Audio/Video Calls

Libervia provides the capability for one-to-one audio and video calls. This section will guide you on how to use this feature effectively.

Accessing the Call Feature

  1. Navigate to the main menu.

  2. Select the “Calls” option.

Initiating a Call

Upon entering the “Calls” page:

  1. An interface will display a search box at the top and a list of your contacts below.

  2. Above the list of contacts, you’ll see two icons: one depicting a camera for video calls and another with a phone for audio calls.

  3. To start a call:

    1. Enter a full JID into the search box, then click on the desired icon for either video call or audio call.

    2. To initiate a video call directly, click anywhere on a contact item. For more options:

      • Hover over a contact item to reveal a three-dot menu icon on desktops. This icon is always visible on touch devices.

      • Clicking on the three-dot menu displays a dropdown, allowing you to select between “video call” and “audio call.”

Note: The search box functions as expected – inputting a portion of a contact’s name or the group they belong to will filter the displayed contacts.

Receiving a Call

Currently, you must be on the “Calls” page to receive an incoming call. This limitation will be addressed in future updates.

Upon receiving a call:

  1. An audible ring will sound.

  2. A dialog box will appear, prompting you to either Answer or Reject the incoming call.

  3. If you choose to answer and it’s a video call, the call interface will display both the caller’s video feed and your video in the bottom right corner. For audio-only calls, no video feeds will be shown.

During a Call

The call interface offers the following features:

  1. Fullscreen Mode: The top right button allows you to expand the video feeds to cover the entire screen.

  2. Mute Options: Two buttons at the bottom of the interface enable you to mute your audio or video.

    • Muted audio: The audio icon will turn yellow with a red strike-through, indicating that your audio is off and the other party cannot hear you.

    • Muted video: The video icon will turn yellow with a red strike-through, signaling that your video is off and the other party cannot see you.

  3. Screen Sharing (Desktop Only): Next to the mute buttons is a desktop icon. By default, it is green and crossed out, indicating no screen sharing.

    • Click the icon to share your desktop or a specific window. The browser will prompt you to choose what you want to share.

    • Once sharing, the icon turns red and the cross disappears, replacing the camera stream with your desktop or selected window.

    • Click the icon again or use the browser dialog to stop sharing and revert to the camera stream.

  4. End Call: Click the “Hang Up” button to conclude the call.

Note: The screen sharing feature is available only on desktop versions of browsers that support the functionality.

Security Considerations for Calls and Screen Sharing

When using Libervia’s call feature, it’s essential to consider certain privacy aspects:

1. Sharing Your “Online Presence” and Address:

Making or receiving a call not only shares your device’s unique online address (similar to a unique phone number) but also informs others that you’re currently online. This means people can see when you’re active, much like noticing you’re home when the lights are on.

2. Privacy Implications:

This information is standard when chatting with trusted contacts. However, with unfamiliar individuals, it might slightly reveal your activity pattern and general location.

3. Safety Recommendations:

  • Be Selective: Only initiate or accept calls from people you trust.

  • Network Usage: While the call feature is designed for use anywhere, including public networks like in restaurants or hotels, be mindful that unfamiliar networks might be less secure.

  • Stay Informed: If you have questions or concerns, you can join our community chat room for guidance. Visit Libervia’s Chat Room.

4. Screen Sharing Implications:

Sharing your desktop or a specific window offers another layer of accessibility to the person on the other side of the call. This means they can see everything displayed on the chosen screen, including personal files, notifications, and other sensitive information that might be accidentally displayed.

5. Safety Recommendations for Screen Sharing:

  • Review Before Sharing: Before starting a screen sharing session, close any unrelated applications or windows. Ensure no sensitive information, like passwords, private messages, or confidential documents, is visible.

  • Stay Aware: During a screen sharing session, remember that everything on your screen is visible to the other party. Avoid accessing personal files or confidential information.

  • Use With Trusted Contacts: As with audio and video calls, only use the screen sharing feature with individuals or groups you trust.

  • Understand Browser Permissions: The browser will typically ask you which screen, application, or window you’d like to share. Ensure you’re only sharing what’s intended. If in doubt, choose to share a specific application or window rather than the entire screen.

Always prioritize your privacy and be aware of the information you share while using the call feature.