Nucast: iOS & Android App - Revolutionizing Mobile Access to Cardano's Video Content Ownership DApp

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Sricharan Ganta (nucast)

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

charan@nucast.io

Additional applicants

Sam Jeffery // sam@nucast.io

Nucast Labs

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

3

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.” .

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

In the early stages of the project, resources such as time, manpower, and funding are often limited. Open-sourcing a project requires additional effort in terms of managing the community, addressing issues, and integrating external contributions. It may be more efficient to focus on developing a robust and functional product before considering open-sourcing. We do have plans to eventually opensource the protocol.

[METADATA] Category of Proposal

dApp

[METADATA] SDG rating

SDG Goals

8 - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

SDG Subgoals

17.19 - By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements of progress on sustainable development that complement gross domestic product, and support statistical capacity-building in developing countries

9.1 - Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all

9.b - Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries, including by ensuring a conducive policy environment for, inter alia, industrial diversification and value addition to commodities

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

Overview:

The development and launch of a multi-platform mobile application for Nucast marks a significant milestone for Cardano, as it expands the reach of the decentralized video streaming platform to a wider audience. Nucast has already gained popularity as a streaming platform on Cardano, and the introduction of the iOS and Android apps enables users to enjoy a seamless and decentralized streaming experience on their mobile devices.

During our beta phase, Nucast has successfully built a vibrant community of over 8000+ members across our social media channels and Discord. This engaged community has played a crucial role in providing valuable feedback and contributing to the platform's growth. Furthermore, we are excited to announce that we have generated over 150,000 ADA in revenue to date. These funds have been wisely reinvested into the development of our web app and assembling a talented team proficient in various domains.

Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that Nucast team has been selected as the official community partner for conducting the Cardano Summit in India. As the community partner, we will leverage our decentralized live streaming protocol to provide a seamless and immersive live streaming experience for the summit attendees.

If you are interested in understanding how Nucast functions in the backend, please check out the following article: https://medium.com/@nucastcardano/nucast-the-decentralized-video-streaming-and-ownership-platform-revolutionizing-the-entertainment-67023e0e2672

Platform Support:

The mobile app will be designed and developed to be compatible with:

1. Android
2. iOS

Features and Functionality:

The mobile app will offer a user-friendly interface, designed to provide an intuitive browsing and streaming experience. Key features and functionality include:

• Easy Wallet Connect: Users will be able to connect their Nucast accounts to the mobile app by scanning the QR code generated by their web app or they can also sign in manually through link received on email.

• Custodial and Non-Custodial Integration: The app will support both custodial and non-custodial wallets which means user can use an auto generated wallet on sign up or connect their non custodial wallet if they wish to, allowing them to choose the method that best suits their preferences and needs.

• Fiat Integration: To enhance usability, the app will enable seamless integration of fiat payment methods, such as credit cards and UPI (Unified Payments Interface). This will allow users to purchase movies or videos with ease directly from the app.

Note: UPI is the most popular payment method in India. In 2022, UPI processed over 590 billion transactions worth ₹39 trillion. This is more than any other payment method in India, including credit cards, debit cards, and net banking.

• High-Quality Streaming: The mpbile app will support high-quality streaming, including 4K resolution, catering to users with high-end TVs and providing an immersive and visually stunning viewing experience.

Technical Workflow for Seamless User Flow on Mobile App (QR Code Integration and Manual Sign-in with Email Verification):

1. User Launches the Mobile App:

• The user opens the Nucast mobile app on their smartphone or tablet.

2. User Scans QR Code or Enters Email:

• The user has two options to log in: scanning a QR code or manually entering their email address.

3. QR Code Integration:

• If the user chooses to scan a QR code, they access the Nucast web app on their PC or another device.
• In the web app's login/signup section, a unique QR code is displayed.
• Using the mobile app's built-in QR code scanner, the user scans the QR code.

4. Email Verification:

• If the user chooses to enter their email, they provide their email address using the mobile app's input fields.
• The Nucast mobile app sends a verification link to the provided email address.
• The user checks their email inbox and clicks on the verification link to confirm their account.

5. Wallet Integration and Verification:

• In both cases (QR code or email), the Nucast mobile app verifies the login information (either the scanned QR code or the verified email).
• The user's wallet integrated into the mobile app is linked with the web app, enabling seamless authentication and account access.

6. Successful Login and Synchronization:

• Upon successful verification, the mobile app confirms the user's login, and the account details, preferences, and wallet information are synchronized.

7. Seamless User Experience:

• With the login process complete, the user can now enjoy a seamless browsing, searching, and streaming experience within the Nucast mobile app, utilizing their integrated wallet and personalized settings.

Here are some screenshots of the Android app currently in development, we have released the beta version for the community but with the funds from Catalyst, we will be able to introduce our unique selling proposition (USP) features, such as easy onboarding, fiat integration and develop full-fledged, scalable applications for both iOS and Android.

Go-to-Market Strategy:

Partnerships with Production Houses:

Nucast has already signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with seven leading production houses, establishing collaborations to promote Nucast adoption.

These partnerships will involve the production houses showcasing their content on Nucast, demonstrating the platform's capabilities and benefits to their audiences.

Joint marketing efforts, such as cross-promotion and exclusive content releases, will be organized to leverage the production houses' fan base and attract new users to Nucast.

App Store Optimization (ASO):

Optimizing the mobile app's presence on app stores is crucial for increasing visibility and driving downloads. Nucast should focus on optimizing the app's metadata, including keywords, title, description, and screenshots, to ensure it ranks higher in relevant search results. Positive user reviews and ratings also play a significant role in attracting new users, so Nucast should encourage satisfied users to rate and review the app on the app stores.

Community engagement: Building on the existing vibrant community, Nucast should continue engaging with its users through social media channels, Discord, and other platforms.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

The proposed solution addresses the following key points outlined in the challenges brief:

Creation or improvement of different products: The development of a multi-platform mobile application for Nucast introduces a new and highly accessible way for users to enjoy decentralized video streaming on Cardano. By expanding the platform's reach to Android and iOS, users can seamlessly stream content on various TV platforms, enhancing their overall streaming experience and attracting a wider audience to the Cardano ecosystem.

Integrations with other existing services, products, and protocols: Nucast's partnerships with production houses strengthen the integration of the platform within the Cardano ecosystem. Collaborating with production houses allows for exclusive content releases and cross-promotion, increasing awareness and attracting new users to Cardano.

Solving a key problem or issue: The introduction of the Android and iOS app addresses the challenge of decentralized video streaming by providing a user-friendly and seamless streaming experience across multiple platforms. By integrating features like easy wallet connect, custodial and non-custodial wallet support, and fiat payment integration, Nucast offers convenience, choice, and accessibility to users, making it easier for them to participate in the Cardano ecosystem and enjoy the benefits of decentralized video streaming.

Impact:

The proposed solution significantly benefits the Cardano ecosystem by expanding its user base and attracting a broader audience. The mobile app's intuitive interface, high-quality streaming contribute to a positive user experience, fostering engagement and retention within the ecosystem. The partnerships with production houses further amplify the reach of Cardano, exposing more users to the platform and its decentralized offerings. Overall, the solution drives adoption, community growth, and the overall development of the Cardano ecosystem in the decentralized video streaming sector.

Additionally, the global video streaming market size was USD 372.07 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow from USD 473.39 billion in 2022 to USD 1690.35 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 19.9% during the forecast period. Onboarding even a small portion of this market will bring immense value to the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

Measuring the success of the project can be done using the following metrics:

• User Adoption: Tracking the number of active users of the mobile app across different platforms will provide insights into the project's ability to attract users to the Cardano ecosystem.

• User Engagement: Monitoring user engagement metrics such as the average time spent on the app, the number of videos watched per user, and the frequency of app usage will indicate the level of user engagement and satisfaction.

• Content Diversity: Evaluating the range and variety of content available on the mobile app, including the number of content creators, genres, and languages represented, will indicate the growth and diversity of the ecosystem.

• Number of Fiat Transactions from mobile App: Tracking the number of fiat transactions made through the mobile app will provide insights into the app's usability and its ability to integrate with fiat payment method.

• Partner Integrations: Keeping track of the number of partnerships and integrations established within the Cardano ecosystem, specifically within the decentralized video streaming space, will indicate the project's ability to collaborate and expand its offerings by leveraging the strengths of other projects and platform.

• Number of Partnerships: Tracking the number of partnerships established by Nucast with production houses and mobile manufacturers will demonstrate the project's ability to form strategic alliances and expand its reach within the industry.

By tracking these metrics, Nucast can evaluate the success of the project, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to drive the growth and development of the Cardano ecosystem in the decentralized video streaming sector.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

We plan to share the outputs by implementing the following action items:

• Regular Updates: Nucast will regularly publish project updates and key performance indicators (KPIs) on our Medium blog. These updates will provide detailed information about our progress, milestones achieved, user adoption, and other relevant metrics.

• Community Engagement: Nucast will actively engage with the Cardano community through various channels such as Twitter spaces, town halls, and AMAs (Ask Me Anything) sessions. These interactions will allow our team to present the project's outputs, discuss the impact, and address any questions or concerns from the community.

• Partnerships and Collaborations: Nucast will seek partnerships and collaborations with relevant influencers, content creators, and industry leaders. These partnerships can include interviews, joint content creation, or promotional activities. By leveraging the reach and influence of these partners, we can ensure that the outputs and opportunities are shared with a wider audience.

• Social Media Presence: Nucast will maintain an active presence on social media platforms, including Twitter, Telegram, and Discord. We will share updates, project highlights, and success stories to keep the community informed and engaged.

By implementing these initiatives, we aim to effectively communicate the outputs and results of the project, reach a wider audience, and foster transparency and engagement within the Cardano community.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

Nucast has the capability to deliver the project with high levels of trust and accountability based on the following factors:

• Popularity and Community Engagement: Nucast has already gained popularity as a streaming platform on Cardano, attracting a substantial community of over 8000+ members across social media channels and Discord during the beta phase. This engaged community has been instrumental in providing valuable feedback and contributing to the platform's growth.

• Revenue Generation : Nucast has generated 150,000+ ADA in revenue, showcasing the platform's ability to monetize and sustain itself. These funds have been reinvested wisely into building the web app and assembling a talented team proficient in various domains.

• Experienced Team: Nucast is proud to host a highly skilled and experienced development team with over 30+ years of combined industry experience. The team's expertise in blockchain technology, finance, and the movie industry enables us to comprehend the intricacies of revenue-based financing and to deliver a robust and innovative platform.

• Industry Partnerships: Nucast has signed MOUs with seven leading production houses, establishing collaborations to promote Nucast adoption. These partnerships involve showcasing production house content on Nucast, cross-promotion, and exclusive content releases. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that Nucast has been selected as the official community partner for conducting the Cardano Summit in India. As the community partner, we will leverage our decentralized live streaming protocol to provide a seamless and immersive live streaming experience for the summit attendees.

• Track Record of Successful Projects: Nucast's team has a history of successfully delivering projects in the web3 and entertainment domains. Our past successes demonstrate our ability to design, develop, and deploy secure and scalable solutions.

• V1 - Beta Testing tweet : https://twitter.com/NucastIO/status/1663168750613299201

In terms of accountability, Nucast is committed to:

Regular Updates: Nucast will provide regular project updates and key performance indicators (KPIs) through our Medium blog. This transparent approach keeps stakeholders informed about the project's progress, achievements, and metrics.

Community Engagement: Nucast actively engages with the Cardano community through channels such as Twitter spaces, town halls, and AMAs. By interacting with the community, we can address questions, gathers feedback, and ensure open communication with stakeholders.

Through these measures, Nucast demonstrates our commitment to delivering the project with trust and accountability. Our experienced team, industry partnerships, and transparent communication channels contribute to building confidence and establishing Nucast as a reliable and responsible participant within the Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals for the project are:

• Platform Development: Build and launch a highly scalable multi-platform mobile application for Nucast, compatible with Android and iOS.
• Integration for Smooth Onboarding and Payments: Enable easy wallet connect with QR code authentication and email, support custodial and non-custodial wallets, and integrate fiat payment methods such as credit cards and UPI (Unified Payments Interface).
• Ecosystem of Movies: Establish partnerships and collaborations with production houses to showcase their content on Nucast. Organize joint marketing efforts, cross-promotion, and exclusive content releases to attract new users to Nucast and Cardano.
• Attract Production Houses: Actively engage with production houses to promote Nucast adoption and encourage them to launch their content on the platform. Sign Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) to establish formal collaborations.

Methods of Validation:

• Technical Validation: Conduct thorough testing and validation of the mobile app's technical functionalities, ensuring compatibility, seamless wallet integration, high-quality streaming, and a user-friendly interface.
• Partnerships: Measure the number of partnerships and collaborations established with production houses. Track the successful integration and availability of their content on Nucast and Cardano.
• User Feedback: Gather feedback from users through surveys, reviews, and community discussions to assess their satisfaction, suggestions for improvement, and overall user experience with the mobile app and the content available.
• Validation of Market Viability: Evaluate the market's response and demand for the decentralized video streaming mobile app and the ecosystem of movies on Nucast and Cardano. Monitor user adoption rates, user engagement metrics, user feedback, and market trends to assess the platform's acceptance and potential for success in the market.

By validating the project through technical evaluation, partnerships, user feedback, market response, and ecosystem development, we can assess the feasibility and effectiveness of our approach to achieving our main goal to deliver a successful decentralized video streaming platform on Cardano.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Project Plan for Nucast Mobile Application Development

Phase 1: Planning and Design

Duration: 2 weeks

UX/UI Design:

Create wireframes and prototypes of the mobile application.

Design user-friendly and intuitive interfaces.

Ensure a consistent visual identity and branding.

Architecture and Technology Stack:

Select appropriate technologies and frameworks for iOS and Android development.

Design the overall application architecture.

Plan for scalability and decentralized video streaming.

API Design:

Design and document the API endpoints for video browsing, searching, wallet connection and streaming.

Project Setup:

Set up the development environment for iOS and Android.

Configure version control and collaboration tools.

Create the initial project structure.

Projected cost: 18066 ADA

Phase 2: Development and Testing

Duration: 8 weeks

Backend Development:

Developing a scalable backend infrastructure for transaction builders, CDN Integrations, IPFS and Sia Network Integrations

Develop APIs for mobile wallet authentication.

Frontend Development - iOS:

Develop the user interface for iOS devices.

Implement video browsing, searching, and streaming functionalities.

Integrate with backend APIs.

Frontend Development - Android:

Develop the user interface for Android devices.

Implement video browsing, searching, and streaming functionalities.

Integrate with backend APIs.

Testing and Quality Assurance:

Conduct thorough testing of the mobile application.

Perform functional testing, usability testing, and compatibility testing.

Identify and fix bugs and performance issues.

Security and Privacy:

Implement necessary security measures to protect user data.

Ensure secure video streaming and content protection.

Address privacy concerns and comply with relevant regulations.

Projected cost: 68000

Phase 3: Deployment and Support

Duration: 2 weeks and ongoing

App Store Submission:

Prepare all necessary assets and documentation.

Submit the iOS and Android applications to their respective app stores.

Address any feedback or requirements from the app store review process.

Launch and User Engagement:

Promote the nucast mobile application through marketing and advertising.

Engage with users and gather feedback for continuous improvement.

Encourage users to join the decentralized video streaming community.

Continuous Improvement:

Monitor app usage and performance metrics.

Analyze user feedback and identify areas for enhancement.

Regularly release updates and new features to address user needs.

Ongoing Maintenance and Support:

Provide technical support to users and address their queries or issues.

Monitor server infrastructure and ensure high availability.

Maintain compatibility with new iOS and Android versions.

Projected cost: 13333

Timeline:

Weeks 2: Planning and Design

Weeks 3-10: Development and Testing

Weeks 10-12: Deployment and Support

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

Phase 1: Planning and Design

Deliverables:

• Wireframes and prototypes of the mobile application
• User interface design files
• API design documentation
• Project setup and initial project structure

Outcomes:

• Clear visualization of the mobile application's layout and flow
• User interface designs that reflect the desired user experience and branding
• Well-documented API endpoints for seamless integration with backend services
• Established project environment for efficient collaboration and version control

Measurement of Progress:

• Completion and approval of wireframes and prototypes
• Review and approval of user interface design files
• Documentation of API design and approval
• Confirmation of project setup and version control configuration

Phase 2: Development and Testing

Deliverables:

• Backend infrastructure for transaction builders, CDN integrations, IPFS, and Sia Network integrations
• Developed frontend for iOS and Android with video browsing, searching, and streaming functionalities
• Tested and bug-free mobile application
• Implemented security measures for user data protection
• Privacy compliance measures in place

Outcomes:

• Functional and scalable backend infrastructure supporting video streaming and transaction handling
• Fully developed and tested mobile application for both iOS and Android platforms
• High-performance video browsing, searching, and streaming capabilities
• Enhanced security and privacy features ensuring user data protection and compliance

Measurement of Progress:

• Successful completion of backend infrastructure development
• Implementation and approval of frontend functionality on iOS and Android
• Thorough testing and bug fixing resulting in a stable and reliable application
• Validation of security measures and privacy compliance

Phase 3: Deployment and Support

Deliverables:

• Submitted and approved iOS and Android applications on respective app stores
• Marketing and advertising materials for promotion
• User engagement strategies and feedback gathering mechanisms
• Regular updates and new feature releases for continuous improvement
• Ongoing technical support and maintenance for user queries and issues

Outcomes:

• Available mobile application for download and use on iOS and Android devices
• Increased user adoption and engagement within the decentralized video streaming community
• Continuous improvement of the application based on user feedback and needs
• Reliable technical support and maintenance services for user satisfaction

Measurement of Progress:

• Confirmation of iOS and Android app store approvals
• Monitoring of download and usage metrics
• User feedback collection and analysis
• Release of updates and new features based on user needs
• Resolution of user queries and issues in a timely manner

The progress of the project can be measured by tracking the completion of deliverables for each phase, such as wireframes, prototypes, UI design files, API documentation, backend infrastructure, frontend development, testing results, app store submissions, marketing materials, and ongoing updates. Additionally, metrics like app downloads, active users, user engagement, user feedback, and response times for support queries can be monitored to assess the project's progress and success.

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Phase 1

Full stack developer 133.33 ADA x 50 Hours = 6666.67 ADA

Senior Solution Architect 166.67 ADA x 30 Hours = 5000 ADA

UI UX Designer 100 ADA x 30 Hours = 3000 ADA

Tech Infrastructure: 3400 ADA

Phase 2

Mobile Developer 133.33 ADA x 300 Hours = 40000 ADA

Backend Developer 133.33 ADA x 210 Hours = 28000 ADA

Phase 3 -

Mobile Developer 133.33 ADA x 100 Hours = 13333.33 ADA

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

In terms of value for money for the Cardano ecosystem, the project aims to deliver a decentralized mobile video streaming application that enhances the user experience and contributes to the growth and adoption of Cardano. The successful development and launch of such an application can attract a substantial user base, which can have a positive impact on the ecosystem as a whole.

The costs associated with the project represent an investment in creating a high-quality mobile application with seamless video streaming capabilities. The skilled development team, including full-stack developers, solution architects, UI/UX designers, and specialized Android and iOS developers, ensure that the application is built to meet the technical requirements and user expectations.

The project cost, based on US, Singaore and Indian market rates, allows for the efficient allocation of resources to ensure the successful development and deployment of the platform.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept