Twitch CEO/Founder Emmett Shear, and Twitch Director of Programming Marcus “djWHEAT” Graham, have announced at their keynote presentation, that numerous improvements that will be coming to the streaming platform. The announced improvements are:
● Video Uploads: For the first time, broadcasters will be able to use a simple web interface to upload their videos to Twitch without having to stream them live first. Coming in early 2016.
● HTML5 Video Player: While some broadcasters currently have access to the new player with HTML controls, Twitch will be rolling out a full HTML5 player. Coming in early 2016.
● Customizable Thumbnails: Twitch is enabling customizable thumbnails for broadcasters to use with past broadcasts and highlights. This will ensure broadcasters have full control over how they present their content.
● Whispers Update: Twitch’s real-time messaging functionality is being separated from the main flow of chat to make whisper messages easier to follow and respond to. Whispers’ history is also persistent so users can return to their whispers conversation any time–even as they move from one channel to another. Whispers will also be available on mobile, so messages started on the web can continue when users are on the go. Coming in October.
● 24/7 Playlists: Broadcasters will be able to create a playlist of their best pre-recorded content with a simple drag-and-drop interface. They can use archived live broadcasts or highlights, and easily reorder and remove videos as well. Upon activation,the video will start streaming it to the broadcaster’s channel. Coming in Fall 2015.
The keynote presentation also had numerous announcements related to its industry partners, including:
● PlayStation App: When PlayStation®4 (PS4™) launched in 2013, it offered the ability to easily live broadcast PS4 gameplay sessions using the SHARE button on the DualShock®4 wireless controller and view live PS4 gameplay sessions via Live from PlayStation®. Today it was announced that a dedicated Twitch app will be available on multiple PlayStation platforms in the Americas starting with PS4 next month and followed by PlayStation®3, PlayStation®Vita and PlayStation®TV. The app will make it even easier to watch game streams and to follow favorite broadcasters on PS4.
● Gameshow: Gameshow is cross-platform, livestreaming production software that lets broadcasters easily set up and produce the highest quality streams, with beautiful graphic templates designed for specific games, unlimited shots, dynamic editing, live switching, green screen technology, and built-in interactive widgets. With Gameshow, broadcasters can simplify the process of creating a consistent, branded game stream, which helps them build their community, build their brand and make their streams worth watching.
For more information on TwitchCon, check out the official Twitter feed here, as well as the official event page here.
