Citrix Workspace app 2402 for Linux - Preview

What’s new

The following features are available in this release:

Synchronize multiple keyboards at session start

Previously, only the active keyboard on the client was synchronized with VDA after the session started in full-screen mode. In this scenario, if you configured Sync only once - when session launches on your Citrix Workspace app, and you had to change to a different keyboard, you have to manually install the keyboard on your remote desktop. This feature is used mostly when the client side keyboard input mode is scancode input mode. Users can select a keyboard layout in a remote session as the active keyboard layout which is synchronized from the client keyboard layout list.

Starting with 2402, all available keyboards on the Linux client are synchronized with VDA after the session starts in full-screen mode. You can select the required keyboard from the list of installed keyboards on the VDA, after the session starts in full-screen mode.

Prerequisites:

On Citrix Workspace app for Linux:

Enable Sync only once - when the session launches in the keyboard preference setting. For more information, see the Keyboard layout synchronization.

On VDA:

Enable the following VDA policies:

Configuration on Citrix Workspace app for Linux:

This feature is applicable only on virtual desktops. This feature is disabled by default. To enable this feature, do the following:

  1. Navigate to the /config folder and open the All_Regions.ini file.
  2. Go to the [Virtual Channels\Keyboard] section and add the following entry:

    SyncKbdLayoutList = TRUE
    <!--NeedCopy-->
    

To disable this feature, set the value of SyncKbdLayoutList to False.

Configuration on VDA:

The feature Synchronize multiple keyboards at session starts is enabled by default on VDA. Update VDA registry setting to disable it when needed:

  1. Open the Registry editor and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Citrix\IcaIme.
  2. Create the DWORD entry DisableKbdLayoutList and set its value to 0. Setting the value to 1, disables the Synchronize multiple keyboards at session start feature.
  3. Restart the session for the changes to take effect.

Enhancement for composite USB auto-redirection

Previously, you had to set DesktopApplianceMode to True in the configuration file to auto-redirect USB devices when a session starts.

With this release, you are able to manage device connection settings from a UI on the Citrix Workspace app for Linux, without having to depend on configuration files.

The following two options are added on the Devices section in the Preferences screen:

  • When a session starts, connect the devices automatically. By default, this checkbox isn’t selected.
  • When a new device is connected while a session is running, connect the devices automatically. By default, this checkbox is selected.

This feature is enabled by default.

To configure the composite USB redirection by using the GUI, do the following:

  1. From the Desktop Viewer toolbar of an HDX session, select Preferences. The Citrix Workspace – Preferences dialog box appears.
  2. Click Devices. You can see the Devices section.

    Devices

  3. Select one or both of the following options as per your requirement:

    • When a session starts, connect devices automatically - When this option is selected, the USB devices are automatically connected to the virtual desktop when a session starts.
    • When a new device is connected while a session is running, connect devices automatically - When this option is selected, the USB devices are automatically connected to the virtual desktop while a session is in-progress.
  4. Click OK.

When one or more HDX sessions are configured for auto-redirection, the behaviors are as follows:

  • If there’s an HDX session on focus, all USB devices are auto-redirected.
  • If there’s no HDX session on focus, USB devices are auto-redirected to the last started HDX session.
  • After a USB device is redirected, an end user can stop it using the HDX session’s toolbar or directly close the HDX session. In this case, the USB device is disconnected and back to the client machine. The end user can redirect it again anytime.

Loss tolerant mode for audio

Starting with the 2402 version, Citrix Workspace app supports loss tolerant mode (EDT lossy) for audio redirection. This feature improves the user experience for real-time streaming when users are connecting through networks with high latency and packet loss. By default, this feature is enabled.

You need to use VDA version 2311 or later. For more information, see Support for audio over loss-tolerant mode (Preview) in the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops documentation.

To disable this feature on Citrix Workspace app for Linux, set the value for EdtUnreliableAllowed to FALSE in the $ICAROOT/config/module.ini configuration file, and restart the session for the changes to take effect.

Support for Audio volume synchronization

Starting with the 2402 version, Citrix Workspace app for Linux supports synchronization of audio volume between the VDA and your audio devices. You can now tune the volume using the VDA audio volume slider and have the same volume on your device and the other way around. This feature is enabled by default.

You need to use VDA version 2308 or later. For more information, see Audio volume synchronization in the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops documentation.

To disable this feature on Citrix Workspace app for Linux, set the value for EnableVolumeSync to FALSE in the $ICAROOT/config/module.ini configuration file, and restart the session for the changes to take effect.

Enable Packet Loss Concealment to improve audio performance

Starting with the 2402 version, the jitter buffer mechanism is improved. Also, the Packet Loss Concealment (PLC) is added for both Speex and Adaptive audio codec. Speex is enabled when the Audio Quality policy set to medium quality. Adaptive audio codec is selected by default when both VDA and Citrix Workspace app client support Adaptive audio codec. PLC helps to reconstruct the lost data packets.

This enhancement helps to improve the packet loss tolerance and jitter tolerance and thus improves audio performance for UDP audio and loss tolerant mode (EDT lossy) for audio. By default, this feature is enabled.

To enable this feature, you also need to enable UDP audio or loss tolerant mode for audio.

To disable this feature, set the value for PacketLossConcealmentEnabled to FALSE in the $ICAROOT/config/module.ini configuration file, and restart the session for the changes to take effect.

Version upgrade for Chromium Embedded Framework

The version of the Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) is upgraded to 120. This version upgrade helps to resolve security vulnerabilities.

Support for GTK3

Previously, the configmgr, conncenter, and setlog executables within Citrix Workspace app were using GTK2. With this release, these executables are migrated to GTK3.

Availability of Credential Insertion SDK for cloud stores

Previously, using the Credential Insertion SDK, you could authenticate only on on-premises stores. With this release, you can now authenticate users on the Self-Service plug-in using SSO on cloud stores. To enable this feature, do the following:

  1. Navigate to the /config/AuthManConfig.xml file.
  2. Go to the [AuthManLite] section and update the following entry:

    <CredentialInsertionEnabled>True</CredentialInsertionEnabled>
    <longLivedTokenSupport>false</longLivedTokenSupport>
    <!--NeedCopy-->
    

Note:

You can use the Credential Insertion SDK only for the basic authentication method (where username and password are required).

Improved UI for error messages

The error messages UI is improved. Previously, the UIDialog library was used to display error messages. From this release, the gtk library is used in error messages. This enhancement improves the user experience.

Also, a transaction ID along with a copy to clipboard button is available for the user’s convenience.

Error message

Introduction of a new command in Storebrowse

A new command -lt is introduced to list out all types of enabled authentication methods for StoreFront. This command supports using the credential insertion SDK.

Enter the Storebrowse command as follows:

./storebrowse -lt <full URL>`
<!--NeedCopy-->

The output is as follows:

`Storebrowse` command

Send feedback on Citrix Workspace app

The Send Feedback option allows you to inform Citrix about any issues that you might run into while using Citrix Workspace app. You can also send suggestions to help us improve your Citrix Workspace app experience.

This new feature enhances the feedback experience, ensuring a more efficient and informative communication channel between users and support teams.

The Send Feedback option includes an integrated log manager, empowering users to capture and include relevant logs for a comprehensive feedback report.

Also, the Send Feedback provides seamless communication by enabling users to send feedback emails directly using the default mail client installed on their system.

The supported email clients are the following:

  • Thunderbird
  • Evolution
  • Mutt
  • Alpine

To configure email address for send feedback, do the following:

Add the following key in the Authmanconfig.xml file:

<!-- Configure email address for sendfeedback - - >
 
<FeedbackEmailAddress>cwa-linux-feedback@cloud.com</FeedbackEmailAddress>
 
<key>SendFeedbackEnabled</key>
 
<value>true</value>
<!--NeedCopy-->

Note:

By sending your feedback to Cloud Software Group, you agree your participation is in accordance with and subject to the Cloud software Group End User Agreement.

You can send feedback using any one of the following methods:

  1. Navigate to the Add Account screen.
  2. Click the hamburger menu.
  3. Click Send Feedback.

    Add account

Or,

  1. Click Send Feedback in the App indicator icon.

    App Indicator

Or,

  1. At the command-line, navigate to the /opt/Citrix/ICAClient/util path.
  2. Run the following command:

    ./sendfeedback
    <!--NeedCopy-->
    
  3. The Send Feedback screen appears.

    Send feedback

  4. Provide the issue Title.
  5. Add issue details in the Tell us more field.
  6. Click Capture my issue. The Citrix Log Collection Utility screen appears.

    Log collection utility

    Click Start capture and then reproduce the issue to collect the latest logs.

    Or,

    Click Choose existing logs if you are not able to reproduce the issue.

    Note:

    For more information on the Citrix Log Collection Utility, see Log Collection.

  7. Ensure that the log files are displayed next to Capture my issue.
  8. Click Choose Files and then add attachments that describe your issues such as screenshots or screen recordings.

    Submit feedback complete

  9. Click Send. The Feedback report screen appears.

    send-feedback-report

    The .tar.gz file contains the log files, the issue description as test files, and the attachments.

  10. You can send the feedback report to Citrix using the following options:

    Click Send the feedback report using the default email app to use the default mail app in your system.

    Or,

    Send the report manually to the provided email ID.

Note:

Ensure that the .zip file is attached in the email.

Configure UDP port range for Microsoft Teams optimization

Previously, there was no option to specify the minimum and maximum range of UDP ports for Microsoft Teams optimization. Also, if a UDP Port cannot be allocated for any reason, the WebRTC falls back to TCP/IP.

With this release, you can specify the minimum and maximum range of UDP ports for Microsoft Teams optimization. This feature helps you to use the minimum ports that you require. To enable this feature, add the following two new configuration items to the /var/.config/citrix/hdx_rtc_engine/config.json configuration file on the client device:

  • PortRangeMin stands for minimum UDP port
  • PortRangeMax stands for maximum UDP port

Ensure that the following two conditions are met for this feature to take effect:

  • You must set the minimum and maximum UDP port.
  • The minimum port must be 10 numbers smaller than the maximum port.

To enable this feature, do the following on the client device:

  1. Navigate to the /var/.config/citrix/hdx_rtc_engine/config.json config file.
  2. Add the PortRangeMin and PortRangeMax numbers.

    // config file /var/.config/citrix/hdx_rtc_engine/config.json
    
    {
        "PortRangeMin" : 30000,
        "PortRangeMax" : 31000
    }
    <!--NeedCopy-->
    

Enhanced Desktop Viewer toolbar [Technical Preview]

The Citrix Workspace app for Linux provides an enhanced Desktop Viewer toolbar.

New toolbar

The new toolbar provides the following options:

  • Show or hide toolbar - Click this button to show or hide the Desktop Viewer toolbar
  • Shortcuts - Click this button to access the shortcuts. The available shortcuts are: Ctrl+Alt+Del and Alt+Tab
  • Devices - Click this button to access the options in the Devices section.
  • Preferences - Click this button to access the options in the Preferences section.
  • Minimize - Click this button to minimize the virtual session.
  • Fullscreen - Click this button to access the virtual session in fullscreen.
  • Disconnect / Sign out - Click this button to sign out or to disconnect from a virtual session.

You can float or rotate the toolbar as per your preference across the screen. By default, the old toolbar is available. To activate the new toolbar, do the following:

  1. Navigate to the $HOME/.ICAClient/wfclient.ini file.
  2. Go to the [WFClient] section and add the following entry:

    ToolbarVersion=1
    <!--NeedCopy-->
    

    New toolbar

You can provide feedback for this technical preview by using the Podio form.

Note:

Technical previews are available for customers to test in their non-production or limited production environments, and to give customers an opportunity to share feedback. Citrix does not accept support cases for feature previews but welcomes feedback for improving them. Citrix might or might not act on feedback based on its severity, criticality, and importance. It is advised that Beta builds aren’t deployed in production environments.

Customize toolbar [Technical Preview]

Previously, you could completely disable the Desktop Viewer toolbar. However, you couldn’t enable or disable a few options on the toolbar. With this release, you can customize the Citrix Workspace app toolbar by adding and removing options on the toolbar.

To hide any options on the toolbar, do the following:

  1. Navigate to the $HOME/.ICAClient/wfclient.ini file.
  2. Go to the [WFClient] section and add the following entry as required to hide the options on the toolbar:

    • CloseButtonVisible=False
    • DevicesButtonVisible=False
    • FullscreenButtonVisible=False
    • MinimizeButtonVisible=False
    • PinButtonVisible=False
    • PreferencesButtonVisible=False
    • ShortcutsButtonVisible=False

To show any options, change the preceding value to ‘True’.

You can provide feedback for this technical preview by using the Podio form.

Note:

Technical previews are available for customers to test in their non-production or limited production environments, and to give customers an opportunity to share feedback. Citrix does not accept support cases for feature previews but welcomes feedback for improving them. Citrix might or might not act on feedback based on its severity, criticality, and importance. It is advised that Beta builds aren’t deployed in production environments.

Sustainability initiative from Citrix Workspace app [Technical Preview]

From the Citrix Workspace app 2402 version onwards, when you click disconnect, sign out, or close a virtual desktop, the following prompt is displayed.

Sign out

This feature might help conserve energy if you sign out from VMs when not required.

You can either Sign Out or Disconnect from the session.

You can provide feedback for this technical preview by using the Podio form.

Note:

Technical previews are available for customers to test in their non-production or limited production environments, and to give customers an opportunity to share feedback. Citrix does not accept support cases for feature previews but welcomes feedback for improving them. Citrix might or might not act on feedback based on its severity, criticality, and importance. It is advised that Beta builds aren’t deployed in production environments.

Include system audio while screen sharing [Technical Preview]

Previously, the Include computer sound button wasn’t enabled during screen sharing or app sharing. Starting with Citrix Workspace app version 2402, the Include computer sound button is enabled and you can use the system audio while sharing the screen. This feature allows you to share the audio playing on the VDA with users in a meeting or call.

This feature is disabled by default. To enable this feature, do the following on the client:

  1. Navigate the /var/.config/citrix/hdx_rtc_engine/config.json file.
  2. Add the following:

    {
    
    "ms_teams_share_system_audio": "true"
    
    }
    <!--NeedCopy-->
    
  3. Navigate to config/module.ini under the directory where Citrix Workspace app is installed. The default directory is: /opt/Citrix/ICAClient/.
  4. Append the following key to the “[ClientAudio]” section:

    EnableAudioListener=TRUE
    <!--NeedCopy-->
    

To disable this feature, set the preceding parameters as follows:

ms_teams_share_system_audio": "false"
EnableAudioListener=FALSE"
<!--NeedCopy-->

Known limitation:

When you share with RAVE and BCR redirected apps or tabs, the audio from these apps or tabs might not be shared.

Known issue:

When you share a screen including computer sound, if multiple audio output devices are playing sound, one or more receivers might notice sound artifacts. [HDX-58342]

You can provide feedback for this technical preview by using the Podio form.

Note:

Technical previews are available for customers to test in their non-production or limited production environments, and to give customers an opportunity to share feedback. Citrix does not accept support cases for feature previews but welcomes feedback for improving them. Citrix might or might not act on feedback based on its severity, criticality, and importance. It is advised that Beta builds aren’t deployed in production environments.

Fixed issues

  • Unified Communications SDK (UC SDK) API might be unresponsive during reopening of an app within Citrix Workspace app. [HDX-59993]
  • Attempts to start a server VDA session using smart card authentication might fail for the smart card with multiple users. [HDX-44255]
  • You might fail to redirect the Android phone as a generic USB redirection. [HDX-52166]
  • The name of the audio devices are truncated to 32 characters while passing from Citrix Workspace app to VDA. As a result, the device might not be recognized in the client session by some apps. [HDX-53405]

Known issues

There are no new known issues.

Citrix Workspace app 2402 for Linux - Preview