Abstract: A plurality of device-sharing participants may be detected that are participating in a videoconference via a shared computing device. The detecting of the plurality of device-sharing participants may be performed based, at least in part, on at least one of an audio analysis of captured audio from one or more microphones or a video analysis of captured video from one or more cameras. A plurality of participant connections corresponding to the plurality of device-sharing participants may be joined to the videoconference. Each of the plurality of participant connections may be identified within the videoconference using a respective name. A plurality of video streams and a plurality of audio streams corresponding to the plurality of participant connections may be transmitted, and the plurality of video streams and the plurality of audio streams may be presented to at least one other conference participant.

Abstract: A videoconference among a plurality of participants may be hosted, wherein the plurality of participants comprise Internet Protocol (IP)-connected participants and a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)-connected participant. The IP-connected participants may send and receive audio content and video content of the videoconference via IP-based connections. The PSTN-connected participant may send and receive the audio content of the videoconference via a PSTN connection. Additional content from the videoconference may also be transmitted to the PSTN-connected participant, for example as text messages via the PSTN connection. The additional content may include, for example, images of a videoconference screen share, chat posts, polls, and the like. Images may be transmitted in the additional content based on video status change events, such as switching slides or pages in a screen share.

Abstract: Implementations for selecting hosting server(s) in a particular availability zone for a network service involving a plurality of participants is described. A request for a network service involving a plurality of nodes is received from a computing device associated with an organizer. Geographic locations of the plurality of nodes involved in the network service, the type of the network service, performance of a plurality of servers, and operational constraints of the plurality of servers are evaluated. At least two of the plurality of servers are located in different geographical locations. One or more of the plurality of servers to host the network service are selected based on the evaluation.

Abstract: This disclosure describes selecting the best hosting server(s) in a particular geographical location for the majority of participants in an interactive electronic activity. A request for an electronic interactive activity involving a plurality of nodes is received. At least one factor related to a plurality of potential servers is evaluated with respect to the plurality of nodes, where at least two of the plurality of potential servers are located in different geographical locations. Based at least in part on evaluating the factors, one or more of the potential servers is selected to host the electronic interactive activity, where the one or more of the potential servers selected are located in the same geographical location.

Abstract: This disclosure describes selecting the best hosting server(s) in a particular geographical location for the majority of participants in an interactive electronic activity. A request for an electronic interactive activity involving a plurality of nodes is received. At least one factor related to a plurality of potential servers is evaluated with respect to the plurality of nodes, where at least two of the plurality of potential servers are located in different geographical locations. Based at least in part on evaluating the factors, one or more of the potential servers is selected to host the electronic interactive activity, where the one or more of the potential servers selected are located in the same geographical location.

Abstract: Implementations for combining at least two video streams received from devices of a plurality of participants of a video conference into a composite video stream are described. A video conference including the video streams received from the devices of the plurality of participants is established. A capability associated with consuming at least two of the video streams is received from at least one of the devices. The at least two video streams are then combined into a composite video stream based on the capability associated with consuming the at least two video streams. The composite video stream is transmitted to the at least one of the devices.

Abstract: Implementations for selecting processing settings based on a device characteristic are described. A content signal, such as an audio signal or a video signal, is received. A characteristic of an input device and/or an output device is then determined and one or more processing settings for processing the content signal are determined based on the characteristic of the input device and/or the output device. The content signal is then processed based on the one or more settings and the processed content signal is sent for output. Feedback regarding the quality of the processed content signal is received. If the quality of the processed content signal is unacceptable, then one or more of the signal processing settings can be changed by deactivating a setting or changing a parameter of a setting.

Abstract: Implementations for combining a plurality of content based on instructions for a layout of a video conference are described. A video conference is established between a plurality of devices of participants of the video conference. First content is received from a device of the plurality of devices in the established video conference. Second content is also received. Instructions for a layout of the first content and the second content during the video conference is received. Based on the instructions for the layout, the first content and the second content are combined into a composite video stream. The composite video stream is saved or transmitted.

Abstract: Within environments, such as audio-video environments, users may synchronize output of multiple media source(s). To synchronize the output of the media source(s), users may define setting(s) associated with outputting the media source(s) at one or more devices. For example, the user may delay or accelerate the output of audio and/or video sources. Interfaces presented on one or more of the devices may allow the user to change the settings. For environments including multiple users, each user may define setting(s) associated with each user to synchronize output of their associated media source(s). Recommendations may be provided to users, that when implemented, attempt to synchronize the media sources.