Application programming interfaces (APIs) are essential to modern life in ways we could have never imagined. APIs are basically user interfaces built for specific users, often for internal use. For example, a large company might utilize an API for its customers, allowing them to complete actions without leaving the website. Many people have probably used an API and not even known it.

With APIs permeating modern technology, we’ve probably used the following APIs at some point. These are the ones we can’t live without:

Voice

Image via Flickr by collencavendish

A voice API is a tool that can make and receive calls. With voice APIs, software developers can implement voice calling into their software applications without needing a dedicated telecommunications platform or specialized hardware.

Voice API allows developers to extend call logic across every device, over any network, and to any user. This technology gives developers more control over calls, since APIs can be utilized for various reasons, including app-to-phone calling, basic phone calling, conference calling, transcription, Interactive Voice Response (IVR), call tracking, and call recording.

The Agora Software Development Kit (SDK) is one example of voice API. From documentation to integration, Agora voice API is straightforward and built on simplicity. Merely adding a few lines of code gives users endless communication possibilities. With the right voice API, users enjoy interconnectivity between native and mobile web apps, which gives them the flexibility they need when building their product.

Best of all, Agora’s API supports more than 5,000 devices, including all iOS phones and tablets, as well as thousands of Android devices. Thanks to our stereo audio capability, the audio quality is four times better than a desk phone and boasts echo cancellation and ambient noise reduction.

Video 

As global companies work together across time zones, multiparty video calling has become a must-have tool for modern businesses. The video API is a type of scalable web service that can enhance viewer experiences across multiple devices, facilitate immediate playback, and encode information on the go.

Using a video API, users can integrate a video stream for their service or application quickly and easily by adding a few lines of code. The result is video that is optimized to stream on any screen using the best possible quality. Just imagine what users can do with 4K broadcast streams on any network.

Agora offers full customization for API video, allowing users to take control of everything from stream size to layout. Our API service supports real-time video communications at 720P HD resolution and optimizes the user’s experience with high-quality H.264 video encoding.

With a programmable video API, users can add video to their web and mobile apps using these platforms:

Agora’s full customization options include encryption, filters, makeup, facial recognition, face swap, and translation. Thanks to API technology, video calling has never been more convenient.

Mobile Gaming 

Real-time video and voice is important for today’s gamers. The right API provides seamless integration with optimal voice quality, unlimited participants, low power consumption, and an ultra-wideband voice.

Gaming APIs make it possible for gamers to chat in real-time, including one-on-one and one-to-many capabilities. With an API like Agora, users can even reduce mobile device battery drain to maximize a user’s play time.

Interactive Video Live Streaming

Live streaming APIs allow users to create, manage, and update live events across social media platforms and apps. Essentially, live streaming is a broadcast that allows users to watch it as the event happens. Viewers can also record and save the live-stream video, so they can watch an event they missed after the fact.

Many software developers like to implement cue points in their live broadcasts. A cue point is simply an ad break one can insert into a live streaming event. Users can use cue points to advertise their product or service.

Live streaming and interactive broadcasting APIs are used for a variety of industries and events, including:

  • Sports
  • Gaming events
  • Talk shows
  • Rap battles
  • Runway shows
  • Concerts
  • Online auctions
  • Community meetups
  • Online classrooms
  • Remote team training
  • Tourism management
  • Financial meetings.

The possibilities are endless with live-stream APIs. Agora’s Interactive Broadcasting supports multiple active hosts during a broadcast to a large audience over a virtual network. Agora’s API offers real-time network monitoring, minimum global latency, automatic transcoding, recording capability, third-party integration support, and the ability to switch between the host and audience members, allowing anyone to become an active speaker. Users can even record broadcasts to the cloud or for on-premises storage.

APIs have changed the way the world communicates. To stay up-to-date on the latest communication technologies, users can feel secure knowing Agora is ready to enhance their patrons’ experiences.

By Eddy

Eddy is the editorial columnist in Business Fundas, and oversees partner relationships. He posts articles of partners on various topics related to strategy, marketing, supply chain, technology management, social media, e-business, finance, economics and operations management. The articles posted are copyrighted under a Creative Commons unported license 4.0. To contact him, please direct your emails to [email protected].