Solved Changes for v18 web client a big backwards step

[gmassingham]

It was very easy being able to say to all staff "Use the web client with the Chrome extension", especially as it was simple to push the extension to browsers via Google Workspace admin.

Now, I'm not entirely clear what the point of the web client is on a Windows system, as to make it useful it forces you to install the Windows client, which has the same functionality as the web client.

But I didn't want staff to use the Windows client. i wanted them to use the web client, so they could just log in to any computer, open Chrome and go to 3CX.

This update is, as far as I'm concerned, a backwards step, and a massive pain in the arse.

 

[VasilisV_3CX]

Hi @gmassingham,

The Desktop App's purpose is mentioned in the following blog post: https://www.3cx.com/blog/releases/v18-alpha-5/

It has recently bee expanded on to include Click2Call functionality: https://www.3cx.com/blog/releases/v18-update2/

But I didn't want staff to use the Windows client. i wanted them to use the web client, so they could just log in to any computer, open Chrome and go to 3CX.

They can still totally do this, there is no hard requirement to install the Desktop App. You can use the Web Client as is if you like.

 

[gmassingham]

The Desktop App's purpose is mentioned in the following blog post

Yes. To get rid of the perfectly useable Chrome extension.

They can still totally do this,

They totally can't.

Where is the pop-up dialler? It isn't there any more because the only Chrome app is now the Click-to-call one. That doesn't have a pop-out dialler. To have the pop-out dialler you have to install the Windows app. Or have I missed something?

 

[VasilisV_3CX]

Hi again @gmassingham,

Where is the pop-up dialler?

As per the attached blog post: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/3cx/dijllljhgnommpcoogbfcnadmnleeook/related

Bear in mind that this plugin will be deprecated by June 2022 at the latest. The way forward is the Desktop App long term, but until June 2022, you can use this plugin.

 

[gmassingham]

Already tried that. It doesn't work. Installs, but isn't linked to the client, and no way to do so that I can find.

 

[gmassingham]

As for this being the way forward... it really doesn't feel like it when I've got a load of confused employees, who now need to manually install an app just to get a pop-out dialler.

 

[NickD_3CX]

Be as it may, we are acting based on the most "sustainable" solution.

The fact is: Google is ultimately responsible for us having to remove the Dialer Plugin

They will be deprecating the coding APIs required by this plugin by June 2022 at the latest (I have a feeling they might break it earlier in fact)

While the instalable version might not be to your liking, but that is something we can control and not rely some much on what Google does or doesn't do.

So, looking a bit further into the future than June 2022, there are 2 long-term options for Windows Users:

1. The Desktop App
2. The Webclient

People can argue that each one has it's pros and cons, but this is what we have to work with at the time of writing.

As there really isn't much more to say on this topic, I will be locking it.