PodX Review: Onchain Video Conferencing Platform That Allows You Tip In Crypto

The pandemic changed everything. With remote work on the rise, virtual conferencing has become the new norm. 

Just look at Zoom - it's now worth $26.12 billion. That's an $8 billion jump from last year, showing how fast the video conferencing industry is growing. However, existing video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Meet still leave much to be desired.

For example, Zoom's constant struggles with privacy and data issues have left users craving a more secure and private alternative that gives them full control over their data. 

Moreover, traditional video conferencing platforms lack a seamless way to reward creators for their content in real time. PodX solves this.

PodX is an on-chain platform that enables secure audio and video meetings, podcasts, and live streams, with participants able to receive tips in crypto. With PodX, you can tip your favorite podcasters or live streamers directly in cryptocurrency or receive tips from your boss for a job well done.

Built on the Base blockchain, PodX leverages Stream video SDK for seamless real-time communication. With Web3 authentication from Privy, connecting your wallet and receiving tips is effortless. 

PodX has also gained recognition as Microsoft's Startups Founders Hub member.

Pricing:

PodX is free to use.

Compatibility:

This platform works on both phones and desktops. It's also compatible with Web3-friendly browsers like Brave.

To sign up for Podx.fun, visit their website and choose from two registration options: email or wallet. I recommend using the wallet option for a smoother experience.

Wallet Options: 

Available wallet options include:

• Metamask

• Rainbow Wallet

• Coinbase Smart Wallet

• Wallet Connect

Email Registration Issues: 

When I attempted to register using my email, I received the verification email quickly. However, I encountered repeated authentication errors during login attempts. If you choose to register via email, be prepared for potential login issues.

Setup Time:

Overall, it took me approximately 7 minutes to complete the setup process and get to this screen and start a session.

After creating a session, I could easily share the link or code, both worked well.

PodX launches you into a familiar meeting environment, with most controls being at the bottom of the screen. The audio and video were okay.  

I tried it out with a friend, and we could share the entire screen, tab and window, just like in Google Meet. As the host, I could mute his video and audio but couldn't turn them back on. Everything else worked fine.

1. Blocked users could no longer join the meeting. I blocked my friend, and he could not join even after multiple attempts.

2. Audio sessions remain audio, no video. It works excellent for audio-only meetings or events.

3. Only people with the link could join, enhancing security.

1. I just finished the demo session and couldn't see anything in my session history. 

Solution: 

Fix the issue and relocate the session history to a more prominent location, such as below 'Scheduled Sessions.' 

2. Tipping doesn't work. For a feature central to PodX's concept, I was disappointed that tipping didn't work. It kept taking me to a blank screen.

Solution: Streamline the tipping feature by integrating it as a dropdown option on the same page, eliminating the need for a separate page.

3. No way to contact support.

Solution: The bottom panel should have a button to report an issue to help with any problems that might arise during a session.

4. Despite enabling my camera and microphone before joining, they remained mute when I joined.

Solution: Ensure the audio and video settings persist when enabled so they remain on throughout the session.

5.  When logging in again, my display name reverted to 'guest-0xf5c57c,' even though I changed it to 'fructoseofweb3' earlier.

Solution: Implement a feature to store a user's display name persistently so it's retained across sessions and doesn't require manual editing each time.

6. When logging in, authentication takes about a minute, which could be much faster.

Solution: Optimize the authentication process to reduce the login time to 5-10 seconds, enabling users to join meetings more quickly.

7. The picture-in-picture feature needs improvement. When I attempted to enable picture-in-picture for my video, my feed became inverted and displayed a black screen.

Solution:  I recommend checking and updating the video rendering code to ensure correct handling of video feeds when switching to picture-in-picture mode. Additionally, consider adding error handling to prevent screen inversion and black screens.

1. Calendar notifications: Integrate scheduled meetings with the calendar or provide alternative notification options to remind users of upcoming meetings.

2. Recording feature: Implement a call recording feature, allowing hosts to capture meetings for documentation purposes. This would also benefit podcasters and audio creators who need to reuse or share recorded sessions.

3. Educational features: I would love to see a whiteboard or tool to help users who would love to use PodX for educational sessions.

4. Audio output options: Support for multiple audio output options to accommodate users with different audio hardware configurations.

PodX is a user-friendly video conferencing platform that makes it easy for everyone to have audio and video events onchain and securely. I like its simple interface and the fact that participants can receive crypto tips. With some bug fixes, I think PodX could become a popular choice for Web2 and Web3 users.

Try out PodX and let me know what you think.

P.S Hey, I'm Gloria, a Web3 Content Writer and Researcher. If you like this review, please consider leaving feedback and connecting with me on LinkedIn. Thanks!