Below you will find the technical requirements that need to be met by users of the SpotMe platform:

• Backstage users and live streaming:
  Use a fast computer or laptop with the latest version of a modern web browser for accessing Backstage, with strong and stable wired internet.
  See the full requirements for Backstage users and SpotMe Studio live streaming
  
  
• Remote speakers accessing SpotMe Studio 
  Make sure your remote speakers use the latest version of a modern web browser to access the live stream or green room, with strong and stable wired internet.
  See the full requirements for remote speakers accessing a live stream
  
  
• Attendees using the mobile app
  Make sure your event participants have the latest (fully up-to-date) version of the SpotMe mobile app installed on their device, and a strong and stable WIFI signal.
  See the full requirements for attendees using the mobile app
  
  
• Remote attendees using the web app
  Make sure your remote event participants use the latest version of a modern web browser to access the web app, with strong and stable wired internet.
  See the full requirements for remote attendees using the web app
  
  
• Remote attendees using the web app:
  Make sure your remote event participants use the latest version of a modern web browser to access the web app, with strong and stable wired internet.
  See the full requirements for remote attendees using the web app

Backstage user requirements

Connection to Backstage is done both over HTTP/TLS. You need to enable JavaScript and cookies on all platforms and browsers.

Browser recommendations:

• Google Chrome: Most recent stable release
• Safari: Versions 12, 13, 14
• Mozilla Firefox: Most recent stable release
• Microsoft Edge: Most recent stable release

While Backstage is accessible from mobile browsers (Mobile Safari, Google Chrome for Android, etc.), we do not actively support these browsers, nor is Backstage optimized for use on devices with small screens.

SpotMe Studio live streaming requirements

These recommendations are applicable when streaming through the SpotMe platform with all types of streaming providers (Studio, RTMPS, and Embed).

Browser recommendations:

• Only desktop Chrome-based browsers are supported, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge (79+), Opera or Brave.
• We also recommend using 64-bit versions of these browsers for improved memory management.

Network recommendations:

• SpotMe's domains and services need to be allowed to pass through the network firewall.
• At least 10mbps upload and download speed (test on fast.com) + wired internet connection.

Computer recommendations:

Below are the hardware recommendations for the live stream producer using SpotMe Studio to broadcast the live stream on Mac, Windows, and Chromebook.

The requirements vary based on the number of speakers that will attend the session as well as the number of shared screens:

	Mac	Windows	Chromebook
1 speaker	1.6GHz dual-core (I5-5250U) processor - 4GB RAM or higher	Intel Pentium Gold G5400 orAMD Fx8320e processor - 8GB RAM or higher	Intel i5-8200Y - 4GB RAM or higher
3 speakers	2.3GHz dual-core (I5-7360U) or3.1GHz quad-core (I5-5675R) processor - 8GB RAM or higher	Quad core: Intel i5(8250U) or AMD Ryzen 3 3200G - 8GB RAM or higher
3 speakers + 2 screen shares	2.3GHz dual-core (I5-7360U) or 3.1GHz quad-core (I5-5675R) processor - 8GB RAM or higher	Intel Core i7-5500U or AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor - 8GB RAM or higher
6 speakers	1.4 GHz quad-core (I5-8257U) processor - 8GB RAM or higher	Inteli7 5500u or Ryzen 5 3500u processor - 8GB RAM or higher
6 speakers (or more) + 2 screen shares	1.4 GHz quad-core (I5-8257U) processor - 8GB RAM or higher	Ryzen 5 3500U or Intel i7-8550U processor - 16GB RAM or higher

Other recommendations:

• Close all apps and browser tabs not needed during the live stream broadcast.
• Restart your computer before the live stream.
• Clear the browser’s cache and disable browser extensions.

Requirements for speakers accessing SpotMe Studio

Speakers will always have to go through an internet and hardware (microphone and camera) connectivity test when joining the SpotMe studio (green room). The test is very fast, and we recommend that speakers always go through it to detect any possible issues prior to the session.

Hardware requirements:

• A desktop or laptop computer is the first tool you will need to join the green room.
• Instead of the computer’s built-in microphone, use an external USB microphone that plugs into your laptop and place it closer to you for better audio, or use a headset with a built-in microphone plugged into your computer. The proximity of the microphone to your mouth will help make your voice more clear and cancel out unwanted noises.
• Most computers come with a built-in webcam. If available on your computer, make sure to turn on the HD definition for your webcam. External webcams can also be used if your computer does not have one, or if you want more flexibility on where to place your webcam
• Pick your preferred audio equipment and always make sure that you test it so that your audience will hear you clearly.

Browser requirements:

• Only desktop Chrome-based browsers are supported, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge (79+), Opera or Brave. We also recommend using 64-bit versions of these browsers for improved memory management.
• It is recommended to update your chosen browser to the latest version for security and stability reasons.
• SpotMe's domains and services need to be allowed to pass through the network firewall.

Network recommendations:

• At least 10mbps upload and download speed (test on fast.com)
• Wired internet connection.
• If you are proceeding on WiFi, the following can help you ensure a better connection:
  • Boost your WiFi strength - sit close to your router, have as few obstructions between you and your router as possible (walls, microwaves, TVs, etc.).
  • Close everything not used for the call on your computer- downloads/uploads of files, unused applications, etc.
  • Restrain other users - if sharing internet with other users, try to minimize their internet use during your meeting.
  • Disable HD video - some video conferencing tools allow you to share your video in HD but take a higher toll on your bandwidth. Disabling it can help your internet connection while over WiFi.

Other recommendations:

• Close all apps and browser tabs not needed during the live stream broadcast.
• Restart your computer before the live stream.
• Clear the browser’s cache and disable browser extensions, and disable hardware acceleration (instructions for Chrome and Microsoft Edge).
• Avoid switching browser tabs or windows while on stage, as this may reduce the quality of the speaker's web cam.
• If you are using a desk, make sure it allows you to keep your webcam at eye level. When speaking you should be looking straight at the camera. If your desk is too low, raise your laptop to match your eye level. You can do so by using a stand, or books for example. A standing desk can also be a great piece of equipment for your presentations. Standing up while presenting will make you look more professional and more engaging.
• Keep your background neutral and clean of distractions. You want the audience’s focus to be on you and your presentation and not on the room behind you. Face your brightest source of light to make sure you are clearly visible when speaking.

Requirements for in person attendees using the SpotMe mobile app

These recommendations are applicable to all mobile app users, whether the user intends to access and watch a live streamed session or not, on the mobile app.

Operating systems:

• iOS minimum version: iOS 13
  iPhone 5s or later, iPad 2 or later, iPad mini 2 or later, iPod touch (6th gen.).
• Android minimum version: Android 5.0 Lollipop (API 21)
• Devices with Android-based operating system such as Kindle Fire or devices with Android app emulation (BlackBerry 10, Sailfish, etc.) are not supported.

Supported devices:

• To check if your device is supported, open the App Store or Play Store page of the app on a respective device. If it is compatible, the store will allow you to install it.
• Latest devices and OS releases are not immediately supported as they go through official testing and quality assurance processes.

Network recommendations:

For the best possible experience, a download bandwidth of 4.8 Mbps is needed to see live streams in full HD (1080p). Attendees will require a minimum download bandwidth of 1.5 Mbps, in order to see the stream in low resolution (360p).

SpotMe has created a live video streaming benchmark page to help you assess your connectivity to your virtual event(s). Please visit https://test.spotme.com to help determine if you have a connectivity issue. This test will only take a few minutes to complete.

The stream player resolution will automatically adapt to the attendee's available bandwidth, following the below increments:

Bandwidth	Stream resolution
4.8 Mbps	1080p
2.8 Mbps	720p
2.2 Mbps	540p
1.9 Mbps	432p
1.5 Mbps	360p

 

Memory storage:

• Average size, once downloaded to a device, will be 100 MB or more.

App distribution:

• Apps are officially distributed through Apple’s App Store, Google Play Store or MDM solutions used within your organization (such as Citrix and MobileIron).
• Apps downloaded from other distribution channels are not supported.
• We recommend that you use a Wi-Fi network or unlimited data plan to download the app.
• Downloading while you are on data roaming abroad may result in steep roaming charges.

Functionalities that may be requested access by the mobile app:

Depending on the platform, the SpotMe app or the distribution platform (App Store/Play Store) may prompt the user to allow access to specific hardware or an advanced feature of the platform.

Depending on the version of the Android device, users may be prompted to explicitly allow access to all of the permissions below when installing the app, or to enable certain permissions when activating a certain feature. Depending on the version of your device, the names of these permissions can vary:

Calendars
Sessions may be added to a calendar on the device. Calendar entries other than the one being created will not be accessed, modified or shared with the App.

Photos
Required when sharing existing photos on feed with other users or updating profile photo

Microphone
Required when recording a video to share with other users on the feed or participating in a video call.

TouchID or FaceID
TouchID or FaceID might be used as an authentication method.

Notifications
In order to deliver important notifications from event organizers, messages from other users, live voting and other interactive features.

Health
Number of steps made might be tracked for participation in fitness challenges. The App does not track or store GPS location.

Camera
Required when sharing a photo on the feed, participating in a video call or updating profile photo.

Location and Bluetooth devices
For showing other nearby app users via Bluetooth Low-Energy. The App does not track or store GPS location.

Location and Google Fit
May be used to record the number of steps made for participation in fitness challenges. The App does not track or store GPS location.

Storage
Required when sharing existing photos on feed with other users. updating profile photos or saving photos shared by other users to local storage.

Biometric hardware
Device’s biometric hardware might be used as an authentication method.

Requirements for remote attendees using the SpotMe web app

For all browsers and platforms, users need to enable JavaScript and cookies. Connection to the Web App is done exclusively over HTTPS/TLS, with strict transport security enabled.

The SpotMe web app can be used on desktop or on mobile:

Desktop browser requirements:

• Google Chrome: Most recent stable release
• Safari: Versions 12, 13, 14
• Mozilla Firefox: Most recent stable release
• Microsoft Edge: Most recent stable release
• Microsoft Internet Explorer: Not supported

Mobile browser requirements:

• Google Chrome: Most recent stable release
• Safari: Most recent stable release, minimum version is 11.
• Mozilla Firefox: Most recent stable release
• Microsoft Edge: Most recent stable release
• Microsoft Internet Explorer: Not supported

Network recommendations:

For the best possible experience, a download bandwidth of 4.8 Mbps is needed to see live streams in full HD (1080p). Attendees will require a minimum download bandwidth of 1.5 Mbps, in order to see the stream in low resolution (360p).

SpotMe has created a live video streaming benchmark page to help you assess your connectivity to your virtual event(s). Please visit https://test.spotme.com to help determine if you have a connectivity issue. This test will only take a few minutes to complete.

The stream player resolution will automatically adapt to the attendee's available bandwidth, following the below increments:

Bandwidth	Stream resolution
4.8 Mbps	1080p
2.8 Mbps	720p
2.2 Mbps	540p
1.9 Mbps	432p
1.5 Mbps	360p

How do cookies work in my event?

When joining an event on the web, event participants will be prompted to accept cookies:

Cookies

Strictly necessary cookies

Cookie name	Source	Duration	Description
webapp_{event id}	SpotMe SA	14 days	User’s session identifier. Contents of the cookie is encrypted and can only be decrypted by SpotMe’s servers. It is only transmitted over secure (HTTPS) connections.
_csrf	SpotMe SA	Single site visit	Used for prevention of Cross-Site Forgery Attacks (CSRF) while submitting forms or uploading files.
_branding	SpotMe SA	24h	Stores information about the last registration page used, redirects user to it when visiting the login page.
CloudFront_{various}	Amazon Web Services, Inc.	Single site visit	Used for authentication of users when watching live streams and on-demand videos.

 

Performance cookies

Cookie name	Source	Duration	Description
_mp	Mixpanel, Inc.	365 days	Used to collect anonymised usage statistics.

Withdrawing cookie permissions

App users can always change their cookies preferences by clearing the cookies from their browsers. App users will be asked to accept the cookies again when accessing the app.