MetaDesign Solutions
MetaDesign SolutionsBuilding a video chat application capable of supporting multiple users engaging in live discussion, for a US business
Overview
Metadesign Solutions (MDS) successfully created a platform for topic-based Video Discussions for this emerging business. The platform we built was for podcasters. Users may host their interactive live podcasting shows.
about the client
Established in 2017, our client brings innovation to the world of podcasting and debates with their idea of live topic-based video discussions via an app or browser.
The service allows users to have discussions in groups of upto 4 people that share common interests, often with different viewpoints, providing an engaging and rewarding experience over web and mobile. It also helps users in growing their communities and help them in making new connections via interactive video conversations.
Industry Domain
Technology and Media
Service Category (Service-line)
Digital Platform/Product Engineering (Video Chat/Conferencing) Services
Technologies Used
MongoDB, Node
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Angular
Android
iOS
Challenges
Ensuring security and overall stability, reliability and performance.
Building a highly reliable and consistent service for podcasting and interactive video.
Videos were recorded using a custom HLS streaming service and were of a lower quality than that was required in the case of a 4-user combined stream scenario. The MDS team resolved the issue successfully by building sockets to hold connections and sustain them.
Low bandwidth connections in discussions with 4 users generated an issue where users would unexpectedly drop out of rooms. MDS created a bespoke module which successfully resolved the issue.
Solution Scope and Services
The service was required to be completely functional even on devices connected to poor quality networks with a large user base being able to enjoy seamless video discussions and with an even larger set of users having the ability to watch discussions in progress as well.
Keeping the client’s directives in mind, MetaDesign designed the application to be lightweight yet feature-rich and intuitive for a user to onboard and interact with the service.
Services delivered by us included –
Web FE (frontend) Development
MDS developed an intuitive and lightweight web platform from which users taking full advantage of Angular 4 to create a robust and fluid front-end experience on both desktop and mobile web browsers. The front-end was linked seamlessly to Opentok, which controls audio and video streaming. Firebase was utilized to push notifications and real-time data transfers.
Mobile Development
To ensure the clients’ requirements for an easily accessible Video Discussion Platform were met, the application required a two-pronged approach for the mobile segment.
Mobile apps were created for Android and iOS platforms utilizing Native Android app Development and Native iOS
app development which ensured a seamless, robust and user-friendly experience.
This was augmented with a powerful and mobile-friendly website which could allow users to drop into video
discussions without downloading the app, which further removed barriers to entry.
Backend Development
To ensure that the service which is a traffic and bandwidth-heavy video platform ran smoothly even under stress, we developed a robust backend framework which could effortlessly support high volumes of VoIP communication. utilizing NodeJS, Express, and MongoDB. Firebase was used to optimize data transfer. This combination of technologies was stress-tested to ensure a robust and scalable backend which would effortlessly support the service.
Results
Metadesign Solutions team successfully delivered to scope of the video based digital product here, in a collaborative product engineering model, in an agile approach working iteratively to overcome all developmental hurdles along the way and delivering a feature and function rich, responsive and user-friendly communication platform for our customer.
The platform provides an extensive reach making it quick and easy to join in discussions and spread one’s views or view discussions in progress and gain an insight into what people are thinking about globally. To enable such a solution to continually operate and deliver to users, we are the ongoing partner to enable continuous digital product development and support services.
The service is a well accepted video-podcast service and has been in use for a few years now. It is currently undergoing a new version upgrade and platform enhancement to meet a new set of scope areas and domains.