Citrix Workspace app for HTML5 - Preview

This documentation describes the features and configuration of Citrix Workspace app for HTML5 2408. This version is the preview for the latest version of Citrix Workspace app for HTML5.

Early Adopter Release (EAR) build for 2408 is available on the Citrix Downloads page.

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.

What’s new

Secure HDX Technical Preview

Secure HDX is an Application Level Encryption (ALE) solution that prevents any network elements in the traffic path from being able to inspect the HDX traffic. It does this function by providing true End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) at the application level between the Citrix Workspace app (client) and the VDA (session host) using AES-256-GCM encryption.

Prerequisites

The minimum VDA version must be 2402 for this feature to function.

Notes:

• Secure HDX is currently in technical preview.
• This feature is not recommended for use in production environments.
• To request access for this feature, fill out this form.

Configurations

Secure HDX is disabled by default. You can configure this feature using the Secure HDX setting in the Citrix policy:

• Secure HDX: Defines whether to enable the feature for all sessions, only for direct connections, or disable it.

For more information, see Secure HDX in the Citrix DaaS documentation.

HDX adaptive throughput

Starting with the 2408 version, HDX adaptive throughput is supported. This feature intelligently fine-tunes the peak throughput of the ICA session by adjusting output buffers. The number of output buffers is initially set at a high value. This high value allows data to be transmitted to the client more quickly and efficiently, especially in high-latency networks.

This feature provides better interactivity, faster file transfers, smoother video playback, and a higher frame rate and resolution resulting in an enhanced user experience.

Session interactivity is constantly measured to determine whether any data streams within the ICA session adversely affect interactivity. If that occurs, the throughput is decreased to reduce the impact of the large data stream on the session and allow interactivity to recover.

Note:

This feature is enabled by default.

Improved in-session toolbar Technical Preview

Starting with the 2408 version, an enhanced toolbar UI appears when you start an app or a desktop session. The look and feel of the in-session toolbar UI has changed. The toolbar UI is specifically designed to enhance the end user experience by organizing the options in a user-friendly manner.

Old toolbar UI

New toolbar UI

Notes:

• This feature is disabled by default.
• To enable the feature, follow the configuration steps.
• To provide feedback about this feature, click the Google form.

Configuration

You can enable the new toolbar UI by using the the Configuration.js file.

Configuration.js file

In Citrix Workspace app for HTML5, the configuration.js file is located under the C:\Program Files\Citrix\Receiver StoreFront\HTML5Client folder. Edit this file to configure the new toolbar UI feature.

Notes:

• Citrix recommends that you back up the configuration.js file before modifying it.
• Administrator-level credentials are required to edit the configuration.js file.

To enable feature:

1. Navigate to the configuration.js file in the HTML5Client folder.

2. Add the switchToNewToolbar attribute and set the attribute to true. For example,

   The following is an example of JSON data:

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

3. Save the changes.

Icons and actions

End users can perform the following actions:

Note:

Toolbar notch, Pin, and unpin options appear by default. End user can view the other icons provided their organization admin has enabled the particular feature.

• Toolbar notch – when you start an app or a desktop session, the toolbar notch appears at the top the screen. When you click the notch, the toolbar appears in the unpinned state. Drag and reposition the toolbar notch onto any side of the screen. After you release the mouse, the notch will automatically align itself with the nearest edge.

• Pin – when you pin the toolbar, you can drag and reposition the toolbar onto any side of the screen, vertically or horizontally. After you release the mouse, the notch will automatically align itself with the nearest edge. The advantage of pinning the toolbar is that it doesn’t minimize into a notch after you complete an action that involves toolbar icons.

• Unpin – when you unpin the toolbar, it minimizes into a notch after you complete an action that involves toolbar icons.

• Switch apps - click the icon to view the already opened apps in the same VDA. Note that, this icon doesn’t appear in the desktop session.

  

• Shortcut keys – you can perform the Ctrl+Alt+Del function with the click of a button. This option facilitates users to sign out, switch users, lock the system, or access the Task Manager.

  

• File transfer – you can upload or download a file between a user device and a session. For more information, see File handling.

  

• Clipboard – you can use the clipboard option to copy and paste plain text and HTML data from the VDA to the local device and back. For more information, see Clipboard.

• Multi-monitor – This icon appears on non-chromium browsers like Mozilla Firefox. Click to see the window span across all the connected monitors. On Chromium browsers, use the Fullscreen option to span the window across all the connected monitors.

• Devices – click to open the USB Devices dialog box. Click Add to view the USB devices connected to the local device. The dialog box lists the devices that can be redirected to the session. To redirect the USB devices, select an appropriate device and click Connect.

  Note:

  You can view the Devices icon only if your IT administrator provides access to connect USB devices through policy settings.

• Preferences – You can set your preference as follows. The following four options appear:

  

  • Map a drive – the Client Drive Mapping (CDM) feature allows you to access your local folders and drives from Citrix Workspace app. For more information, see File handling.

  • Display Resolution – select the size of the resolution for the session display. By default, the screen resolution is set to Auto-fit screen.

  • Multi-touch mode – this option applies only to touchscreen devices. Click to use the multi-touch mode. You can toggle between Panning and Multi-touch mode. This option is applicable to touch screen devices. For more information, see Touch and mobility support.

  • More – displays preferences about the soft keyboard button and Citrix Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP).

• Help - the following three options appear:

  

  • Collect logs – the log collection screen appears in a new tab. Users can start and stop logging.

  • Gesture Guide – a gesture guide appears with details on how to use finger taps. This option is applicable to touch screen devices.

  • About – displays the current version of the Citrix Workspace app that you are using.

• Minimize – you can minimize the session window.

• Fullscreen – you can switch your screen from windowed to fullscreen. If you have a multi-monitor set-up, the fullscreen button will extend the screen across the set-up and also function as a multi-monitor button.

• Disconnect – the disconnect action will keep the virtual desktop running. Sign out to save energy.

Fixed issues

There are no fixed issues in this release.

Known issues

There are no new known issues in this release.

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 HTML5 - Preview feedback

You can give the 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.