About our Browser Client

The Browser Client enables running our application on any platform with a standards-compliant Chromium browser, including desktops and mobile devices.

For a full list of supported functions, refer to our Client Platform Comparison Chart.

Note

The Browser Client requires a Chromium version 71+ to function properly.

Getting Started

To launch the Browser Client:

1. Open a Chromium-based browser on your device.
2. Paste the Browser Client URL into the address bar.
3. The base URL can be found in Settings > Downloads in the editor.
4. Add the application to your home screen for easy access and enable Kiosk Mode if needed.

Enhancing Functionality with Wallboard Extension

For additional features, install the Wallboard Extension from the Chrome Web Store. The extension enables:

• CPU Information (temperature, model, count)
• Memory Usage Details
• Preview Image Capture

Customizing with URL Parameters

You can optionally extend the Browser client's URL with URL parameters to customize behaviour.

Cache Behavior

The Browser Client supports two caching modes:

• PreCache: Caches resources before loading and at runtime.
• OnTheFly: Caches resources only during runtime.

To configure, append the appropriate parameter to the URL:

?cacheMode=precache  
?cacheMode=onthefly

Default Mode

If not specified, PreCache mode is used.

Serial Number

You can register Browser client in advance utilizing feature outlined in this article

To pre-register the Browser Client in advance, append the serial number parameter:

?serialNumber=your_serial_number

This ensures registration settings are retained, which is useful for devices that reset storage on reboot.

Restriction On Serial Numbers

• Each device must have a unique serial number to prevent socket conflicts.
• Pre-register feature has constrains regarding serial number length.
• While using multiple parameters they should be structured as follows:

?cacheMode=desired_cache_mode&serialNumber=desired_serial_number

Configuring URL Parameters via 2.x UI

Navigate to Settings > Downloads, then click Copy URL in the Browser Client card to open a modal for configuring parameters.

Browser Client on ChromeOS

For more details on ChromeOS compatibility, refer to the Client Platform Comparison Chart.

Steps for Deployment

1. Navigate to Device Management

• Open your browser and go to the Google Admin Console.
• Log in using your administrator credentials.
• From the Admin Console home page, click on Devices.
• In the left-hand menu, click on Chrome to access Chrome device settings.
• Under Chrome management, click on apps & extensions.
• Select Kiosks from the menu at the top.

2. Adding the Browser Client

• Click on the + button to add a new app or extension.
• Select Add by URL option.
• Enter the URL of the Browser Client. Example: https://<your-server>/apps/pwa/
• Click Save.

3. Configure Installation Settings

• Installation policy:
  • Select installed to ensure devices will have the app installed on them after assigning to Organizational Unit.
• Kiosk Settings:
  • Enable Allow App to Manage Power this option allows apps to manage devices power state.
  • Enable Enable Device Attributes API this gives the app permission to query additional information about the device.
• Auto-Launch Kiosk App Settings:
  • Enable Health Monitoring should be enabled.
  • Screen Rotation should be set to Allow device to set.

4. Adding extension

• Under Extensions click on ADD EXTENSION and select Add from Chrome Web Store which should open chrome web store where you can search either by name Wallboard Extension or by ID jiagglaoghkmmihcofpmikhpbikdipeb.
• Once found click Select on the top right of the window to add the extension.
• Click Save in the top right to save changes.

5. Configure automatic start on devices

• Under apps & extensions, select Kiosks on the top bar and the Organizational Unit on the left you want to configure it to.
• In the Auto-Launch App option select Wallboard Browser Client.
• Devices added to the configured Organizational unit with Kiosk & Signage upgrade should now start the app upon startup.

Setting Working Hours in Google Admin Console

To configure sleep mode for ChromeOS devices:

1. Go to Devices > Chrome > Settings.
2. Switch to the Device settings tab.
3. Under Kiosk Power Settings:

• Set Action on Idle for AC & Battery Kiosk Power Settings to Do Nothing.

4. Configure Device Sleep Mode:

• Define start and end times for sleep cycles.

In the example below the device would wake up every day at 8:00AM and go to sleep at 7:00PM on weekdays and 2:00PM on weekends:

ChromeOS Flex for Linux-based Solutions

For users looking for a Linux-based solution, we currently do not provide a native application. However, there are alternative approaches that may fit your needs.

One of the best alternatives is ChromeOS Flex, which offers:

• Centralized management through Google Admin Console.
• Easy deployment and bulk enrollment for devices.
• Frequent security updates with built-in security features.
• Low system requirements, making it suitable for repurposing older PCs and Macs.
• Seamless Google Workspace integration.
• Cost-effectiveness, as it is free to install and optimized for web applications.

note

Please note that enterprise usage of Chrome OS Flex may involve additional fees.

Our Browser Client works seamlessly on ChromeOS and can be installed as a standalone application, ensuring a smooth experience for digital signage deployments.

Alternatively, Browser Client can still be utilized via a standard browser. However, keep in mind that after a system restart, the browser may need to be manually launched unless automated scripting is implemented.