May 2021 Summaries

In this tutorial, we learn how to add in-call statistics to a React Native quick-start app using the Agora SDK. The aim is to monitor and improve user experience by accessing and displaying metrics such as local video, remote videos, bandwidth, and CPU usage. We update the state with three objects (remoteStats, rtcStats, and localStats) to store different types of statistics. Event listeners are added to access and store the stats in our state. A toggle button is created to hide or unhide the stats. Finally, we display these stats in the UI using conditional rendering based on a Boolean showStats value. This tutorial provides an effective way to enhance user experience by monitoring and reacting to changes in in-call statistics.

In this tutorial, we will create a basic audio call application using Agora and SwiftUI. The main difference from the UIKit tutorial provided by Agora is that we need to work with UIViewControllerRepresentable in order to interface the UIKit-based UIViewController with SwiftUI. We will cover project setup, installation of Agora Voice SDK, initialization of AgoraRtcEngineKit, joining and leaving a channel, creating homepage and call view, connecting SwiftUI and UIKit, adding coordinator, muting input audio, and testing calls. The code used in this tutorial is available on Github.

This tutorial guides developers through building their own video chat application with cloud recording functionality using the Agora SDK. The process involves setting up an AWS account, creating an S3 bucket for storing video recordings, and configuring a server in GoLang. Additionally, an Android client is built on the basic video chat project, incorporating functions to get RTC tokens, start and stop recording sessions, and update corresponding states. The resulting application allows users to securely join video calls and record them, with recordings stored in the S3 bucket.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, distance learning became necessary but resulted in many students struggling academically. In California school districts, there was a rise in failing grades and disengaged students due to remote learning being delivered ad-hoc rather than intentionally designed for online environments. To improve student engagement and outcomes, educators can utilize project-based learning, formative assessments, and video assignments. EdTech companies should also consider upgrading their virtual learning platforms with features that support real-time collaboration and interaction.

Agora has released Voice and Video SDK v3.4.0 for major mobile and desktop platforms, introducing new features such as a virtual metronome, control over audio effect files, degradation preference settings, audio mixing improvements, and an updated audio recording configuration. These enhancements aim to improve the user experience in online music teaching, karaoke, and other real-time communication applications. The full release notes for each platform can be found on Agora's website, with the latest SDK available for download.

Real-time engagement (RTE) technology has been instrumental in connecting people globally, especially during the pandemic when traditional in-person events have had to adapt to virtual formats. TVU Networks, a leader in cloud and IP-based live video solutions, partnered with Agora to enhance two major awards shows of 2021—the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony and Critics Choice Awards—by integrating RTE into their broadcasting platform. The hybrid virtual events were successful, boasting high viewership rates and increased nominee participation. As vaccines roll out and the world inches closer to a return to normalcy, Agora is optimistic about the continued use of RTE in creating engaging, accessible, and inclusive hybrid broadcasts for future events.

In this tutorial, we learn how to build an audio chat room application using SwiftUI and Agora SDKs. The app allows users to join a live audio channel with their unique usernames and displays the list of other members in the channel. We create a simple UI with three basic elements: text input for channel name, text input for username, and a Join Channel button. We then set up an observable object class (AgoraObservable) to handle the RTM delegate callbacks and everything else related to connecting to Agora. The app also includes methods for joining the audio and messaging channels, sharing usernames with other members, receiving incoming user data, and displaying a list of usernames in SwiftUI. Finally, we test the application by exploring the project in the repository provided.

Real-time engagement (RTE) is revolutionizing business interactions by moving beyond standard video meetings to foster natural collaboration. RTE enhances productivity, employee engagement, and inclusivity through shared context, scalable human-to-human connection, and ubiquity across all types of devices. Innovative companies are using the powerful combination of RTE and AR to enable remote consultation with experts in various industries, while large-scale virtual events can become more engaging and interactive. The possibilities for real-time engagement continue to expand as any connected device can be used in RTE, allowing businesses to take advantage of this technology to increase productivity, engagement, and accessibility.

Virtual reality (VR) has seen a surge in popularity, and developers are working on creating engaging content for users. One challenge faced by VR developers is making VR more inclusive and allowing non-VR participants to join the experience. This guide explores building a VR application that allows live streaming of a user's VR perspective while also enabling non-VR users to stream themselves into the virtual environment using their web browser. The project utilizes Unity Editor, HTC Vive Focus Plus, and Agora Video for Unity SDK. The guide covers setting up the project, creating the scene, and testing video streaming between VR and non-VR users.

Agora UIKit for Android simplifies the process of setting up a streaming application by allowing developers to create an application as easily as placing a view in their app's layout. The module includes features such as automatic layout of all video streams, displaying active speakers, and buttons for disabling camera or microphone. Customization options include positioning elements, changing colors, selecting button sets, adjusting video settings, and more. Developers can also add custom buttons to the enabledButtons set and use AgoraSingleVideoView to place and organize video views independently.

Agora UIKit for React Native enables developers to create cross-platform applications for Android and iOS with just 10 lines of code, allowing customization of the entire user experience. The setup involves installing Node.js LTS release, an iOS or Android device for testing, and a high level understanding of React Native development. The UIKit includes features such as automatic layout of video streams, active speaker detection, and live streaming mode with audience role option. Customizations can be made using RtcProps, StyleProps, and other properties.

This tutorial guides developers through building their own video chat application with cloud recording functionality using the Agora SDK. The process involves setting up an environment, creating a server in GoLang, and developing a client Flutter application. The tutorial provides detailed instructions on how to configure the Agora account, AWS S3 bucket, and Heroku back end. It also explains how to use the Agora Flutter SDK for secure authentication and recording controls. By following this guide, developers can create their own video chat applications with cloud recording capabilities.