Getting started with Webcam mode (beta) – Pivo Support Hub

With the increase of remote work due to globalization and the advancement of technology, virtual meetings and presentations are becoming inevitable. To make your virtual conference sessions interesting and engaging, Pivo has introduced the Webcam mode on Pivo+ that allows you to transform your smartphone into your computer's webcam and have Pivo track you as you move around the room.

Note:

You need to sign up an account with our partner, NDI, and download the NDI software on your desktop to be able to use this feature. Please check out this article for the step-by-step guide.
Your smartphone and desktop must be connected to the same WiFi network
Pivo+ Webcam mode is in beta mode
Pivo+ Webcam mode doesn't record the call. You'd have to record the conference call via your live conference app, or through a third-party screen recording feature

Getting Started

In the Pivo+ App
The Pivo+ app will open in Gallery by default. In Gallery, press the Capture button at the bottom of the screen to connect to the Pivo Pod. Once the smartphone is connected to the Pivo Pod, Video mode will open by default. Scroll left on the options menu at the bottom of the screen and select Webcam.

In the NDI Software (Desktop)

Check out the step-by-step instructions here on how to download and set up the NDI software for Pivo+ Webcam.

Note for Android 14 users

NDI requires these additional steps for Android 14 users to connect to their software:

1. Launch NDI Access Manager and click External Sources.
2. Click new (or the + symbol for Windows PC).
3. Type the IP address of the Android phone (you can get the phone's IP address by going to Settings>Wifi>Wifi settings>copy the IP address).
4.Click okay and access Webcam Mode through Pivo+.
5. Tap the recording button and click NDI on the PC/laptop's taskbar. The phone name should be there and can be selected.

Note for Mac OS Sonoma users

After updating to MacOS Sonoma, you may notice that Virtual Input or NDI Webcam is no longer a recognized source as a webcam in your software. The issue is Apple has turned off a feature called "legacy camera support" and it can be re-enabled in Recovery Mode by following these steps from Apple:

1. Restart your Mac into Recovery Mode.
2. Use macOS Recovery on a Mac with Apple silicon or use macOS Recovery on an Intel-based Mac.
3. Click the Options button, then click Continue.
4. From the Utilities menu, choose Terminal and enter this command: system-override legacy-camera-plugins-without-sw-camera-indication=on
5. Press Return. Depending on your system configuration, you might be prompted to complete additional steps.
6, Quit Terminal and from the Apple menu, choose Restart.

More information on NDI's support website.

Selecting the Auto Tracking Mode

Auto Tracking is one of the key features of Pivo+ and a great feature that'll enhance your Pivo experience. There are 5 Auto Tracking modes available: Face, Body, Horse, Dog, and Tennis (beta) Tracking in Pivo+, depending on the Pivo Pod model.

To select or change your tracking mode, follow these steps:

Tap the icon on the left of the shutter button to see the Auto Tracking options.
Choose between Face, Body, Horse, Dog, Tennis (beta) Tracking.
Next, tap Apply when done or Cancel to go back to the previous screen.
When an Auto Tracking mode is selected, a message will appear saying it’s searching for the target (e.g. face). This notification will disappear and be replaced with a red box/circle as soon as the tracking target is found.

Check out this link for more information.

Tracking Presets & Settings

In Pivo+, there are two ways to customize your Tracking Settings for a smoother Pivo experience. You can either choose to use one of the Tracking Presets, which is a list of default Tracking Settings for the most common activities Pivo is used for, or select your preferred settings based on what you’re using Pivo for. Check out the following links for the step-by-step instructions:

Getting started with Tracking Settings: Tracking Settings

Getting started with Tracking Presets: Tracking Preset

Other Settings

You can customize your video calling experience with the different settings available. These settings can be found at the top part of the screen.

Tracking Position: Pivo will keep you on the left, center, or right side of the screen while you’re being tracked. Tap on the Tracking Position icon at the top of the screen and select your preferred Tracking Position to enable this feature.
Switch Camera: Choose to capture from your front or back camera simply by tapping on the Switch Camera icon .
Note: If you're using Horse Tracking, you'd need to enable the Front Camera option in Settings on the Pivo+ home screen before being able to switch between the front and back camera. On the home screen, click on your profile picture in the top right-hand corner, and select the enable front camera option.
More Settings: Tap on the Menu icon on the right for more settings options:

Grid: Helps you get a level shot. Adjust your phone to your preferred angle and use the grid to help you check if your phone is leveled. Grid is disabled by default , tap on the icon to turn it on .
Countdown: Need a signal to tell you when the shot is about to be taken? Turn on the countdown timer by pressing the Countdown icon and Pivo will give you a 3-second countdown before it starts recording the video. The icon represents that the countdown timer is turned on and the icon represents that it's turned off.
Flash: You can tap the Flash icon to turn on/off flash when taking the photo. means that Flash is turned off and means that it's turned on.