Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS - Preview

This documentation describes the features and configuration of Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS 2502. This version is the preview for the latest version of Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS.

Early Adopter Release (EAR) build for 2502 is available on:

• Chrome Web Store

• Citrix Downloads

EAR build is for the purpose of testing or validation with the intent to make organizations ready for the upcoming release and is NOT advised to be deployed in production environments.

For more information on how to install the EAR build, see To access the EAR build.

What’s new

This release is compatible with ChromeOS version 132. This release addresses areas that improve overall performance and stability. The following are the features:

• Enhancements to the improved in-session toolbar
• Connection strength indicator
• Adaptive transport (EDT)
• Support for horizontal scrolling on trackpad
• Session launch diagnostics
• Enhanced seamless app launch and resizing experience
• Support for Unified Communications (UC) SDK
• Zoom optimization - lock screen support
• Asset ID character limit

Enhancements to the improved in-session toolbar

Starting with the 2502 version, this feature is enabled by default. To disable the feature, follow the configuration steps mentioned in this article.

Configuration

You can disable the new toolbar UI by using:

• Google Admin Policy
• Global App Configuration service

Google Admin Policy

For managed devices and users, administrators can disable the feature using the Google Admin Policy as follows:

1. Sign in to the Google Admin Policy.
2. Go to Device management > Chrome Management > User Settings.

3. Add the following JSON strings to the policy.txt file under the engine_settings key.

   Note:

   You can apply this configuration to the following as well:

   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Users and browsers > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Kiosks > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Managed guest sessions > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.

4. Make sure you set the attribute switchToNewToolbar to false. The following is an example of JSON data:

   {
       "engine_settings": {
           "ui": {
               "toolbar": {
                   "switchToNewToolbar": false
                           }
               }
       }
   }
   <!--NeedCopy-->
   

5. Save the changes.

Global App Configuration service

Administrators can disable the feature by navigating to Workspace Configuration > App Configuration > Session Experience > Toolbar > New Session Toolbar.

Clear the checkbox and respective toggle button to disable the feature.

Toolbar customization

Admins can customize the toolbar, choosing what options must be viewed by the end user. You can customize it using the Global App Configuration service.

To enable a particular feature, administrators can:

1. Navigate to Workspace Configuration > App Configuration > Session Experience > Toolbar.
2. Select the checkbox ChromeOS.
3. Scroll and click the down arrow.
4. Select the platform checkbox and click the toggle button to enable or disable the option in the toolbar
5. Save and publish the changes.

The following table displays the toolbar options that the admin can configure:

Connection strength indicator

Starting with the version 2502, Citrix Workspace app for HTML5 and Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS supports the Connection Strength Indicator (CSI) on the in-session toolbar. This feature displays a network strength icon that alerts you of network issues. You can click the indicator to view real-time connection statistics for the client and VDA, and copy (or download) diagnostic information to share with IT for advanced troubleshooting.

Notes:

• This feature is enabled by default.
• When you open the session, you can see the Connection Details icon on the in-session toolbar, provided the new toolbar feature is enabled.

Benefits

• Immediate feedback: The network strength icon gently nudges users when network issues are detected.
• Enhanced troubleshooting: Real-time stats and diagnostics help users and IT teams quickly identify and resolve connectivity issues.

Prerequisites

This feature is available only when a session is opened using:

• Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops version 2407 or later
• Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops version 2402 LTSR CU1 or later

Known issue in the feature

With Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops version 2411, the Connection Strength Indicator (CSI) on the in-session toolbar doesn’t display the protocol information such as RTT and Bandwidth (in EDT protocol) [XASUP-6810].

Configuration

You can disable the feature by using:

• Google Admin Policy
• Global App Configuration service

Google Admin Policy

For managed devices and users, administrators can disable the feature using the Google Admin Policy as follows:

1. Sign in to the Google Admin Policy.
2. Go to Device management > Chrome Management > User Settings.

3. Add the following JSON strings to the policy.txt file under the engine_settings key.

   Note:

   You can apply this configuration to the following as well:

   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Users and browsers > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Kiosks > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Managed guest sessions > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.

4. Make sure you set the attribute connectionStrengthIndicator to false. The following is an example of JSON data:

   {
       "engine_settings": {
           "ui": {
               "toolbar": {
                           "connectionStrengthIndicator": false
                           }
                }
       }
   }
   <!--NeedCopy-->
   

5. Save the changes.

Global App Configuration service

Administrators can disable the feature by navigating to Workspace Configuration > App Configuration > Session Experience > Toolbar > Connection Strength Indicator.

Clear the checkbox and respective toggle button to disable the feature.

Adaptive transport (EDT)

Adaptive transport delivers a superior user experience on challenging long-haul connections while maintaining server scalability. This feature delivers a high-quality HDX experience on web-based platforms.

Note:

Follow the configuration steps to enable the feature.

For more information, see the Adaptive transport section in the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops documentation.

Requirements

The following are the requirements for using Adaptive transport:

VDA System requirements

• Virtual Delivery Agent

  ◈ Version 1912 or later (2402 or later is recommended)

For more information, see System requirements in the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops documentation.

VDA Network requirements

Enable the Firewall in your internal and external network. For more information, see Network requirements in the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops documentation.

Gateway requirements

Citrix NetScaler Gateway

• 14.1.12.30 or later (recommended)
• 13.1.17.42 or later (13.1.52.19 or later is recommended)

For more information, see Citrix Gateway.

On-prem Citrix Gateway

For more information, see HDX enlightened data transport support in the NetScaler Gateway documentation.

Citrix Gateway service

For more information, see HDX adaptive transport with EDT support for Citrix Gateway Service in the Citrix Gateway Service documentation.

ChromeOS requirement

• The recommended Chromium version required is >=133 and later.

• Network:

  ◈ If the gateway or non-gateway with SSL VDA is used, enable the UDP Port 443 in the firewall of the client-side network.

  ◈ If non-gateway and non-SSL VDA are used, enable the UDP ports 2598 and 1494 in the firewall of the client-side network.

Known limitations

• When the ChromeOS version is 125–132, sessions might intermittently freeze.

• In the certificate chain, if an intermediate certificate is missing, then the adaptive transport feature might not work. [CVADHELP-27012]

• When you use ChromeOS version 133, the Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS might become unresponsive during the session reliability (SR) reconnect. [RFHTMCRM-15117]

Fixed issue since technical preview

• Fixed the issue related to the verification of the certificate policy extension in the certificate chain to enhance compliance. [CVADHELP-27012]

• When the VDA is powered off, the lease launch can’t start and gets stuck on the progress message “Connection leases are being resolved.” The workaround is to wait a while and then attempt to relaunch the session. [RFHTMCRM-15129]

Known issues in the feature

• For a UDP setup, if TCP is connected, then session might not go back to adaptive transport reliably. [RFHTMCRM-15116]

Administrator configurations

You can configure the adaptive transport feature in one of the following ways:

• Google Admin Policy
• Global App Configuration service

Google Admin Policy

For managed devices and users, administrators can enable the feature using the Google Admin Policy as follows:

1. Sign in to the Google Admin Policy.
2. Go to Device management > Chrome Management > User Settings.

3. Add the following strings to the policy.txt file under the engine_settings key. You can apply this configuration to the following:

   Notes:

   You can apply this configuration on the following as well:

   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Users and browsers > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Kiosks > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Managed guest sessions > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.

   The following is an example of JSON data:

   {
   "settings": {
   "Value": {
       "settings_version": "1.0",
               "engine_settings": {
                   "features": {
                       "edt": {
                           "enabled": true
                               }
                           }
                       }
                   }
               }
   }   
   <!--NeedCopy-->
   

4. Save the changes.

Verification steps

To check the connection over EDT or TCP:

1. Open the command prompt in the Citrix VDA session.
2. Run ctxSession -v.

3. You can identify the output for adaptive transport EDT as follows:

   • If you use SSL VDA, then follow UDP->DTLS->CGP->ICA.
   • If you use non-SSL VDA, then follow UDP->CGP->ICA.

   

Debugging and collecting Logs

In case if the adaptive transport feature isn’t working:

• Collect Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS logs. For more information, see Client logs.

• When facing a connection issue with adaptive transport, test its functionality on the Citrix Workspace app for Windows or Mac with the same network, store URL, and user details. Testing with other Citrix Workspace app clients might help you to identify and eliminate any potential configuration or network-related issues.

• Network Traces - Collect Gateway logs.

• CDF traces on VDA side - Collect Citrix Diagnostic Facility (CDF) trace at system startup.

Support for horizontal scrolling on trackpad

Starting with the 2502 version, horizontal scrolling using the trackpad is supported within the session.

Session launch diagnostics

Starting with the 2502 version, we’ve implemented an improved support process for session failures. Help desk administrators are now equipped with comprehensive insights into failure paths, allowing them to effectively triage and significantly reduce the number of support cases related to session failures.

For more information, see Session launch diagnostics in the Citrix Monitor documentation.

Enhanced seamless app launch and resizing experience

Starting with the 2502 version, Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS ensures an enhanced app launch experience. You experience a seamless, flicker-free transition to your apps without intermediate screens. The app also eliminates dark screens and flickering during resizing or stretching, providing a stable and modern interface. This feature is enabled by default.

Support for Unified Communications (UC) SDK

The Citrix Unified Communications SDK allows Unified Communications vendors, Cloud contact center providers, Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) providers, or any WebRTC-based communications vendors to integrate seamlessly with electron-based desktop or browser-based applications.

For more information, see Unified Communications (UC) SDK, which is a tech zone article.

Redirection of WebHID APIs

Unified Communications SDK for Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS implements the redirection of WebHID APIs as defined in Citrix-WebRTC, with certain known limitations:

• If multiple HID devices of the same type exist, the user can’t select a specific device for testing.

Note:

This feature is disabled by default.

Configuration

You can enable the feature by using:

• Google Admin Policy
• Global App Configuration service

Google Admin Policy

For managed devices and users, administrators can enable the feature using the Google Admin Policy as follows:

1. Sign in to the Google Admin Policy.
2. Go to Device management > Chrome Management > User Settings.

3. Add the following JSON strings to the policy.txt file under the engine_settings key.

   Note:

   You can apply this configuration to the following as well:

   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Users and browsers > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Kiosks > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Managed guest sessions > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.

4. Make sure you set the attribute webHID to true. The following is an example of JSON data:

   'features' : {
       'msTeamsOptimization' : { 
           'webHID' : true 
           } 
           }
   <!--NeedCopy-->
   

5. Set the attribute hidDeviceBlockList with the correct format. If you want to block some HID devices, the following is an example of JSON data:

   'features' : {
   'msTeamsOptimization' : {       
       // The format of the blocklist is ["VID:PID", "VID:PID", "VID:PID", ...]
       // Each VID and PID is an up to 4-digit hexadecimal number with an optional "0x" prefix.
       // The VID is a required field. The PID is optional, so the colon and PID can be omitted.
       // example ["35ab:21ff", "45ac", "0x567:123a", "0x1234:0x5678"]
       'hidDeviceBlockList' : [] 
       }
   }
   <!--NeedCopy-->
   

6. Save the changes.

Global App Configuration service

Administrators can enable the feature by navigating to Workspace Configuration > App Configuration > HDX and Multimedia > MS Teams > Enable webHID redirection and HID Device Blocklist. Select the checkbox and respective toggle button to enable the feature.

Zoom optimization - lock screen support

This feature handles the lock screen events by introducing a new onLockStateChanged attribute. For more information, see the SDK documentation.

Asset ID character limit

Previously, the current asset ID feature had a maximum limit of 15 characters.

Starting with the 2502 version, the asset ID feature supports up to 20 characters.

Note:

This feature is disabled by default.

Configuration

For managed devices and users, administrators can enable the feature using the Google Admin Policy as follows:

1. Sign in to the Google Admin Policy.
2. Go to Device management > Chrome Management > User Settings.

3. Add the following strings to the policy.txt file under the engine_settings key. You can apply this configuration to the following:

   Notes:

   You can apply this configuration on the following as well:

   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Users and browsers > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Kiosks > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.
   • Device > Chrome > Apps and extensions > Managed guest sessions > Search for the extension > Policy for extensions.

4. Make sure you set the attribute useMaxAssetIDLimit to true.

   Note:

   The useMaxAssetIDLimit configuration applies only when useAssetID is set to true.

   The following is an example of JSON data for useMaxAssetIDLimit:

   {
   "settings": {
       "Value": {
           "settings_version": "1.0",
               "engine_settings": {
                   "uniqueID":
                       { 
                       "useMaxAssetIDLimit": true 
                       }
                   }
               }
       }
   }   
   <!--NeedCopy-->
   

5. Save the changes.

For more information, see Asset ID.

Fixed issues

• When playing a video within a Citrix session on a Chromebook, the audio becomes distorted—initially starting slow and then accelerating uncontrollably. The issue occurs when you connect to a virtual desktop through the Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS. [CVADHELP-27111]

• Fixed issue in optimized scanner redirection feature:

  • Duplex scanning fails because the scanner application UI doesn’t correctly trigger the ADF duplex source selection.
  • The multi-page scanning option scans only one page because the scanner application doesn’t correctly handle multiple pages in the tray.
  • Skip scanning blank pages fails during duplex scanning because the scanner application doesn’t automatically select this option compared to native settings.
  • The scanned page color palette appears incorrect because the scanner application doesn’t accurately reproduce colors.

Known issues

• In service continuity, when establishing a direct VDA connection in the cloud, end users might experience a delay of approximately two minutes if any cloud connector is offline. In addition, a secondary window featuring a progress dialog opens and remains visible during the session launch. Users can close this extra window and continue using the session that has been successfully launched.

  Note:

  The issue doesn’t apply to the connections made through Citrix Gateway Service.

Technical Preview

Features in the Technical Preview are available to use in non-production or limited production environments, and to give customers an opportunity to share feedback. Citrix does not accept support cases for features in technical preview but welcomes feedback for improving them. Citrix might act on feedback based on its severity, criticality, and importance.

Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS - Preview feedback

You can give the EAR feedback at: https://forms.gle/ef3eFFKBk7gvTi1b6.

Important:

The Early Adopter Release (EAR) documentation is available for information purposes only. It isn’t a commitment, promise, or legal obligation to deliver any material, code, or functionality and must not be relied upon in making Citrix product purchase decisions. The development, release, and timing of any features or functionality described in the EAR documentation remain at our sole discretion and are subject to change without notice or consultation. Citrix does not accept support cases for EAR but welcomes feedback for improving them. Citrix might act on feedback based on its severity, criticality, and importance.