The Future of WebRTC ... According to ChatGPT – WebRTC.ventures

Like many people, I’ve been playing around with ChatGPT. I was planning to write a blog post on  “WebRTC Trends for 2023“. Although I had my thoughts on that matter ready to go (and will still post separately), I thought it would be interesting to see how many of those line up with an answer from ChatGPT.

It was an interesting exercise, and I’ve pasted the full exchange below.

For those using ChatGPT to generate blog post ideas, it’s very capable at taking a prompt like “Write me a blog post about XYZ.” But I felt compelled to look at it more like a conversation instead. After my initial question, I treated it like an interview and asked follow up questions. I also asked it to respond to a few thoughts of my own when I was not sure I agreed with its statements.

This was an interesting exercise for me in two things:

1. How much does ChatGPT “know” about WebRTC? How well can it take the vast information about WebRTC that is on the internet and synthesize it into a reasonable list of trends?
2. How well does ChatGPT work as an interview subject? If I ask follow up questions and challenge its statements, how would it respond? I was curious how much it might feel like a real conversation to me.

I’ll save my answers to those questions for a future blog post, but I’m very interested in what you think as you read my exchange with ChatGPT. If you are knowledgeable in WebRTC, what do you think of its answers? Are they correct? (Note: I have made no edits or commentary on the answers given below by ChatGPT, so reader beware.)

Even if you’re not knowledgeable in WebRTC, what do you think of ChatGPT as an interview subject? How well does it connect sequential questions together? If I put these answers through a text-to-voice algorithm, would you believe it’s a real person with any knowledge of the industry? Or is it just a very good BS essay-writer?

Read the “interview” below, and then let me know what you think!

Arin: What are the trends in WebRTC application development for 2023?

ChatGPT: WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a technology that allows for real-time communication through a web browser without the need for additional software or plugins. Some trends in WebRTC application development for 2023 include:

1. Increased use of WebRTC for video conferencing and collaboration tools, due to the ongoing shift towards remote work and the need for secure and reliable communication platforms.
2. Development of more advanced WebRTC-based applications, such as virtual and augmented reality experiences, live streaming, and interactive gaming.
3. Greater adoption of WebRTC in the enterprise sector, as companies look for ways to improve communication and collaboration among employees and customers.
4. A rise in the use of WebRTC for low-latency, high-quality communication in industries such as healthcare and finance, where real-time data is critical.
5. New developments in WebRTC security, such as end-to-end encryption and improved identity management, to ensure the safety and privacy of users.
6. Increased use of WebRTC in mobile devices, to enable real-time communication in apps and on the go.
7. Greater adoption of WebRTC in IoT (Internet of Things) devices, to enable real-time communication and control between connected devices.
8. WebRTC will continue to be a key technology for building browser-based real-time communication solutions, and it will be increasingly used as a foundation for other technologies, such as WebSockets and WebSUB.

Arin: Why do you see greater adoption of WebRTC in IoT? Is that still a hot sector, because it seems to me like there is less activity going on there recently.

ChatGPT: I see greater adoption of WebRTC in IoT because it allows for real-time communication and control between connected devices. This can be useful for a variety of applications, such as home automation, industrial automation, and remote monitoring.

WebRTC allows devices to communicate directly with each other without the need for a centralized server, which can improve reliability and reduce latency. It also has built-in security features, such as encryption and identity management, which can help protect against potential security threats.

As for the state of the IoT sector, it is still a growing field with a lot of potential for innovation. While there has been a slowdown in the investment and development in IoT in the recent years, the IoT market is expected to continue to grow, as more devices and appliances become connected to the internet and the demand for real-time communication and control increases.

For example, the adoption of IoT solutions in the industrial sector is expected to grow in the coming years, with a focus on increasing efficiency and automating processes. Additionally, the smart home market is also expected to continue growing, as more consumers adopt home automation solutions and connected devices.

In summary, while the growth of IoT may have slowed down in recent years, the IoT market is still a growing field with a lot of potential for innovation and adoption of WebRTC in IoT is one of the promising areas of development.

Arin: How much growth is expected in the IoT sector in the next 3 years?

ChatGPT: The growth of the IoT market is expected to be significant in the next 3 years. According to some estimates, the global IoT market is projected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 16.5% during the forecast period of 2020 to 2027, reaching a market size of $1.6 trillion by 2027.

Some other estimates predict that the IoT market size is expected to grow from USD 157.05 Billion in 2020 to USD 661.74 Billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 33.3% during the forecast period.

The growth in the IoT market can be attributed to several factors, such as the increasing adoption of IoT solutions in various industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and smart cities, to improve efficiency and automate processes. The growing adoption of connected devices, such as smart speakers and home automation systems, is also driving the growth of the IoT market.

Additionally, the increasing demand for real-time data and the growing need for remote monitoring and control are also driving the growth of the IoT market. The advancements in technologies such as 5G, AI, and edge computing are also expected to drive the growth of the IoT market.

It’s important to note that these are forecasted numbers and can vary depending on the source and the specific scenario of the market.

Arin: How does that compare to the growth of WebRTC during the pandemic?

ChatGPT: During the pandemic, the growth of WebRTC has been significant, as the shift towards remote work and online communication has increased the demand for real-time communication and collaboration tools. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the WebRTC market size is expected to grow from USD 1.4 billion in 2020 to USD 9.9 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 44.6% during the forecast period.

The report also highlighted the increased adoption of WebRTC in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, and retail, as well as in application areas such as video conferencing, live streaming, and interactive gaming.

The growth of WebRTC during the pandemic has been driven by the increasing demand for real-time communication and collaboration tools, as well as the need for secure and reliable communication platforms. The shift towards remote work and online learning has also led to an increase in the use of WebRTC for video conferencing and distance learning.

It’s important to note that the IoT and WebRTC markets are different, with IoT focused on connecting devices, whereas WebRTC is focused on real-time communication, but both markets have been impacted positively by the pandemic and the need for remote monitoring, control and communication.

In summary, the growth of the IoT and WebRTC markets have been significant during the pandemic, driven by the increased demand for real-time communication and control, remote monitoring, and automation.

Arin: Why do you see WebRTC being used as a foundation for WebSockets? Those seem to be complementary technologies to me, for instance, WebSockets can be used as a signaling channel for WebRTC.

ChatGPT: You’re correct that WebRTC and WebSockets are complementary technologies, and WebSockets can be used as a signaling channel for WebRTC. WebSockets is a protocol for bi-directional, real-time communication between a client and a server, and it is typically used for building real-time applications such as online games, chat apps, and real-time data visualization.

WebRTC, on the other hand, is a technology that allows for real-time communication between browsers and devices without the need for additional software or plugins. It is typically used for building video conferencing, live streaming, and other real-time communication applications.

WebRTC and WebSockets can be used together in several ways, such as:

1. Using WebSockets as a signaling channel for WebRTC: WebRTC requires a signaling server to exchange information between clients before establishing a direct connection. WebSockets can be used as a signaling channel for WebRTC, allowing clients to exchange information such as session descriptions, candidates, and other data.
2. Combining WebRTC and WebSockets for real-time data transfer: WebRTC can be used to transfer audio, video, and other real-time data, while WebSockets can be used to transfer other types of data, such as text or JSON.
3. Using WebRTC for low-latency, high-quality communication and WebSockets for messaging and notifications.
4. Creating browser-based real-time communication solutions that combine the strengths of both technologies.

In summary, WebRTC and WebSockets can be complementary technologies, and WebSockets can be used as a signaling channel for WebRTC, but also in other ways as well. The combination of both technologies enables developers to build more advanced real-time communication solutions that take advantage of the strengths of each technology.

Arin: Let’s go back to the use of WebRTC in healthcare. Is that primarily about telehealth visits? As the pandemic subsides, how much are healthcare systems still using telehealth or has it all gone back to in-person? In what ways is telehealth sticking around after the pandemic?

ChatGPT: The use of WebRTC in healthcare has primarily been about telehealth visits, which allow patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely using video conferencing and other real-time communication tools. Telehealth visits have been particularly important during the pandemic, as they have allowed patients to access medical care while minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus.

As the pandemic subsides, it is likely that healthcare systems will continue to use telehealth to some degree, as it has been shown to be an effective way to provide medical care remotely. However, in-person visits are also likely to resume, as some medical conditions and procedures may require a physical examination.

Telehealth is expected to stick around after the pandemic for several reasons:

1. It has been shown to be an effective way to provide medical care remotely, which can be particularly beneficial for patients in remote or underserved areas.
2. Telehealth can improve access to care and reduce healthcare costs by reducing the need for patients to travel to see a provider.
3. Telehealth can improve continuity of care by allowing patients to see the same provider remotely.
4. Telehealth can improve patient satisfaction by allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their own homes.
5. Telehealth can be used to monitor patients with chronic conditions remotely, which can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
6. With the advancement of technology, telehealth has become more secure, with better encryption and identity management, which provides more protection to the patients’ data.

In summary, telehealth is expected to continue to be a valuable tool for healthcare systems even after the pandemic subsides. It has been shown to be an effective way to provide medical care remotely, and it can improve access to care, reduce healthcare costs, and improve patient satisfaction.

Arin: Can you give any examples of WebRTC being used in large enterprise use cases? How has that changed in recent years?

ChatGPT: Yes, WebRTC has been used in a variety of large enterprise use cases, such as:

1. Video conferencing and collaboration: WebRTC has been used to build real-time video conferencing and collaboration tools that allow employees to communicate and collaborate remotely. Examples of this include Cisco Webex, Zoom, and Google Meet.
2. Customer service and support: WebRTC has been used to build real-time customer service and support tools that allow customers to communicate with support representatives through video, voice, and text. Examples of this include Salesforce Service Cloud and Zendesk.
3. Remote training and education: WebRTC has been used to build real-time remote training and education tools that allow students to communicate with teachers and classmates remotely. Examples of this include Blackboard Collaborate and Adobe Connect.
4. Remote monitoring and control: WebRTC has been used to build real-time remote monitoring and control tools that allow operators to monitor and control industrial equipment and machinery remotely. Examples of this include GE Predix and Siemens MindSphere.
5. Real-time financial transactions: WebRTC has been used to build real-time financial transaction tools that allow traders to communicate and share information in real-time, enabling faster and more accurate trading decisions. Examples of this include Bloomberg Professional and Thomson Reuters Eikon.

In recent years, the adoption of WebRTC in large enterprise use cases has increased significantly, driven by the shift towards remote work and the growing demand for real-time communication and collaboration tools. Additionally, the increasing adoption of WebRTC in mobile devices, and the advancements in WebRTC security and identity management have also contributed to its increased adoption in enterprise use cases.

In summary, WebRTC is being used in a variety of large enterprise use cases, such as video conferencing, customer service, remote training and education, remote monitoring, and real-time financial transactions, and its adoption in these use cases has increased significantly in recent years, driven by the shift towards remote work and the growing demand for real-time communication and collaboration tools.

Arin: What are the biggest improvements in WebRTC Security and Identity Management?

ChatGPT: WebRTC security and identity management have been areas of active development in recent years. Some of the biggest improvements in these areas include:

1. End-to-end encryption: WebRTC has been enhanced with end-to-end encryption, which helps protect the privacy and security of communication between users. This means that the communication is encrypted from the sender to the receiver and only the intended parties can decrypt and access the communication.
2. Improved certificate management: WebRTC has been enhanced with improved certificate management, which helps to ensure the authenticity of the communication and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. This includes the use of WebRTC’s built-in certificate management, as well as the integration with external certificate authorities.
3. Secure identity management: WebRTC has been enhanced with secure identity management, which helps to ensure that only authorized users can access the communication. This includes the use of WebRTC’s built-in identity management, as well as the integration with external identity management systems.
4. Improved media encryption: WebRTC has been enhanced with improved media encryption, which helps to protect the privacy and security of the media streams. This includes the use of Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP) for encrypting audio and video streams, and the use of Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) for encrypting data channels.
5. Better access control: WebRTC has been enhanced with better access control, which helps to ensure that only authorized users can access the communication. This includes the use of WebRTC’s built-in access control, as well as the integration with external access control systems.
6. Improved key exchange: WebRTC has been enhanced with improved key exchange, which helps to ensure that the keys are exchanged securely between parties. This includes the use of Diffie-Hellman (DH) key exchange, and the use of Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH) key exchange

In summary, WebRTC security and identity management have been improved with features such as end-to-end encryption, improved certificate management, secure identity management, improved media encryption, better access control, and improved key exchange, all of which help to protect the privacy and security of the communication and ensure that only authorized users can access it.

Arin: Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. What do you hope to see in the future of real time communications with WebRTC?

ChatGPT: I hope to see continued advancements and innovation in the field of real-time communication with WebRTC in the future. Here are a few examples of what I believe could be possible:

1. Greater adoption of WebRTC in new industries: WebRTC has been used primarily in the healthcare, finance and retail industries, but I hope to see it being adopted in other industries such as transport, logistics, and agriculture.
2. More advanced WebRTC-based applications: I hope to see the development of more advanced WebRTC-based applications, such as virtual and augmented reality experiences, live streaming, and interactive gaming.
3. Greater integration with other technologies: I hope to see WebRTC being integrated with other technologies, such as artificial intelligence and edge computing, to create more powerful and sophisticated real-time communication solutions.
4. Improved scalability and performance: I hope to see continued improvements in scalability and performance of WebRTC, to support larger numbers of users and higher-quality communication.
5. More sophisticated security and identity management: I hope to see more sophisticated security and identity management features, such as blockchain-based identity management, to improve the privacy and security of the communication.
6. Increased use of WebRTC in low-bandwidth and low-power devices: I hope to see WebRTC being optimized for use in low-bandwidth and low-power devices, such as IoT devices, to enable real-time communication in these devices.

In summary, I hope to see continued advancements and innovation in the field of real-time communication with WebRTC, such as greater adoption in new industries, more advanced applications, greater integration with other technologies, improved scalability and performance, more sophisticated security and identity management, and increased use in low-bandwidth and low-power devices.

Well, what did you think? How did ChatGPT do? Are those factually correct answers? Are there any good insights in there? Let me know on LinkedIn!