We understand that some people are not happy with our decisions but we have to balance the interests of the majority of our users who are now on v18 and need the new extension. That does not mean we don't appreciate that its inconvenient to have to make a choice now and that it involves work now. But its not double work, its work that has to be done anyway.
Let me try to explain in a different way and group some of the concerns and address them:
1. The options available:
a.
If you are on v16 - and you want to stay on v16, install the Windows app that ships with it. There will be no need for the browser extension and you can keep using v16 as long as you like independent of browser updates and the June 2022 Google deadline.
b.
If you are on v16 and can move to v18, then do so asap and you can re-install the old extension for your Mac or Linux users. Windows users will receive the brand new windows desktop app which is much better than the old extension. Of course they can continue using the old Windows app if they prefer. Mac users will receive a new mac client shortly.
c.
If you are on v18 already, install update v2 and install the old extension for your mac and linux users. Install the new Windows desktop app for your windows users if you have not done so already. If you are using the old Windows app there is nothing you have to do.
d. NEW OPTION - we are going to make an update to v16 that will allow you to install the old extension - it will take us a few days and be a beta. We do not really recommend this option as the browser extension will be removed on June 2022 and as from January 2022 Google will no longer allow updates to it so any browser update could render the extension inoperable. That said if you really prefer this way and not the v18 way we are going to make it available ASAP.
2. It is not a system critical / breaking function
For us is not a system breaking function. The phone system v16 is working fine with the Windows, Android, iOS apps and the ip phones, as well as the web client. Its just notifications to Mac or Linux users that do not use the mobile apps or do not have deskphones that are effected. According to our stats this is a very small percentage of our user base.
3. Communication
All product communication is via our blog
category product releases. Its a 5-6 posts per month and we try to answer peoples concerns as much as possible. I think we do a reasonable job. No we will not send out 5-6 emails per month. Where it is a system breaking function of course we will send out more emails and give more warnings but we do not see it as such. That said, maybe in this case we could have made a clearer subject line with a clear date, I agree.
4. Apps always for the latest version.
I already mentioned it before but the apps and the extension are always for the latest version of 3CX. In this case we have given a 6 month headstart. No we will not ask people upgrading to new version to re install to a new app or new extension, it makes no sense.
5. The new app resolves this once and for all.
The new Windows app actually removes the depency on the extension and allows you to run a separate app for as long as you like. This means that you are not dependent on updates to the extension or more importantly chrome updates. So actually the path we are suggesting is the solution for the complaints!
6. V18 is not new or sudden - Although I appreciate that its not so easy for everybody to upgrade its hardly a sudden announcement. v18 was in beta for 6 months and was released more then 6 months ago. So there was a whole year to prepare for this upgrade.
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