Abstract: Computing devices may implement dynamic transitions from video messages to video communications. Video communication data for a video message may be received at a recipient device. The video communication data may be displayed as it is received, and recorded for subsequent playback. An indication of a selection to establish a video communication with the sender of the video message may be received, or an indication that display of the video communication is to be ceased may be received. If a video communication is to be established, then a video communication connection with the sender of the video message may be created so that subsequent video communication data may be sent via the established connection.

Abstract: Computing devices may implement instant video communication connections for video communications. Connection information for mobile computing devices may be maintained. A request to initiate an instant video communication may be received, and if authorized, the connection information for the particular recipient mobile computing device may be accessed. Video communication data may then be sent to the recipient mobile computing device according to the connection information so that the video communication data may be displayed at the recipient device as it is received. New connection information for different mobile computing devices may be added, or updates to existing connection information may also be performed. Connection information for some mobile computing devices may be removed.

Abstract: Computing devices may implement dynamic display of video communication data. Video communication data for a video communication may be received at a computing device where another application is currently displaying image data on an electronic display. A display location may be determined for the video communication data according to display attributes that are configured by the other application at runtime. Once determined, the video communication data may then be displayed in the determined location. In some embodiments, the video communication data may be integrated with other data displayed on the electronic display for the other application.

Abstract: A unified message delivery between multiple devices is disclosed. Sending messages through a local communications link, such as but not limited to at least one of a Bluetooth connection and a peer-to-peer WiFi connection, can lead to faster transmission times and reduced server load. When the local communications link is unavailable or not suitable, the messages can be sent through a network and a push server. In some examples, messages can be sent through both the local communications link and through the network and the push server. Duplicates of a received message can be avoided by utilizing indicators. In some examples, one or more devices can include queue(s) to ensure ordered delivery of a plurality of messages when a local communications link and network connection become unavailable.

Abstract: Performing a real-time application on a mobile device, involving communication of audio/video packets with a remote device. The mobile device may initially communicate the audio/video packets on a first communication channel with the remote device. During the real-time communication, the mobile device may determine if no packets have been received by the mobile device from the remote device for a first threshold period of time. If no packets have been received by the mobile device from the remote device for the first threshold period of time, the mobile device may establish a second communication channel for transmission of the audio/video packets with the remote device. In response to using the second communication channel, the mobile device may modify a resolution or bit rate of the audio/video packets transmitted to the remote device.