Simple Video Call App

Features

• One-click video calling
• Works on old Android browsers (6+ years old)
• No registration or login required
• Simple link sharing
• Full-screen video with picture-in-picture
• Confirmation before ending call

Quick Setup

Option 1: Use the Test Firebase (Immediate Testing)

The app is pre-configured with a test Firebase project. You can use it immediately for testing:

1. Open index.html in a web browser
2. Click "Start New Call"
3. Share the generated link
4. Both parties join using the link

Note: For production use, create your own Firebase project (see Option 2).

Option 2: Create Your Own Firebase (Recommended for Production)

1. Create Firebase Project (Free)

   • Go to https://console.firebase.google.com
   • Click "Create Project"
   • Name it (e.g., "mom-video-call")
   • Disable Google Analytics (not needed)
   • Click "Create Project"

2. Enable Realtime Database

   • In Firebase Console, click "Realtime Database" in left menu
   • Click "Create Database"
   • Choose "Start in test mode" (for easy setup)
   • Select your region
   • Click "Enable"

3. Get Your Config

   • Go to Project Settings (gear icon)
   • Scroll to "Your apps" section
   • Click "Web" icon (</>)
   • Register app with a nickname
   • Copy the firebaseConfig object

4. Update the App

   • Open index.html
   • Replace the firebaseConfig object with your config
   • Ensure databaseURL matches your Realtime Database URL (looks like https://<your-project>-default-rtdb.firebaseio.com)

Deployment Options

Easiest: GitHub Pages (Free)

1. Create a GitHub account
2. Create new repository
3. Upload index.html
4. Go to Settings → Pages
5. Source: Deploy from branch (main)
6. Your app will be at: https://[username].github.io/[repo-name]

Alternative: Netlify (Free)

1. Go to https://app.netlify.com
2. Drag and drop the video-call-app folder
3. Get instant URL

Alternative: Vercel (Free)

1. Go to https://vercel.com
2. Import project
3. Deploy

Usage Instructions for Your Mom

1. First Time Setup:

   • Open the link you send her
   • When prompted, tap "Allow" for camera and microphone
   • The browser should remember this choice

2. Making a Call:

   • You create a call and send her the link via WhatsApp/SMS
   • She taps the link
   • She taps the big "Join Call" button
   • Video starts automatically

3. During Call:

   • Full screen shows the other person
   • Small window shows herself
   • Red "End Call" button at bottom

4. Ending Call:

   • Tap "End Call"
   • Confirm "Yes" when asked
   • Page returns to start

Browser Compatibility

• Chrome 50+ (2016)
• Firefox 45+ (2016)
• Safari 11+ (2017)
• Chrome Android 50+ (2016)
• Samsung Internet 5+ (2016)

Troubleshooting

Camera/Mic not working:

• Check browser permissions in phone settings
• Try closing and reopening browser
• Make sure no other app is using camera

Connection issues:

• Both people need good internet (WiFi preferred)
• Try refreshing the page
• Create a new call link
• If calls don’t connect on cellular, add a TURN server (required for some networks).

TURN (recommended for reliability):

• WebRTC needs a TURN server to relay media when direct connection isn’t possible (e.g., carrier NAT, strict firewalls).
• Options: Twilio/Nexus/TykTurn or self-host coturn. Add credentials to the iceServers array in index.html.

Old Android specific:

• Use Chrome or Samsung Internet browser
• Avoid Firefox on old Android (may have issues)
• Update Chrome if possible via Play Store

Technical Notes

• Uses WebRTC for peer-to-peer video
• Firebase Realtime Database for signaling (minimal data usage)
• Free Google STUN servers for NAT traversal
• No video recording or storage
• Completely private peer-to-peer connection

Cost

• Hosting: Free (GitHub Pages/Netlify/Vercel)
• Firebase: Free tier includes:
  • 1GB storage
  • 10GB/month transfer
  • Supports thousands of calls/month
• STUN servers: Free (Google public servers)

Total monthly cost: $0