Studio Mode in Google Hangouts On Air

Studio-quality "Hangouts On Air" from Google+

Last Spring, Google extended the Google+ Hangouts On Air feature to all users.  As with a traditional Hangout, the moderator and up to 9 guests can collaborate in real time sharing audio and video.  On Air allows Hangouts to broadcast live to an unlimited number of viewers – and automatatically upload completed Hangouts to the moderator's YouTube channel.

Last week, Google began to roll out another feature called Studio Mode. This mode is positioned for bands and musicians to stream (and subsequently post to YouTube) live Hangouts On Air with a higher quality audio track.

As the feature rolls out to all accounts, it affords the Higher Education community an opportunity to rethink live streaming with (moderately) high quality audio.

While a guest lecture or remarks by the Dean may not benefit from the update, our institutions' a capella and other performing groups may find Studio Mode streaming an effective way to engage remote audiences.

And the price is definitely Higher-Ed friendly!