Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS - Preview

This documentation describes the features and configuration of Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS 2603. This version is the preview for the latest version of Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS.

Early Adopter Release (EAR) build for 2603 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 in 2603

This release is compatible with ChromeOS versions 147. Following are the new features and enhancements:

• Keyboard input mode refinement
• Audio quality improvement with reliable transport protocols
• AOT log content enhancement
• Service Continuity for connectorless workloads
• Loss tolerant mode for graphics
• Enhanced EDT lossy connection support with Secure HDX
• Enhanced in-session reconnection experience [Technical Preview]

Keyboard input mode refinement

Starting with version 2603, Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS introduces a refined user interface for selecting keyboard input modes, replacing the deprecated scancode configuration option. This enhancement allows users to modify keyboard settings during an active session with immediate effect.

About this feature

This feature provides improved keyboard input management with the following key capabilities:

• Real-time configuration changes: Users can modify keyboard input settings during an active session without requiring a session restart.

• Enhanced user interface: A new streamlined interface allows users to select keyboard input modes directly from the session preferences dialog.

• Three input modes: The feature supports Automatic, Unicode, and Scancode input modes to accommodate different use cases and scenarios.

• Intelligent automatic mode: When Automatic mode is selected, the optimal input method is Unicode mode.

Configuration changes

The previous Scancode configuration method is deprecated as of Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS 2603:

Deprecated configuration:

"features": {
    "ime": {
        "scancode": true
    }
}
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New configuration method:

"features": {
    "ime": {
        "inputMode": "Scancode"
    }
}
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Note:

If you have configured the deprecated scancode setting in a previous version, it is ignored in Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS 2603 and later. The app automatically falls back to Automatic input mode.

In-session preferences

End users can change keyboard input modes during an active session:

1. Open the Session Preferences dialog from the toolbar.
2. Navigate to the Keyboard section.

3. Select the desired input mode from the drop-down menu.

   

   Changes take effect immediately without requiring a session restart.

Users can also configure the keyboard input mode from the application settings before launching a session:

1. Open Citrix Workspace app.
2. Navigate to Settings > General.
3. Locate the Keyboard input mode drop-down list.
4. Select the preferred input mode:
   1. Automatic
   2. Unicode
   3. Scancode

   

When no admin configuration is set, users can freely select their preferred input mode.

Admin controlled setting

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.

"features": {
     "ime": { 
        "inputMode":"" // "Automatic", "Unicode", "Scancode" 
            } 
            }
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When an administrator configures the inputMode setting:

• The drop-down list selector becomes disabled (grayed out)

• Users cannot change the input mode

Audio quality improvement with reliable transport protocols

Starting with version 2603, Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS delivers enhanced audio redirection that creates a smoother and more consistent audio playback and recording experience. The application improves audio quality, particularly when you use reliable transport protocols such as TCP and EDT Reliable.

About this feature

This feature delivers significant improvements to audio performance with the following key benefits:

• Improved audio quality: The application processes audio more effectively and delivers clearer sound with less distortion during playback and recording sessions.

• Consistent audio experience: Reliable transport protocols maintain stable audio streaming with fewer interruptions or dropouts.

• Optimized for reliable transports: The enhancement performs better when you use TCP and EDT Reliable transport protocols, delivering more predictable audio.

• Seamless user experience: Users experience smoother audio transitions and better overall session quality without configuring additional settings.

Prerequisites

To use this feature, ensure that you enable the Adaptive Audio feature (enabled by default).

For more information about audio configuration, see Adaptive audio.

AOT log content enhancement

Starting with version 2603, Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS expands AOT (Always On Tracing) log functionality to support log uploads to centralized servers for on-premises setups that include a gateway in the path. This enhancement extends diagnostic capabilities and provides administrators with greater flexibility in troubleshooting environments.

About this feature

This feature delivers enhanced diagnostic capabilities with the following key improvements:

• Expanded gateway support: AOT logs now upload successfully to centralized log servers in on-premises environments that include a gateway in the connection path.

• Improved troubleshooting coverage: Administrators can capture and analyze diagnostic data across more diverse network configurations and deployment scenarios.

• Flexible configuration control: You can now disable the AOT feature entirely when diagnostic logging is not required for your environment.

• Enhanced compatibility: The feature works seamlessly with existing on-premises setups while extending to previously unsupported gateway configurations.

Notes:

• In this Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS 2511 release, AOT logs are only captured for on-premises setups without gateway in the path.
• In Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS 2603, AOT log uploads to centralized log servers support both on-premises setups without a gateway and on-premises setups with a gateway in the path.

For more information about AOT configuration and troubleshooting, see Upload AOT logs to centralized AOT log server.

Service Continuity for connectorless workloads

Starting with version 2603, Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS supports Service Continuity for connectorless workloads that run on compatible VDAs. This enhancement removes the limitation that previously restricted Service Continuity to deployments that rely on cloud connectors. ChromeOS endpoints can now participate in connectorless infrastructure designs while maintaining resilient app and desktop launches during transient Citrix Workspace or Citrix Gateway service outages.

About this feature

This feature delivers enhanced service continuity capabilities with the following key benefits:

• Extended deployment support: The application now supports connectorless workloads in addition to traditional cloud connector deployments.
• Improved resilience: Users can launch and reconnect to virtual apps and desktops even when control plane connectivity becomes temporarily unavailable.
• Modern architecture alignment: The enhancement aligns with modern, connectorless Citrix architectures and deployment patterns.
• Consistent user experience: ChromeOS endpoints maintain the same level of service continuity regardless of the underlying infrastructure design.

For more information about VDA requirements and limitations, see Service Continuity VDA requirements in the Citrix Workspace documentation.

For complete information about Service Continuity, see Service Continuity in the Citrix Workspace documentation.

Loss tolerant mode for graphics

Starting with version 2603, Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS supports loss tolerant mode for graphics in Citrix sessions. This feature improves the video experience, particularly when you use poor network conditions with high packet loss and latency. The feature helps maintain session interactivity and prevents degraded user experiences characterized by lag and visual stuttering.

For more information, see EDT loss tolerant mode introduction in the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops documentation.

Note:

This feature is disabled by default.

About this feature

This feature delivers significant improvements to graphics performance with the following key benefits:

• Enhanced network resilience: The application handles video and graphics effectively even when network connections experience challenges.
• Improved remote work experience: Users working remotely or in areas with unreliable networks can use graphics-heavy applications without major performance issues like lag or pixelation.
• Maintained productivity: The feature ensures consistent application performance, which maintains user satisfaction and productivity levels.
• Optimized for challenging conditions: The enhancement performs better in networks with high packet loss and latency, delivering more stable graphics rendering.

System requirements

To use this feature, ensure that your environment meets the following requirements:

• Citrix Virtual Delivery Agent (VDA) version 2311 or later
• HDX Adaptive Transport (EDT) policy enabled
• Loss tolerant mode for graphics policy enabled on the VDA
• Minimum bandwidth of 30 Mbps (required for CVAD 2507 and later)

If you connect via the Citrix Gateway Service, you must also enable loss tolerant mode for graphics on the Gateway.

For more information about system requirements, see Loss tolerant mode system requirements in Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops documentation.

Known limitations in the feature

• When Loss Tolerant Mode is enabled, sessions might not reconnect after network disruption, which can result in session failure. [HDX-101830]

• When Loss Tolerant Mode is enabled, session performance might degrade when available network bandwidth changes. The output bandwidth metric in Director > Session Performance dashboard might not accurately reflect actual bandwidth usage. [HDX-99338]

  For more information, see Session performance troubleshooting in Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops documentation.

• This feature does not support sessions when you enable the Secure ICA policy.
• This feature does not support Kiosk mode.

How to configure

For managed devices and users, administrators can enable this 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.

   The following is an example of JSON data:

{
    "settings": {
        "Value": {
            "settings_version": "1.0",
            "engine_settings": {
                "graphics": {
                    "enableLossTolerantGraphics": true
                }
            }
        }
    }
}
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For more information about configuring loss tolerant mode, see How to configure loss tolerant mode in the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops documentation.

Enhanced EDT lossy connection support with Secure HDX

Starting with version 2603, Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS includes enhanced logic for EDT (Enlightened Data Transport) lossy connections in direct communication scenarios between the client and the Virtual Delivery Agent (VDA). Previously, enabling EDT lossy for audio required DTLS. Version 2603 removes this requirement, which simplifies configuration and improves flexibility.

With this update, the application recognizes Secure HDX 2.0 as a valid encryption method for lossy packets, which eliminates the dependency on DTLS when you use Secure HDX.

This improvement delivers a more secure and flexible connection experience. The enhancement benefits environments that use Secure HDX configurations, and the application maintains encryption standards without relying solely on DTLS.

Enhanced in-session reconnection experience [Technical Preview]

Starting with version 2603, this feature enhances the end-user experience during session timeouts caused by inactivity or network interruptions. The feature presents users with clear, contextual messages such as “Device went to sleep” or “Network disruption” to explain why a session ended. Users can reconnect directly from the timeout screen for desktop sessions.

About this feature

This feature provides improved session reconnection management with the following key capabilities:

• Clear timeout messaging: The application displays contextual messages that explain the specific reason for session timeouts.
• Direct reconnection option: Users can reconnect to desktop sessions immediately from the timeout screen without navigating back to the store.
• Enhanced user experience: The feature eliminates confusion about why sessions end and provides a seamless path to resume work.

Notes:

• This feature is available for sessions that you launch using TCP on cloud stores only.
• This feature is disabled by default. To enable it in your environment, complete the Google form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/S98rXZyuE6?origin=lprLink.

Fixed issues in 2603

• When you press the right Meta + L shortcut to trigger screen lock in a Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS session, the right meta key might remain stuck in the session and impact all subsequent keyboard inputs. [CVADHELP-30980]

• When you use PowerMic-3 with Dragon Medical One software in a Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS session with ChromeOS M136 or higher, recording functionality might fail intermittently. [CVADHELP-31808]

• When you start a published app in Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS session, one or more black boxes appear during startup and the session might fail to become interactive sometimes. [CVADHELP-31158]

• Zebra barcode scanners might not work properly after you upgrade Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS to version 2511. [CVADHELP-32042]

• When you run on Chrome OS version 146 or later, custom virtual channels built with earlier Citrix Virtual Channel SDK versions might not function as expected when you use them with a Manifest V3 Chrome extension. Compatibility issues between Manifest V3 and Chrome extension API behavior cause this problem. [RFHTMCRM-17807]

Known issues

There are no new known issues in the release.

Citrix Workspace app for ChromeOS - Preview feedback

You can give the EAR feedback at: https://forms.office.com/r/WjD1ppYSjQ.

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.