Implement Audio-Visual Calls and Screen Sharing in Channels with PeerJS

Overview

We propose to implement audio-visual calls and screen sharing within our platform's channels using the WebRTC technology facilitated by the PeerJS client/server framework. This feature will enable users to conduct live audio and video communications and share their screens directly within specific channels. Additionally, each call will automatically create an associated thread that will serve as the chat for ongoing discussions during the call.

Current Implementation

Channels: Currently, channels are primarily used for text-based communications.
Integration: The platform lacks integrated solutions for live audio-visual interactions and screen sharing among users.

Proposed Implementation

WebRTC and PeerJS Integration

PeerJS Setup: Utilize PeerJS, which simplifies the WebRTC implementation for reliable, scalable, and easy-to-use peer-to-peer connections.
- Establish a PeerJS server to handle user connections and media streams.
- Integrate PeerJS clients into the platform's frontend to initiate and manage calls.

Audio-Visual Calls

User Interface: Design and implement a user-friendly interface within channels for initiating and managing audio-visual calls.
- Include controls for microphone, camera toggle, and volume adjustments.
- Provide visual indicators for call status, such as active participant thumbnails or a list view.

Screen Sharing

Functionality: Implement screen sharing capabilities that allow users to share their entire screen or select specific applications or tabs.
- Ensure that screen sharing is secure and only visible to participants within the call.

Thread Creation for Calls

Automated Thread Creation: Automatically create a dedicated thread linked to each channel's call.
- Use this thread for text-based communication related to the call, such as sharing links, files, or quick messages.
- Ensure that all call-related messages and media are archived in this thread for future reference.

Goals

Enhanced Communication: Enable rich, real-time communication within channels, enhancing collaboration and engagement.
Increased Productivity: Streamline communication processes by integrating voice, video, and screen sharing directly into the user's current workflow.
Improved Usability: Provide an intuitive interface for managing calls and sharing content, reducing the learning curve for new users.

Additional Considerations

Scalability: Ensure the system can handle multiple simultaneous calls without degradation in quality.
Privacy and Security: Implement robust security measures to protect the privacy of communications and shared content.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Guarantee that the audio-visual call and screen sharing features work seamlessly across different devices and platforms.

Next Steps

Conduct a feasibility study to explore the technical requirements and potential challenges of integrating WebRTC with PeerJS.
Design the user interface for the call and screen sharing features.
Develop the backend infrastructure to support live audio-visual streaming and screen sharing.
Implement the automated thread creation linked to calls for ongoing chat functionality.
Test the new features extensively to ensure stability and usability before rolling out to users.

This feature will significantly enhance the platform's capabilities, making it a more comprehensive tool for digital collaboration.

Follow-Up: Suggesting Automatic Call Recording and Multi-Speaker Transcription

Automatic Call Recording

To enhance the utility of audio-visual calls implemented via PeerJS and WebRTC, I propose we add an automatic call recording feature. This would allow users to record their calls and screen sharing sessions directly within the platform, offering the following benefits:

Review and Compliance: Users can review past meetings for compliance or recall important discussions and decisions.
Accessibility: Recordings can be made available for team members who were unable to attend the live session, ensuring everyone stays informed.
Archival: Automatically store recordings in the associated call thread, allowing easy access and organization.

Implementation Considerations

Consent: Ensure that all participants are notified of and consent to recording at the start of the call.
Storage and Retrieval: Integrate recording storage with existing data management systems to ensure secure and efficient storage and retrieval.

Multi-Speaker Transcription

Additionally, implementing a multi-speaker transcription feature would greatly enhance the comprehensibility and navigability of recorded sessions. This feature would automatically transcribe audio into text, distinguishing between different speakers, and offer these advantages:

Documentation: Provides a written record of conversations, making it easier to search for specific topics or statements.
Usability: Enhance user engagement by allowing participants to follow along with a live transcript during the call.
Analysis: Transcripts can be used for further analysis and insights, especially in training and development scenarios.

Implementation Considerations

Accuracy: Leverage advanced speech recognition technology to ensure high accuracy in transcription, even in noisy environments or with multiple overlapping speakers.
Speaker Identification: Develop algorithms capable of identifying and distinguishing between different speakers to accurately attribute dialogue in the transcript.
Integration: Seamlessly integrate the transcription feature with the call recording, allowing users to view the transcript synchronized with the audio and video playback.

These enhancements would substantially augment the functionality of our platform's communication features, making it a more comprehensive tool for collaboration and documentation. We should consider these features as part of the initial development phase to streamline integration and provide a full suite of services from the outset.

Follow-Up: Integration of AI Personas in Calls

AI Persona Participation

To further enhance the utility and innovation of our audio-visual calls feature, I propose we integrate AI personas that can be invited to and actively participate in calls. These personas, such as "Harmony", could assist users during their meetings by performing tasks such as real-time research or media generation.

Use Case Example

Imagine a scenario where Tom and Ennio are discussing an art project. During their conversation, they could directly interact with Harmony by using a wake word, prompting her to perform tasks like:

Searching the Web: Harmony could look up information relevant to the discussion, providing data and examples in real time.
Generating Media: Harmony could create and display visual media to convey project ideas or inspirations, directly within the call interface.

Implementation Considerations

Wake Words: AI personas should listen to the ongoing conversation transcript for specific wake words or commands to activate and respond appropriately.
Capabilities: Each persona should have defined capabilities, such as web searching, image generation, or summarizing discussion points, enhancing the call's productivity and creativity.
Privacy and Consent: Implement necessary protocols to ensure that all participants in the call are aware of and consent to the presence and participation of AI personas, maintaining transparency and trust.

Benefits

Enhanced Collaboration: AI personas can provide immediate assistance during discussions, fetching information or creating content on demand, which can significantly streamline the collaborative process.
Interactive Experience: The inclusion of responsive AI within calls can make meetings more interactive and engaging, potentially increasing user satisfaction and platform utility.

Next Steps

Develop a prototype of an AI persona with basic capabilities like web searching and responding to simple queries.
Integrate this prototype in a controlled call environment to assess functionality and user interaction.
Collect feedback from initial tests to refine AI behavior and expand its capabilities.

Integrating AI personas into our calls could transform how users interact and collaborate within our platform, making it a more dynamic and resourceful environment for communication and creativity.

Nuvotion-Visuals / Harmony3