Nucast : Multiplatform TV App - The First Cardano-Based TV 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 // http://nucastlabs.com/

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

5

[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 release of a multi-platform TV application for Nucast represents a pivotal milestone for Cardano, as it extends the influence of the decentralized video streaming platform to a broader audience. Nucast has already gained popularity as a streaming platform on Cardano, and the introduction of the TV app allows users to enjoy a seamless and decentralized streaming experience across various platforms.

At Nucast, we have successfully cultivated a thriving community of over 8000+ members across our social media channels and Discord during our beta phase. This engaged community has been instrumental in providing valuable feedback and contributing to the platform's growth. Additionally, we are proud to announce that we have generated 150,000+ ADA in revenue to date. These funds have been wisely reinvested into building our web app and assembling a talented team proficient in various domains.

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.

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 TV app will be designed and developed to be compatible with multiple platforms, including:

1. Android TV
2. iOS TV
3. Roku TV
4. Tizen OS
5. Fire TV
6. webOS

Features and Functionality:

The TV 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 account to the TV application using a 4-digit authentication code generated by the Nucast TV application. This streamlined process ensures secure and convenient access to their account.

• Custodial and Non-Custodial Integration: The application 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 users to choose the method that best suits their preferences and needs.

• Fiat Integration: To enhance usability, the application 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 TV application will support high-quality streaming, including 8K resolution, catering to users with high-end TVs and providing an immersive and visually stunning viewing experience.

Technical Workflow for Seamless User Flow on TV App:

1. User Launches the TV App:

   - The user opens the Nucast TV app on their smart TV and is presented with the login/signup screen.

2. User Enters Email/Username:

   - The user enters their email or username using the TV remote or an on-screen keyboard.

3. TV App Generates Login Code:

   - The TV app generates a unique login code specific to the user's email/username. This code will be displayed on the TV screen.

4. User Accesses Nucast Web or Mobile App:

   - The user opens the Nucast web or mobile app on their device (PC, smartphone, or tablet).

5. User Navigates to "Connect TV" Section:

   - In the Nucast web or mobile app, the user navigates to the "Connect TV" section, where they can establish a connection with their TV app.

6. User Enters Login Code:

   - In the "Connect TV" section of the Nucast app, the user enters the login code displayed on their TV screen.

7. Verification and Wallet Integration:

   - The Nucast app verifies the login code entered by the user and establishes a secure connection with the TV app.

   - The user's wallet integrated into the Nucast app is linked with the TV app, allowing seamless authentication and access to the user's account.

8. Successful Login and Synchronization:

   - Upon successful verification, the TV app confirms the user's login, and the Nucast app synchronizes the user's account details, preferences, and wallet information with the TV app.

9. Seamless User Experience:

   - With the login process complete, the user can now browse, search, and stream videos seamlessly on the Nucast TV app using their connected account.

Here are some screenshots of the Android TV app currently in development. We have already begun the process, but with the funds from Catalyst, we will be able to introduce our unique selling proposition (USP) features, such as easy onboarding, and develop applications for various TV platforms.

Tweet: https://twitter.com/NucastIO/status/1653111790807441438

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.

• Partnerships with Manufacturers:

Nucast is in talks with local TV manufacturers in India to make Nucast a pre-installed application on their smart TVs. This initiative aims to expand the reach of Nucast and provide users with easy access to the platform right out of the box. By forging partnerships with manufacturers, Nucast can tap into a broader user base and increase adoption of the decentralized video streaming ecosystem.

The introduction of the multi-platform TV application for Nucast expands decentralized video streaming to a wider audience, complementing its existing popularity on Cardano. With a thriving community, substantial revenue, and strategic partnerships, Nucast is well-positioned for growth and enhanced user experiences and bring Cardano to every home across the globe.

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

The proposed solution addresses the challenge by offering a multi-platform TV application, integrations with production houses and TV manufacturers, and a user-friendly streaming experience.

Creation or improvement of different products: The development of a multi-platform TV 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 smart TVs, 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 and TV manufacturers 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. Partnering with TV manufacturers to pre-install the Nucast app on smart TVs ensures easy access for users and promotes wider adoption of the Cardano-based decentralized video streaming ecosystem.

Solving a key problem or issue: The introduction of the TV 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 TV app's intuitive interface, high-quality streaming, and compatibility with various TV platforms contribute to a positive user experience, fostering engagement and retention within the ecosystem. The partnerships with production houses and TV manufacturers further amplify the reach of Cardano, exposing more users to the platform and its decentralized offerings. Overall, our solution drives adoption, community growth, and the overall development of the Cardano ecosystem in the decentralized video streaming sector.

Additionally, the global smart television market is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period of 2022-2029. 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 TV 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 TV 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 TV App: Tracking the number of fiat transactions made through the TV 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 TV manufacturers will demonstrate the project's ability to form strategic alliances and expand its reach within the industry.

• Number of Integrations with Different Smart TV OS: Monitoring the number of integrations with various smart TV operating systems will indicate the project's compatibility and accessibility across different platform.

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: We 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: We 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, Nucast 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.

• Catalyst Updates: Nucast will participate in Cardano's Catalyst program and share project updates and progress reports within the Catalyst community. This will provide an opportunity to receive feedback, collaborate with other projects, and showcase the results achieved.

By implementing these pointers, Nucast aims 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 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. Their past successes demonstrate their ability to design, develop, and deploy secure and scalable solutions.

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 ensures open communication with stakeholders.

Through these measures, Nucast demonstrates our commitment to delivering the project with trust and accountability. The 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 TV application for Nucast, compatible with Android TV, iOS TV, Roku TV, Tizen OS, Fire TV, and webOS.
• Integration for Smooth Onboarding and Payments: Enable easy wallet connect with a 4-digit authentication code, 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 TV 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 TV app and the content available.
• Validation of Market Viability: Evaluate the market's response and demand for the decentralized video streaming TV 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 validation, partnerships, user feedback, market response, and ecosystem development, Nucast can assess the feasibility and effectiveness of its approach in achieving the main goals and delivering a successful blockchain-based Television streaming application.

[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 TV Application Development

Phase 1: Planning and Design

Duration: 4 weeks

UX/UI Design:

Create wireframes and prototypes of the TV application.

Design user-friendly and intuitive interfaces.

Ensure a consistent visual identity and branding.

Architecture and Technology Stack:

Select appropriate technologies and frameworks for Android TV, iOS TV, Roku TV, Tizen OS, Fire TV, and webOS development.

Design the overall application architecture prioritizing 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 Android TV, iOS TV, Roku TV, Tizen OS, Fire TV, and webOS.

Configure version control and collaboration tools.

Create the initial project structure.

Projected cost: 34233 ADA

Phase 2: Development and Testing

Duration: 12 weeks

Backend Development:

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

Develop APIs for wallet authentication on TV.

Frontend Development :

Develop the user interface for Android TV, iOS TV, Roku TV, Tizen OS, Fire TV, and webOS devices.

Implement video browsing, searching, and streaming functionalities.

Integrate with backend APIs.

Testing and Quality Assurance:

Conduct thorough testing of the TV 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: 83833 ADA

Phase 3: Deployment and Support

Duration: 4 weeks and ongoing

App Store Submission:

Prepare all necessary assets and documentation.

Submit the Android TV, iOS TV, Roku TV, Tizen OS, Fire TV, and webOS applications to their respective app stores.

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

Launch and User Engagement:

Promote the nucast TV 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 Android TV, iOS TV, Roku TV, Tizen OS, Fire TV, and webOS versions.

Projected cost: 15833 ADA

Timeline:

Weeks 2: Planning and Design (Phase 1)

Weeks 3-10: Development and Testing (Phase 2)

Weeks 10-12: Deployment and Support (Phase 3)

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

Phase 1: Planning and Design

Deliverables:

• Wireframes and prototypes of the TV application
• UX/UI design files
• Application architecture design
• API design documentation
• Initial project structure

Intended Outcomes:

• Clear understanding of the TV application's user interface and functionality
• Consistent visual identity and branding
• Well-designed application architecture
• Well-defined API endpoints for video browsing, searching, wallet connection, and streaming

Measurements:

• Completion and approval of wireframes and prototypes by stakeholders
• Documentation of UX/UI design and architecture
• Stakeholder feedback on the design and architecture documents

Phase 2: Development and Testing

Deliverables:

• Backend infrastructure for transaction builders, CDN integrations, IPFS, and Sia Network integrations
• Frontend implementation for Android TV, iOS TV, Roku TV, Tizen OS, Fire TV, and webOS devices
• Integration with backend APIs
• Thoroughly tested TV application with fixed bugs and performance issues

Intended Outcomes:

• Fully functional TV application supporting video browsing, searching, and streaming
• Seamless integration of backend and frontend components
• Identified and resolved bugs and performance issues

Measurements:

• Completion of backend infrastructure and frontend implementation
• Successful integration with backend APIs
• Test coverage report and bug tracking system
• User feedback on the usability and performance of the TV application

Phase 3: Deployment and Support

Deliverables:

• Submitted TV applications to respective app stores
• Marketing and advertising materials
• Ongoing updates and new features based on user feedback
• Technical support for users
• Server infrastructure monitoring and maintenance

Intended Outcomes:

• Availability of the TV application on Android TV, iOS TV, Roku TV, Tizen OS, Fire TV, and webOS devices
• Increased user adoption and engagement
• Continuous improvement based on user feedback
• Ongoing technical support and maintenance

Measurements:

• Successful submission and approval of the TV applications in app stores
• User adoption metrics, such as the number of downloads and active users
• User feedback and satisfaction surveys
• App store ratings and reviews
• Timely release of updates and new features
• Response time and resolution of user support requests
• Server uptime and performance monitoring

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

Phase 1

Smart TV App Developer 40 USD x 140 Hours = 18666.67 ADA

Senior Solution Architect 55 USD x 50 Hours = 9166.67 ADA

UI UX Designer 30 USD x 50 Hours = 5000 ADA

Tech Infrastructure: 3400 ADA

Phase 2

Smart TV App Developer 40 USD x 320 Hours = 42666.67 ADA

Backend Developer 40 USD x 240 Hours = 32000 ADA

Senior Solution Architect 55 USD x 50 Hours = 9166.67 ADA

Phase 3 -

Senior Solution Architect 55 USD x 50 Hours = 9166.67 ADA

Smart TV App Developer 40 USD x 50 Hours = 6666.67 ADA

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

The TV application contributes to the growth and adoption of the Cardano ecosystem by providing a decentralized video streaming experience. It enhances the ecosystem's value proposition, attracts new users, and fosters community engagement.

Developing a multi-platform TV application with decentralized video streaming capabilities requires specialized skills and extensive development effort. The costs reflect the complexity of the project, including the need for backend infrastructure development, API integration, and compatibility with various TV platforms.

Technical Implementation and Infrastructure: The costs associated with the technical implementation and infrastructure is perfectly in terms of their necessity, scalability, and alignment with industry standards considering our team is based in USA, Singapore and India.

[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