Week 5: 

Firebase Authentication Integration

One of the major milestones this week was implementing user authentication using Firebase. Firebase Authentication provides a backend service that allows applications to securely authenticate users using multiple sign-in methods such as email/password or third-party providers. 

For AuroraTV, we began integrating Firebase so users can sign in and maintain a persistent identity within the app. 

Features implemented:

• Firebase project configured and connected to the application

• Authentication services initialized

• Login workflow started for email/password authentication

• Basic authentication state management implemented

This system will later enable features such as saved playlists, user preferences, and personalized recommendations.

Login Page UI + Guest Access 

Alongside authentication, we developed the Login Page interface.

UI goals

• Simple and intuitive design

• Fast access to content

• Minimal friction for first-time users

Features added

• Login form UI for authentication

• Continue as Guest option for users who prefer not to log in

• Navigation logic for authenticated vs guest sessions

The guest mode ensures the application remains accessible while still supporting user accounts for future features.

Main Page and Video Player UI Improvements 

This week also included several UI refinements across the application to improve readability and visual consistency. 

Improvements

• Cleaner layout for the main browsing page

• Updated color usage and spacing

• Improved video player page layout

• Better responsiveness and navigation flow

The goal was to make the interface feel closer to a modern streaming platform while keeping the design simple.

YouTube API Integration and Playback Control 

AuroraTV uses the YouTube API to retrieve and play video content. The application can fetch video data using the API and display playable results inside the app. 

The YouTube player API allows applications to control video playback programmatically, including responding to events such as when a video ends. 

New feature: Play Next Video

A new playback feature was added to improve viewing continuity.

How it works

• The player listens for the video ended event

• When the event triggers, the application loads the next video from the results list

• The next video begins automatically

This creates a smoother experience similar to modern streaming platforms, where content continues automatically.

Progress Summary 

Week 5 introduced several key improvements:

• Firebase authentication integration

• Login page with guest access

• UI improvements for the main interface and video player

• YouTube API playback enhancements

• Automatic play-next video feature

These updates significantly improved both the technical foundation and the user experience of AuroraTV.