React Native SDK 2.33.0 Release: Publisher Degradation Preference

Introduction

The Vonage Video API React Native Client SDK 2.33.0 is now available. 

Bringing features from the Video API Client SDK 2.33, this release introduces a highly requested capability to React Native developers: Publisher Degradation Preference. 

Publisher Degradation Preference enables direct control over how your app manages video quality when network or CPU resources are constrained. It also includes TypeScript improvements and bug fixes that improve stability across iOS and Android.

The SDK is available across all packages we support for React Native:

• @vonage/client-sdk-video-react-native on npm

• GitHub Packages (Vonage)

For a complete list of changes, see the full release notes.

Publisher Degradation Preference

When network or CPU resources become constrained, the video engine can reduce the publisher video's frame rate and/or resolution to accommodate the limitations. How your application responds to that pressure can significantly affect the user experience. 

Version 2.33.0 introduces the Publisher Degradation Preference parameter, giving you direct control over this behavior. This gives you the flexibility to tailor video quality to your specific use case, whether it’s a telehealth consultation that demands sharp image detail or a live sports stream where smooth motion is non-negotiable.

You can now choose from the following options:

This is particularly useful when the nature of your content matters, such as:

• Healthcare, where image detail is critical for diagnosis or consultation

• Sports and gaming, where smooth motion is more important than resolution

• IoT and embedded devices with limited processing power

• Any use case with specific quality requirements based on context

Important Note for TypeScript Developers

Version 2.33.0 fixes broken TypeScript support introduced in version 2.31.1. This fix does not introduce any functional changes to the SDK. However, after upgrading, your application may need to address typing issues that were previously hidden by missing type definitions. We strongly recommend reviewing your codebase for any TypeScript errors that surface after upgrading to 2.33.0 or later.

Bug Fixes and Stability Improvements

Version 2.33.0 also includes bug fixes that improve reliability across both iOS and Android. We recommend reviewing the release notes for the full list of resolved issues.

We’re actively working toward more complete and stable support of the New React Native Architecture in our SDK. Expect more patch releases soon, bringing further completion and stability improvements in this area.

Getting Started

Ready to upgrade? Install the latest version using your preferred package manager:

npm install @vonage/client-sdk-video-react-native@2.33.0

For full installation instructions, including iOS and Android setup steps, see the React Native SDK overview.

Note: The React Native SDK follows each native SDK release once the necessary integration, testing, and validation work is complete. The Client Observability feature included in the Vonage Video Android SDK and iOS SDK 2.33.0 is not yet available in this release of the React Native SDK. Support for this feature will be added in an upcoming minor release.

Conclusion

Version 2.33.0 of the Vonage Video API React Native SDK brings meaningful control improvements with Publisher Degradation Preference. Along with TypeScript fixes and stability enhancements, the SDK is now more reliable in production. If you're building video applications for iOS and Android with React Native, we recommend upgrading.