Video Constraints API to Control Call Quality
Azure Communication Services has unveiled a new capability for developers to control video quality during calls. Previously, video quality dynamically changed based on the device or network quality. With the Video Constraints API, developers can set constraints on the video resolution to ensure that a call is optimized for (1) user device and/or (2) network conditions. Examples of constraints include setting the max video resolution. For device optimization, if a user is using an older device with limited processing power for example, developers can set constraints on the video resolution to ensure that the video call runs smoothly on that device. For network optimization, there may be cases where pushing the highest video quality isn't a top priority and developers may want to limit the video bandwidth usage in the application to allow for processing of other capabilities. Learn how to implement call constraints in this documentation: Azure Communication Services Video constraints - An Azure Communication Services concept document | Microsoft LearnSimulcast to improve Call Quality for Group Calling
In group calls with three or more users, Simulcast helps to preserve call quality and bandwidth in situations where one user with poor network conditions acts as the lowest common denominator and degrades the video experience for all users. Simulcast is a technique by which a video feed is encoded with different qualities and sent to a selective forwarding unit (SFU). The SFU decides and sends the video feed with the optimal quality to each user based on the receiving user’s respective network. Lower resolution/bitrate content can be sent to the receiver on poor network and higher resolution/bitrate content can be sent to receivers on good network, thereby minimizing the impact of the lowest common denominator. One common use case that demonstrates the benefits of Simulcast is a receiver on a large screen (e.g. desktop) in a call with another receiver on a small screen (e.g. mobile) will not be affected by the quality of the smaller view. Simulcast will send a higher resolution to the desktop receiver and a smaller resolution to the mobile receiver. Learn more: Azure Communication Services Simulcast - An Azure Communication Services concept document | Microsoft LearnRaw Media Access (Audio and Video) is available in Public Preview
Public preview of audio media access is now complemented by the availability of video media access in public preview. Developers can now access the full raw media stream for incoming and outgoing audio and video media content during a call. The video media access API provides support for developers to get real-time access to video streams to capture, analyze, and process video content during active calls. Developers can access the incoming call video stream directly on the call object and send custom outgoing video stream during the call. This sets the foreground services to support a variety of video and audio manipulation. Outgoing video access can be captured and implemented with screen sharing, background blur, and video filters before being published to the recipient, allowing viewers to build privacy into their calling experience. In more complex scenarios, video access can be fitted with a virtual environment to support augmented reality. Spatial audio can be injected into remote incoming audio to add music to enhance a waiting room lobby. In one example, like a contact center scenario, these streams can be used to run custom AI models for analysis such as your homegrown natural language processing (NLP) for conversation analysis or provide real-time insights and suggestions to boost agent productivity. In virtual appointments, media streams can be used to analyze sentiment when providing virtual care for patients or provide remote assistance during video calls leveraging Mixed Reality capabilities. This also opens a path for developers to leverage newer innovations with endless possibilities to enhance interaction experiences. Learn more in the Raw media access Overview and QuickStart guide.Firefox and Edge Browser Support for JS Calling SDK
Azure Communication Services is committed to enabling communications on any device and on any platform. The JavaScript Calling SDK has now expanded to include support for VoIP and Video calls using Firefox on Desktop browser in public preview. In addition, it now supports Edge browser on Mac platform in General Availability. Please see the full list of supported browsers by platform in the table below here.New Call Readiness Tools to Improve the User Experience
Help new customers using virtual communication experiences for the first time manage issues related to devices, connectivity, and permissions. Access Call Volume Level: Developers may want the ability to check and display to end users the current microphone volume. Learn more in our QuickStart guide. Detect Multiple Tabs Using Azure Communication Services SDK in a Browser: Azure Communication Services has launched the ability for developers to detect if multiple calls are running simultaneously across multiple browser tabs. Learn more in our overview. See more feature updates in our latest blog posts: Azure Communication Services Calling Features Update - Microsoft Community Hub Azure Communication Services February 2023 Feature Updates - Microsoft Community Hub
