Zoom on iPad is getting a much-needed upgrade
Zoom gains a VIP feature for iPad
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Applehas grantedvideo conferencingapp Zoom access to an API (Application Programming Interface) that allows the camera to be used when multitasking on theiPad.
This means you can now useZoomalongside another app via your tablet’s split-view feature, while the camera still displays you in a call.
The iPad has become an important device for users, especially in the last year, with many using it for working at home. With Apple’s yearlyWWDCevent looming next month, many owners are hoping to see improvements in the camera, especially where it’s only allowing the camera to be in use when one app is displaying at present.
What is the API?
Not so with Zoom, which has been granted a special API that allows this when two applications are showing at the same time. According toa developer firm, the API is called ‘com.apple.developer.avfoundation.multitasking-camera-access’, and lets Zoom use the camera at all times.
This is known in developer circles as a ‘private entitlement’, where an app can be allowed access to certain APIs that no one else can currently have.
When using another conferencing app likeSkypeorMicrosoft Teams, the camera will shut off when using another app, causing a lot of frustration when in a call.
With many working remotely for the last year, it makes sense for the API to be used, but it does raise questions as to why it hasn’t been allowed for other apps.
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We’ve reached out to Apple for comment.
ViaThink Tap Blog
Daryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. In his spare time, he’s written a book, ‘The Making of Tomb Raider’. His second book, ‘50 Years of Boss Fights’, came out in 2024, with a third book coming in 2025. He also has a newsletter called ‘Springboard’. He’s usually found playing games old and new on his Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and MacBook Pro. If you have a story about an updated app, one that’s about to launch, or just anything Software-related, drop him a line.
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