3CX v16 Update 4 Alpha
Introducing 3CX v16 Update 4 Alpha! It enables calling directly from the browser engine without opening the web client tab. It even works when the browser is completely closed! This means you can now receive calls right in the current application — CRM system, Office 365, etc. A small window pops up on your desktop, resembling the mobile 3CX application — a fully functional browser VoIP client.
The new client supports the click-to-call feature, allowing you to instantly call any number from an open web page or browser CRM.
To enable the new application, go to the 3CX web client and click on 'Install 3CX Extension for Chrome'. It will open in the. Install the extension, and then in the web client, click 'Activate 3CX Extension for Chrome'.
The 3CX extension for Google Chrome requires 3CX v16 Update 4 Alpha and Chrome v78 or higher. If you have the 3CX Click to Call extension installed, disable it before installing the new 3CX extension. Note that after upgrading from V16 Update 3 to V16 Update 4 Alpha, you need to refresh the page with the open web client for the extension activation option to appear.
3CX v16 Update 4 Alpha also adds support for new storage options and protocols for backups.
- For backing up configuration and call recordings, the following protocols are supported: FTP, FTPS, FTPES, SFTP, and SMB.
- The 3CX distribution includes a 'Migration Archive' utility for transferring call recording archives from Google Drive to the local disk of the PBX server (without losing any file recording information)..
- Improvements to the DNS resolver (handling Invite/ACK for certain SIP providers).
To install the update, go to the 'Updates' section in the 3CX management interface, select 'v16 Update 4 Alpha', and click 'Download Selected'. You can also install the v16 Update 4 Alpha distribution for Windows or Linux:
- Windows: .
- Linux: – on the screen '' select 'Beta'.
Review the full notes for this version and share your feedback on the of 3CX users.
3CX Update for Android Beta — groups, favorites, and parallel calls
Last week we also released an update for the 3CX application for Android Beta. It features a Favorites group and rules for handling parallel calls. You can now set the operating mode that you need right now.
If you have users you frequently communicate with, such as colleagues from your department, add them to Favorites for quick dialing.
In the web client, the icons for favorite contacts are always displayed first in the list. You can always add or remove a user from Favorites.
A dropdown list of user groups (extension numbers), both local and available via the 3CX intercom trunk, has been added to the Status screen of the application. It's now much easier to see the status and contact a user in any organizational group, especially in a large organization.
Another useful update is if you are on a SIP call and a GSM call comes in, you will hear a ‘beep’ indicating a waiting call. If you choose to answer, the SIP call will automatically be put on hold. Unfortunately, sometimes you may need to manually restore the SIP call after the GSM call ends. If you are on a GSM call and a SIP call comes in, it will be handled according to the preset 3CX rules (as if you were busy).
Other changes and improvements
- After reconnection, some phones experienced one-way audio issues. This has now been fixed.
- The sidebar menu now includes an image, status, full name, and phone number.
- Contact editing is now available, including image upload.
- Long pressing 0 adds ‘+’ in the dialer.
- Fixed a crash issue with the application on Google Pixel XL (marlin) running Android 10.
and install the new 3CX application for Android from Google Play.
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3CX's roadmap for the coming months
Many of you are asking about 3CX's development plans. We cannot specify exact timelines for the release of specific features, but we can share the general direction of new product development. Please note that we do not guarantee that these features will ultimately be implemented, as priorities may always change.
In general, we plan to release an update every two to three months, which will include one significant new feature. This is quite a tight schedule, especially for a real-time application installed by hundreds of thousands of users across different operating systems and hardware. Additionally, we must ensure compatibility and seamless operation of each update with dozens of models of IP phones and SIP operator services. To minimize issues, we strongly recommend using the latest (or certified) versions of operating systems, firmware for IP phones and gateways, as well as the 3CX server itself. Otherwise, we end up spending a lot of resources supporting outdated platforms instead of developing new functionality for the PBX.
So, here are the new features we will present in the near future.
Update 5
Development has already started. The update will be ready before Christmas or at the beginning of next year. Planned features include:
- Support for backup to Google Buckets (faster and more reliable).
- Update of the WordPress plugin – improvements to chat and other functionalities.
- Major update of Office 365 integration through a new API, implementing new capabilities (not yet defined what).
- Support for sending and receiving SMS (development has begun).
Update 6/7
The release date and expected capabilities are being specified, but as of today, the following is planned:
- Support for Debian 10
- .NET core 3.5
- Improvements to 911 service support to comply with new regulations.
- Possible support for Raspberry Pi4 64-bit.
- Possible access log to the system (audit).
- Possible improvements in the failover mechanism.
- Possible management of Caller ID display.
IP phones
We plan to support Polycom phones, but we expect some adjustments from the manufacturer. If you are using these phones, please contact Polycom support so they can more quickly 'get along' with 3CX!
3CX application for Android
In the last six months, we have dedicated ourselves to completely rewriting the 3CX application for Android. It has become extensible and supports the latest devices and technologies. The changes might not seem very noticeable to the user, but they are very important to us as they allow us to continue innovating. Soon, the application will feature:
- Support for Telecom API as it emerges across various devices
- Support for video conferencing
- Possible support for Android Auto
3CX app for iOS
We are currently rewriting the app, transitioning to Swift technology. This will allow us to add functionality even faster. In the next 2-3 months, you will see:
- A new user interface
- Support for video conferencing (timeline to be determined)
- Support for Apple's new Push infrastructure
Please note that the current version of the 3CX app for iOS will stop working with 3CX V15.5 in early December. This outdated version will remain in the app store for a few more months. However, Apple will disable the outdated PUSH infrastructure in March or April, rendering the old app non-functional. Our new app will only work with iPhone 6S and later (iPhones below 6 will no longer receive updates).
These are our plans—just a little longer to wait!
Source: habr.com
