Bad iPad 3G Video Is Apple's Fault

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AT&T may be throwing the blame for the iPad 3G’s streaming video problems back to Apple, but Apple is actually trying to just protect AT&T on this one. The guys at appadvice found that there is a requirement in Apple’s licensing agreement that forces apps with streaming video to cut back when the network is bad.

To quote the exact clause, from Apple:

iPhone and iPad apps that send large amounts of audio or video data over cellular networks are required to use HTTP Live Streaming. [...]

You must include a low quality stream of no more than 64 Kbps for your app to resort to when network conditions demand it, along with the higher quality streams you want to deliver to your customers when the network can support it.

This is why folks after having issues with the YouTube app. Some are saying that the Netflix app is low-res on 3G, while others are saying that it isn’t. As for ABC, their video app will suggest you connect to WiFi when you’re on 3G and try to streaming some videos. Somebody who talked with blog TechCrunch said this had to do with certain TV rights and ABC couldn’t broadcast their content across 3G.

Either that was wrong, or fixed, because Silicon Alley Insider is reporting that ABC has just submitted a second iPad app that will now stream their video over 3G. Engadget reached out to ABC, who declined to comment on the matter.

It’s a bit strange that AT&T wouldn’t take the blame for this. This clause was definitely designed to protect them.