August 2018 Summaries

Live streaming and live broadcasting are often used interchangeably but they have significant differences. The main distinction lies in the way users experience and engage with the content. While live streaming is a passive viewing experience, similar to watching live television programming or streaming pre-recorded videos, live broadcasting involves active engagement between the broadcaster and the audience. Additionally, live broadcasting platforms often incentivize user participation through mechanisms like virtual gifts, trivia games, and discounts on products. As these two forms of live video continue to grow in popularity, it's important for consumers and the entertainment community to recognize their differences.

The #RTCHack2018 world tour concluded with over 50 hacks submitted and developed within 30 hours across seven cities. Three teams will showcase their projects at the RTC Conference in Beijing on September 7th and 8th. These include Team unSting, who created a platform for disaster relief using live video footage from drones; Team ARdvark, who made an app connecting people with subject matter experts through augmented reality markers; and Team Primary Medicine, who developed a telemedicine platform allowing hospitals to connect with patients via video call. Other innovative projects included social debate platforms, IoT solutions for virtual house tours, real-time captioning and translation services, and group video calling apps balancing users' preferences.

Incorporating live broadcasting capabilities into an app requires careful selection of a vendor for the necessary SDK and API, with five key features to consider: latency, pricing, network robustness, interconnectivity support, and customization. Latency is critical for real-time communication, with Agora offering industry-leading low latency of 76ms through efficient routing. Pricing should be scalable and transparent, with Agora providing 10,000 free minutes per month for developers. A solid network is essential, and Agora's SD-RTN™ offers a strong global infrastructure, ensuring low latency and high availability, along with HIPAA compliance and 256-bit encryption. Interconnectivity across devices is vital, and Agora's SDK supports a wide range of iOS and Android devices, enhancing flexibility. Customization is crucial for tailoring applications to business needs, with Agora's APIs allowing for extensive personalization. Comprehensive documentation and community support, such as on Stack Overflow, are available to assist developers.

Live streaming videos have become an effective tool for businesses to communicate transparently with their audiences. To use live streams effectively, it is crucial to share the right content that aligns with your brand identity and offers value to viewers. Consistency in broadcasting is also important to build engagement and stronger relationships with followers. Additionally, being open and encouraging audience participation can help break down communication barriers and foster trust between businesses and their customers.

The rise of live streaming has brought about unique ethical challenges for social media platforms and businesses utilizing this technology. Companies must establish guidelines, curate content carefully, and obtain permission from all parties involved in a live broadcast to ensure safety and privacy. By taking these steps, businesses can avoid any ethical grey areas in live broadcasting while contributing positively to the community.