In DevRel 61, we will be rolling out an exciting new Pipeline UI and functionality. We have made updates to Esper Settings, Custom Reports, and some other features, along with bug fixing and improvements. Here is a quick list of what’s released:
- New Pipeline UI and functionality
- Ability to launch the Esper settings or Wi-Fi menu settings by the third party application
- Added ‘Clear App Data’ option under the Esper Settings
- Added new fields to the custom reports
- Added an IMEI attribute to the custom list view table
- Ability to display App icons at the bottom of the device home screen
- Deprecated the old homepage experience
1. New Pipelines UI and Functionality
We have launched a new UI for Pipelines that helps minimize the risk of job execution (build, test, deploy). Pipelines include runs, stages, and success rules to form an automated, repeatable flow of changes to device configurations. Comprehensive status updates provide a complete picture of deployments.
On the landing page, the user can view the Pipeline’s status (Active/Inactive), the number of stages, and the number of runs.
The user can define the operation (installations) and select the targets (devices or groups) while creating a Pipeline.
Following are the new Pipeline capabilities:
- Pipeline Runs: Allow users to kick-off multiple instances of a Pipeline as part of their testing and deployment process
- Operations: Allow users to define the update that should be deployed to targets as part of the stage
- Targets: Device or groups for which the operations will be deployed
- Active/Inactive Pipeline: Turn a Pipeline on or off
- Cancel Pipeline Run: Stop a Pipeline run at any point before completion
2. Ability to Launch the Esper Settings or the Wi-Fi Setting Menu by the Third Party Application
The user can now launch the Esper Setting or Wi-Fi settings directly from the third-party application. If the 3-tap or power button is not available, the user can send intent to open the Esper settings or wifi menu now from their application.
fun launchEsperSettings() {
val intent = Intent()
intent.component = ComponentName("io.shoonya.shoonyadpc", "com.shoonyaos.shoonyasettings.activities.MainActivity")
intent.flags = Intent.FLAG_ACTIVITY_NEW_TASK
startActivity(intent)
}3. Added ‘Clear App Data’ Option Under the Esper Settings
Under Esper settings, we’ve added a new setting, ‘Clear App Data.’ The admin can enable this setting through the console. On the device, click the ‘Clear App Data’ option to navigate to a new page. Here, a list of available applications (except the System App and the Esper App) will be displayed along with a delete button to clear the user data for that particular application.
Note:This feature is available in Android 5 and above.
However, below Android 9, clicking the delete button, application data will be cleared by uninstalling and reinstalling the app (This happens only if the APK file for that app is present in the device).
4. Added New Fields to the Custom Reports
Last seen, full group path and Esper agent version fields are added while creating a custom report. To generate custom reports, navigate to Reports from the left navigation on the Console > Custom Reports > Select the device group, start and end date > click Generate Report.
5. Added an IMEI Attribute to the Custom List View Table
Now the user can add the IMEI attribute to the custom list view table. To select IMEI, navigate to Devices and Groups > click the table setting (icon) > select IMEI from the list.
6. Ability to Display App Icons at the Bottom of the Device Home Screen
We have introduced a new functionality where the application icons can be displayed at the bottom of the screen. Please contact Esper support for more details.
Note: Reboot the device to activate this functionality.
7. Deprecated the Old Homepage Experience
We will be moving away from the old homepage. Going forward, users will have access to the new homepage only. The Dashboard will also reflect the new Pipeline UI.
Improvements
- From Android 10 and above, Android has deprecated the display over apps permission for Go devices; provisioning couldn’t proceed due to these permissions. As a result, the user couldn’t access the dock.
Now, after provisioning, in kiosk mode, while trying to access the hidden dock (3-4 taps of the power button), Esper Settings will open directly.
- For enhanced security, the Esper settings screen will close automatically after 60 seconds if the device is left unattended. This is applicable only in the Kiosk mode when the Esper settings are opened via the dock.
- Users can now set Lockscreen Wallpaper in Landscape mode under Provisioning Templates > Settings > Branding > Set Lock Screen Wallpaper.
And that’s it for DevRel 61. Esper’s team is working to deliver another batch of exciting features and improvements in DevRel 62 and beyond. It is scheduled for the end of June 2021.
Please reach out to share your thoughts on how Esper can improve your customer experience in future releases.