Beam Interactive

Website

mixer.com

Categories

#Video Streaming #Facebook #Games #Live Streaming

Mixer by Microsoft

Website

blog.mixer.com

Categories

#Video Streaming #Live Streaming #Facebook #Games

Beam Interactive features and specs

• Low Latency Streaming
  Beam Interactive offered a low latency streaming experience, which enabled near real-time interaction between streamers and viewers, enhancing interactive content opportunities.
• Interactive Features
  The platform provided unique interactive features that allowed viewers to participate directly in the streaming experience, such as voting or triggering events, making streams more engaging.
• Integration with Xbox
  Due to its integration with Xbox, Beam Interactive allowed for seamless streaming capabilities for gamers, providing an easy way for console players to stream their gameplay.
• Community Engagement
  Beam Interactive fostered a strong community environment due to its interactive nature, promoting better engagement and closeness between content creators and their audiences.

Possible disadvantages of Beam Interactive

• Limited Audience Reach
  Compared to competitors like Twitch or YouTube, Beam Interactive had a smaller audience reach, which could be a disadvantage for streamers looking to grow a large viewer base.
• Platform Closure
  Beam Interactive, later branded as Mixer, was eventually shut down in 2020, which ended all services and forced streamers and viewers to transition to other platforms.
• Monetization Challenges
  Streamers on Beam Interactive faced challenges in monetizing their content compared to more established platforms which had more advanced monetization options.
• Limited Features for Non-Gaming Content
  While Beam Interactive was great for gaming content, it provided limited features and support for non-gaming streamers, restricting its appeal to other types of creators.

Mixer by Microsoft features and specs

• Low Latency Streaming
  Mixer offers faster-than-light (FTL) streaming protocol, which results in minimal delay, making it highly interactive for streamers and viewers.
• Interactive Features
  Mixer allows for interactive features where viewers can directly influence the gameplay or streaming environment through live actions, enhancing engagement.
• Co-streaming
  The platform supports co-streaming, allowing up to four streamers to combine their streams into a single viewer experience.
• Integration with Xbox
  Mixer is directly integrated into Xbox consoles, making it easier for console gamers to stream without additional software.
• Monetization Options
  Streamers on Mixer can benefit from various monetization methods like subscriptions and Embers, providing potential revenue streams.

Possible disadvantages of Mixer by Microsoft

• Limited Audience Reach
  Compared to Twitch and YouTube, Mixer had a smaller audience, which could limit exposure and growth for streamers.
• Lack of Features
  Some users felt that Mixer lacked certain features and tools that were available on other streaming platforms, affecting user experience.
• Shutdown
  Mixer was shut down in July 2020, with Microsoft's decision to partner with Facebook Gaming instead, which makes it unavailable for new users.
• Content Discovery
  Users reported difficulties in discovering new content or streamers compared to other platforms with more developed discovery systems.
• Less Developed Community
  Due to its smaller user base, Mixer did not have as developed or diverse a community as its competitors, leading to less networking opportunities for streamers.