WebRTC Interface
For some Working Group sessions, we'll make available an experimental WebRTC interface.
This interface (which we designed with Docebo) basically does what our Web Client already provides: it wraps the Jabber room, lets you follow the slides being projected, and shows you an audio/video feed from the room. The difference is that audio and video are made available exclusively by means of WebRTC, and that you can speak from the comfort of your couch if you want!
Both Chrome and Firefox are supported, with the only difference that, as of now, Firefox users will only be able to get the audio feed, while Chrome users get both (sorry, working on that!). For audio, a patched version of Asterisk we prepared will take care of 48kHz audio mixing, while for video the open source MCU Licode is used to switch sources instead.
The screenshot that follows gives you a feel of how the interface is organized. On the left an accordion menu displays the Jabber room participants and the public chat. On the right end, instead, the currently active video feeds are displayed: you'll be there as well, which doesn't mean other people can see you already though (more on that later), but only that the browser got access to your webcam and is doing a preview. In the middle you'll get the current slides.
Of course you're free to participate in the Jabber room, as if you were using a regular Jabber client or our Web Client. Just use the Send Message to Chatroom text box below the public chat and say whatever comes to your mind (well, maybe NOT everything that comes to your mind!)
Have something you want to say instead? Just raise your hand! In the upper left part of the screen you'll see a few icons right where your display name is. Everything related to the media feeds is moderated, and the "hand" icon allows you to request the permission to speak. You might also want to state your willingless to actively participate on the Jabber room to make your intention clearer and draw our attention. As soon as you'll be allowed to speak, an audio announcement will tell you so ("You're now unmuted") and your voice will be heard in the room!
IMPORTANT: to avoid disrupting the session flow with unwanted echo or noises, if you're going to be a remote speaker PLEASE choose a quiet room and wear a headset!
As soon as you're done, hit the Stop sign that will be in place of the Hand one, and you'll release the floor for other speakers.
Well, that's all I guess... almost at least! See those two icons in the upper right part of the screen? The allow you to switch in between modes, that is, between slides+feeds or a mosaic of the active video sources only.
Enjoy, and let us know what you think about it!