In an exclusive interview with TechBullion, Pavel Malinovskiy, founder of Pyjam, discusses his innovative platform and how it’s transforming the way people interact remotely. With a background in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from Saint Petersburg State University, Malinovskiy has always been passionate about solving complex problems with technology. His latest project, Pyjam, goes beyond the traditional video call setup to offer users the ability to remotely control another person’s actions, enabling an entirely new way to experience the world.
Malinovskiy is a founder of the project and developer, he worked closely with his team of developers to ensure the platform’s success. The platform was built using a modern tech stack, including WebRTC for real-time communication, Node.js for server-side processing, and React.js for the front end. However, the technical complexity went beyond coding—one of the main challenges was optimizing the platform to handle poor internet connections, especially in remote and rural areas.
Overcoming Connectivity Challenges
“Reliable internet is something we often take for granted, but for Pyjam to work globally, we had to solve the problem of poor network infrastructure,” says Pavel Malinovskiy. In regions with weak connectivity, such as rural areas or countries with limited internet infrastructure, video calls often suffer from poor quality, leading to a less-than-optimal user experience. To tackle this, Pavel and his team implemented adaptive bitrate streaming, allowing the video quality to adjust dynamically based on real-time network conditions. Furthermore, error correction protocols were integrated into the platform, ensuring that transmission remains stable even when packet loss occurs, a common issue in these regions.
“In areas with weak internet infrastructure, we’ve implemented algorithms that prioritize maintaining a stable connection over high resolution,” Pavel explains. By offering low-latency streaming for smoother interactions, even users in remote locations can have a seamless experience, with video quality adapted to the conditions of their environment.
Using a Relay Server for One-to-Many Video Streaming
Initially, Pyjam’s architecture was based on peer-to-peer (P2P) connections, enabling direct video and audio exchanges between two users. This model was effective for small-scale interactions but posed scalability challenges when the need for one-to-many video streaming arose, where a user’s remote interactions needed to be broadcast to multiple viewers simultaneously. Pavel played a crucial role in overcoming this technical hurdle by introducing relay servers.
“Direct connections can quickly overwhelm the system as the number of viewers increases, so we needed to reduce the load on the source,” Pavel notes. In the new setup, the video stream is sent from the source to a relay server, which then distributes it to multiple recipients. This approach not only minimizes traffic consumption but also preserves stream quality. By offloading the task of distribution to the server, Pyjam ensures efficient and high-quality video streaming, even in environments with limited bandwidth.
The Future with Satellite Internet
The upcoming proliferation of satellite internet, particularly through projects like Starlink, opens up new possibilities for Pyjam. Pavel believes that once satellite internet becomes widely accessible, it will drastically improve the platform’s reach and user experience in underserved regions.
“With satellite internet, Pyjam can offer seamless communication experiences to users in the most remote locations—be it a traveler exploring the Amazon or a farmer in the Australian Outback,” Pavel says. This global connectivity will allow users to tap into Pyjam’s unique feature set, making real-time remote interactions possible even in places where traditional internet infrastructure is limited.
Users of the Pyjam platform can earn money by offering themselves as avatars in remote video call interactions, charging a per-minute rate for their time and actions. This unique opportunity allows users to set their own price per minute, with fees typically ranging between €0.10 and €50, depending on the level of interaction and demand. For influencers, this opens up a lucrative revenue stream, as fans are often eager to engage directly with their idols. It’s an exciting way for influencers to monetize their presence, offering followers a chance to control their actions, even if just for a few minutes.
On average, the platform sees a per-minute rate of €3, with payment services like Stripe and PayPal handling the transactions. These services offer critical functionality, including holding funds in escrow during the session. Once the session concludes, the money is automatically transferred from the caller’s account to the avatar, minus a small commission. This system ensures both parties are satisfied and reduces the risk of financial disputes, creating a smooth, trustworthy experience for all users.
Closing Thoughts
Pyjam’s journey is only just beginning, and under Pavel Malinovskiy’s leadership, the platform is poised to revolutionize remote interaction. As the platform expands and new technologies like satellite internet become more accessible, Pyjam will continue to offer innovative ways for users to connect, explore, and experience the world.
“We’re not just building a platform for today, but one that will change how people communicate and interact tomorrow,” says Pavel. With ambitious plans to expand its feature set and reach, Pyjam is set to take remote communication into uncharted territory.