When it comes to innovative technologies and forward thinking strategies, few companies have it refined like Google. The company continues to stay on the forefront of a number of technology innovations, although it still seems to struggle with social media domination. To that end, the embrace of WebRTC and the ability to streamline real-time communications may be just what this giant needs.
Keeping the browser modern and in high demand is a key focus for Google since the launch of Chrome in 2008. The integration of WebRTC takes it to the next level, allowing peer-to-peer connectivity, communication and seamless interaction. Users can launch WebRTC and leverage audio or video conferencing without downloading software or installing a plugin.
A post on Teledini includes a music video that demonstrates the interactive capabilities of WebRTC and why user demand is strong and growing. The video, Just a Reflektor, is explained on Arcade Fire’s official site. In it, two devices are used to tell the story simultaneously. A young woman in Haiti travels between her world and our own through the interaction between a computer and a smartphone/tablet.
By watching, the user can interact with a virtual projection on the computer screen by holding the mobile device in front of the computer’s webcam. The user can then control many of the visual effects throughout the interactive experience. The various effects used in the video are broken down on a separate page, enabling the user to explore and adjust a number of different visual settings. The film and the technology are both open source, allowing the user to download and create at will.
This whole new experience focuses on two significant technologies: WebGL and WebRTC. The former addresses the GPU rendering and 3D graphics. The latter relies on getUserMedia to handle the webcam capturing. WebAudio is used for fine-grained audio processing and WebSockets delivers real-time communication. Developers have access to the entire list of technologies and source code to build more apps with this technology.
Just a Reflektor demonstrates the depth and breadth of opportunities available with WebRTC and collaborative technologies. Users may see it as an exploration into new tools for creativity, while the enterprise can leverage a new way to interact with the customer base. While the full range of opportunities available has yet to be discovered or explored, this project demonstrates the tip of the iceberg in terms of real-time collaborative innovation.
Edited by
Rachel Ramsey
