is officially approved, you’ll get all the benefits simply by installing the free app.

We love that Qik works on the iPhone 2g, iPhone 3g, or iPhone 3gs. We also like that once you’ve captured that perfect video, Qik makes it easy to share using sites like Facebook, Twitter & YouTube.

If you’re wondering how you could apply streaming video to your real estate business, here are a few ideas:

• Share a local home tour with your out of state buyer
• Capture important moments from your local city council meeting
• Broadcast downtown event on your blog
• Share highlights from a  convention

Cost: FREE!

On the 4^th Day of iPhone Apps,

About Ustream Live Broadcaster:

Ustream Live Broadcaster may not be the first official app providing streaming capability from your iPhone, but the features and functionality are absolutely noteworthy! You’ll need the 3G network and wifi, but both 3Gs and 3G iPhone users can download this free app (running OS 3.1 or higher). Shoot and share your live video via Ustream, Twitter, Facebook or YouTube. You could also embed a Ustream player on your blog. Viewers can interact with your live video via chat. You can even launch a yes/no poll and receive real-time results!

Now this app isn’t free of a few glitches, like the fact that you need to change your auto shut-off setting otherwise you’ll be left tapping the screen time and again for long streaming sessions. Also, I tested sharing my videos to various networks which seemed to work just fine…minus a couple that were cut off just after a few seconds. Was planning on blaming that issue on user error, but I wasn’t the only one experiencing that problem.  I am happy to note that I haven’t had any recent streaming problems and still think this app rocks!

Why we like Ustream Live Broadcaster:

To start, 3G users who don’t normally have the option to shoot video (like their 3Gs cohorts), will be able to with the Ustream Live Broadcaster app.  Most importantly, this app turns your iPhone into a mobile TV studio, making it easy to share video from important events, like a fundraiser or even an open house. Even remote showings for relocation clients are a possibility with this little freebie! In fact, shooting and sharing video is so simple that I’m sure we’ll be seeing more and more “on the fly” videos from our friends Michael McClure and Ian Watt!

Cost: FREE

Utilities

Want the taskbar to extend across all screens? Want to display different wallpapers on each monitor or one large image across both screens? These and other features may require additional software. Here are a few utilities to get more control over your multiple monitor system.

UltraMon ($39.95)

Complete dual monitor utility that I currently use. The most feature rich of the dual monitor control programs. Features include:

• Wallpaper support
• Extension of the task bar to all monitors
• Additional buttons and menu choices for moving, throwing and sizing windows
• Shortcuts to open programs in specific locations
• Highly customizable

MultiMon (Free or $28 for Pro)
Dual monitor utility with 2 levels of functionality. A free version extends the taskbar across all monitors, adds a move to window button and a few other features. The pro version includes more customization and window management capabilities.

Display Fusion (Free)
Dual screen wallpaper utility with Flickr integration.

Wallpapers

The right image can really make your dual monitor system pop. These have to be very large and panoramic photos. Not really something that you will find in your My Pictures folder.

Here are some wonderful resources for stunning images that fit perfectly on a dual monitor computer.

• Hongkiat
• BestSitesList
• Dual-Display
• Dual Monitor Backgrounds
• Screen Treats

Custom Stands

The real downside of a dual monitor system is the added desk space taken up. Solve this problem with a multi-monitor stand. Available in configurations holding 2 or more monitors, these space saving devices can mount to a wall, furniture or simply stand on your desktop. ErgoTron and Planar are leading manufacturers of multiple monitor stands.

Is it really that simple?
That’s the idea. Streamline the process; work with the best freelancers in the industry and provide high-quality video content. That’s the idea from founders David Mason and Adam Solesby.

David explained that StudioNow has created a robust tracking and communication tool. Think UPS tracking but for the video upload, creation, production and distribution. Have a question about where your project is in the process…just login and view.

Don’t fumble at the goal line.
Once you have your completed video project, your work has just begun.  The obvious next step is to make sure the video gets viewed by the right audience. StudioNow can automatically push your videos to Google, YouTube, Yahoo!, AOL, MSN, MySpace and many more based on your requirements. DVD’s can also be delivered.

Animoto has become famous for its upbeat party-style slideshows that feel like a celebration. This effect is caused by a combination of hip production effects and stylish copyright free music integrated with your still photos.  I guess it could also be caused by the founder’s previous experience producing for MTV and VH1.

With production taken care of, now think of the various applications in your business! Brenda from Animoto had no trouble coming up with a few:

• make the listing(s) more appealing with stunning video tours
• easily adding powerful virtual tours to website or blog
• upload Animoto videos to YouTube for traffic generating commercials
• add to e-newsletters…go viral with featured virtual tours
• share videos via email
• highlight parks, restaurants, etc.
• carrying virtual tour(s) on iPhone
• creating high-res, virtual tour DVDs for VIP clients

So really, what’s my investment?

It’s pretty straightforward; you will need a subscription to Animoto for Business.  You can start at $99 for 3 months or $249 for the year.  If you’re reading this post before October 3^rd 2008, use coupon code: RE09tech for an additional month added to your account free.  (You should note that their terms of service states that if your commercial account expires you are no longer permitted to use your Animoto video for commercial use.)

What can I expect from the production process?

Since Animoto requires your still photos, that’s where you’ll start. Browse and upload into your new show.  Then arrange photos in the order they should appear.  Next pick music from a range of legal “commercial use” music. Then finalize the video by including title, description and cover screen photo. Animoto will take over rendering the photos and sound into a video.  With the commercial version, Animoto branding is scaled back.   The player will include a small “Powered by Animoto” logo in the bottom right corner and at the end.

What can I do with the Finished Product?
You’ll have full access to download your video (unlimited times) in MP4 and ISO formats. Your finished video can easily be added to your website or blog with supplied embed code. You can also have Animoto burn the physical DVD for $20.

Animoto - Real Estate Preview

-Related products: SpotMixer & Real Estate Shows

Animoto for Business also covered at Sellsius

(1) Ian Watt The original “Car Blogger”…aka “Clogger”. The most enthusiastic daily blogger who reaches out via video from his car and more!  He is your local Vancouver real estate expert!

(2) Kelley Koehler First off, Kelley is my middle name. Did your parents also name you after the Kelley Blue Book? (That’s what mine told me.) Anyway, superb patience with mobile technology at its finest!

(3) Keith Cuddleback & Tilton Quan An inside look at the real life of real CyberAgents.  They  “GET” mobile….and they are! These Docusign Dudes are all about convenience for everyone!

(4) Matt Rains Am I the only one who hears a slight resemblance to Matthew McConaughey? We could listen to Matt talk about Adobe Cold Fusion or anything else all day….and we did!

(5) Geordie Romer A quiet enticement of technology that takes us right back to the basics of high-speed Internet!

(6) Ted Mackel Ted feeds you the basics of how RSS can help your real estate business and some ways it’s already impacted his own! Oh, and video drives this man crazy…in a good way!

(7) Sheldon JohnsonAn evolutionary tale of real estate technology taking you from stone to his tablet PC!

(8) Adam Golden Have you heard of the “Ground & Pound? I know, it kind of scared me at first. But then I realized this man loves shoes as much as I do….so he can’t be bad.

(9) Robert Ashbey aka”Captain Mortgage” If Reggie gave me a dollar for every time I called him Captain Morgan, I’d be buying that new Marc Jacobs purse at Nordstrom right now.  Robert truly gives new meaning to the term “mobile agent”.

(10)Mike Lefebvre Mike obviously knows how to use video professionally and appropriately in his real estate business…while also being creative and LYAO funny. That is truly an achievement!

(11)Mike Mueller The dude seriously lays down the video schooling every newbie RE video enthusiast needs to hear! Mike’s a pro already…no doubt about that!

(12)Doug Buenz Like’s technology….A LOT! But knows what’s really important when it comes to his real estate business….making time for clients!

Here are some reactions from Lani to each of our contestants. No vote revealed…but listen closely, I think you can tell who her favorite is….or not!

Results will be revealed tomorrow! So, stay tuned!

Okay, so you may have noticed we have taken a fancy to podcasting here over the last few months.  It’s been a great exploration of social media….learning how to best create and share our podcasts.  I could also compare my experience to that of a horror flick, as recording and listening to my own voice pretty much scares everyone out of the office. I started out as a perfectionist, trying to bleep out and edit all my verbal mistakes. Poor Reggie would listen from a far as a barrage of four letter words would radiate from my mouth with each tongue twister I encountered. I quickly learned to “get over” the mishaps and just let the words flow. Besides, everyone makes mistakes and it’s just more natural and easier to listen to.

So, now that I’ve been podcasting for awhile, the next scary medium that requires my attention….is video. Duh! I’ve been afraid to touch vlogging in the past for many of the same reasons that others have been avoiding the camera:  (1) it takes too much time, (2) not sure about the right equipment, (3) what content is best to share, and (4) I will look and sound like a jackass…or to quote one of my favorite comedic geniuses, Adam Sandler, “They’re all gonna laugh at you!”

I finally have the perfect retort:

(1) TIME REBUTTAL: Make a commitment to once a week. Pick a spot and shoot. It can actually take a lot less time than writing a post…if you know what you’re talking about.

(2) EQUIPMENT REBUTTAL: The Flip…it’s $149 and has one red button for start and stop and plugs directly into your computer via USB drive. Video opens in a super easy format with immediate email and upload options. Oh, and no rendering time!

(3) CONTENT REBUTTALL: What makes you and your niche unique? If you are asking questions or talking about a specific topic, idea, thing, or place…chances are someone else is. So address those topics. If you’re clients have regular inquiries about your market, create a short video that can be viewed time and again. And just remember….any content that you had planned to write about can be shared via video.

(4) JACKASS REBUTTAL: Who cares?! I do, and you should too. You may not be the next Meredith or Matt from the Today Show. But you should make a concerted effort to look like your audience. If you have a rockstar audience…put on your leather pants! If your audience is strictly business, put on a suit! If your audience is comprised of neighbors in your niche, then look like you do when you meet them in public. Your branding yourself, so don’t make yourself up into something other than your normal everyday! We want to recognize you!

We’re so excited about real estate video implementation that Reggie, Chad and I would like to announce our, “Kick Off To MTO Vlogging Contest”! The goal of this contest is to foster video communication in the real estate industry, share innovative technology, and help real estate professionals over the “getting started” vlogging hurdle.

Your Task: Create a video that answers the following question: What technology product or service has made the biggest impact on your business? And why? (EX: blog, social network, mobile device, transaction management, lead generation tool, etc.) Then send us the link to your video. We will be featuring all entries on MTO. Be sure to get your video in by midnight August 31, 2008. Your video will be judged by us, as well as four celebrity expert judges (Lani Anglin-Rosales, Mike Price, Daniel Rothamel and Jeff Turner). The winner will receive:

(1) A Flip Ultra ($149 value)
(2) Obtain a Featured Video Section on the MTO Homepage for 6 months
(3) Score Custom Video Blog Integration (offered by Chad from DravenCreation Web Design)
(4) Video Broadcast Set Up and Distribution via MLBroadcast ($78 value)
(5) RealSeekr Premium Membership for 1 year ($249 value) & Logitech Quickcam for Skype ($35 value)

THE RULES:

• You must be a real estate or mortgage professional. (That means: agents, brokers, lenders, etc. NO VENDORS…we want REAL working professionals knee deep in the industry who are making a real impact with technology in their RE business and with clients.)
• Answer the question in 5 minutes or LESS.
• Be creative
• Be professional
• Be yourself
• Prove your point!
• Submit a link to your video to us by midnight August 31, 2008.

We’re looking to get cozy with you, so MTO now supports video comments.  Video is not a one way street, it’s an information super highway with shortcuts, road blocks, and occasional potty break….so please, don’t make me do all the talking. Jump in and go for a ride with me!