I’m relatively pissed that TechCrunch got an exclusive scoop (and yes, it was exclusive) on the upcoming Ustream application for the iPhone, all things considered. Still, I’m happy to say that pretty soon you’ll be able to watch me – and any other person who uses Ustream – on your iPhone or iPod Touch. The app is very much real.

Why would you want to watch? Think about it this way: it’s much more interactive than traditional television.

And why would you want to stream your own live video feed for the world to see?

Maybe it’s just two people who are interested, but point a camera out your window – or at your dog’s bed – or to anything that you care to share. This also makes for a great pseudo-security camera! Now that the viewer app is coming to the iPhone… you’d be crazy not to dive into the world of live video (if only for your own, private reasons).

Live Internet video streams aren’t going to disappear – and they certainly just got a whole lot more interesting. At least, for people like me (and the people who like to watch the back of my head).

The app is still a bit rough around the edges, but rest assured that Ustream will listen to you if you offer suggestions for improvement. They’ve always listened to their community, and it’s one of the reasons I accepted a position on their advisory board long ago.

And yes, the best is yet to come:

Watch Me Live on Your iPhone

With a great amount of encouragement (not only from her own community, but from me as well), I think Ponzi is finally going to give YouTube a go. She’s set up her own channel and has uploaded her first video – taken on her own Flip camcorder a few weeks ago. The clip is hilarious. Scroll down for the embed, or start by reading my top ten list of live webcam uses:

1. Point it over your shoulder for a “rear view” mirror
2. Use it to keep an eye on your child / husband
3. Security (either when you’re at home or away)
4. Point it at your mailbox to know when the day’s delivery is done
5. Capture personal bloopers and disgusting habits
6. Keep an eye on the stove, but not necessarily to watch pots
7. Watch television / listen to radio from another room
8. Remote aquarium enjoyment
9. Front door monitor to avoid magazine salespeople
10. Watch for interesting-looking clouds

Ten Reasons to Have a Live Video Stream