The Azure Communication Services Calling SDK for Windows is now generally available! You can use this SDK to natively create rich audio and video experiences in Windows for your customers, tailored to your specific needs and preferences. With the Calling SDK for Windows, you can implement real-time communication features such as voice and video calls, Microsoft Teams meeting integration, screen sharing, and raw media access. You can use this SDK to boost your application’s collaboration and optimize the communication between you and your users.
Bring calling into your app
Calling is an essential feature for apps that enable communication, collaboration, education, entertainment, or productivity. Enhance your user experiences or increase engagement on desktop PCs, Xbox, mixed-reality headsets, IoT devices, and more by adding calling capabilities to your native applications that run on Microsoft Windows. Calling enables a seamless and convenient way for your users to connect with each other, without switching to another app or device. This can improve user satisfaction, retention, and reduce the friction and complexity of using multiple platforms or tools.
You can take advantage of Raw Media by using it to create high-quality visuals and audio for your projects. Raw Media is a type of media file that has not been processed or edited. It is usually in its original form and can be used for a variety of purposes, such as manipulating the video stream to add blur background during the call, or audio stream, adding extra preprocessing as you wish. Raw Media can be used to create stunning visuals and audio that can be used to create engaging experiences for users. If you want to learn more about this topic, visit the Raw MediaQuickStart.
Sharing your screen during a call is a great way to collaborate with others. Screen share allows you to share documents, presentations, and other materials quickly and easily. It also allows you to show the other person what you are working on in real-time, which can be helpful for problem-solving and brainstorming. Additionally, it can help to keep everyone on the same page, as you can all view the same information at the same time.
If you want to learn more about the features of Calling SDK, feel free to visit the official MS Learn web site for Calling SDK capabilities.
Windows Calling development
Azure Communication Services Calling SDK for Windows enables the development for UWP (Universal Windows Platform) and WinUI3. This allows developers to choose the library that best fits their needs. These APIs and tools are compatible with C++ Win32 and C# .NET applications and can be used on a wide range of Windows operating systems. Check out the documentation to learn more about WinUI3 and UWP.
If you are unsure which library to use, we encourage you to visit the official guide to decide which fits your app.
Calling over HoloLens 2
HoloLens 2 enables professionals to communicate and collaborate in mixed reality, enhancing their productivity and creativity. For instance, Abys Medical is utilizing Calling SDK for Windows over HoloLens to revolutionize surgery by providing clinicians with surgical assistance and planning in the operating room. They created the Surgiverse platform, which combines the latest advances in multiplayer gaming and 3D, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing with Azure Communication Services and mixed reality with Hololens2, to create powerful digital solutions for surgeons worldwide. It is a highly secure workspace, accessible anywhere, anytime, that allows a surgeon to
- gather in one place all relevant information for a surgery, including 3D models of the patient.
- view, control and complement the information at his / her fingertips, even in the operating room, with a head mounted display.
- collaborate in real time with fellow surgeons and experts before and during surgery.
If you want to learn more about the integration of Callings SDK for Windows, we encourage you to visit the Mixed Reality Blog which talks about this amazing collaboration.
Jump into the code
We invite you to review the Calling SDK for Windows QuickStart and explore the possibilities of creating a Windows call experience; you can quickly get started with the latest technologies and tools. You can also sample the code and customize it to your needs to create applications that allow users to make calls from any device, anywhere in the world. This is a useful tool for developers to create innovative applications that can enhance the way people communicate. And, of course, you can integrate the application over other platforms like Web, iOS, and Android.
If you have any suggestions or questions on this or other features from Azure Communication Services, please leave a comment at the end of the blog. Or, you can use the official GitHub channel to stay up to date on the latest releases.
