Tech Notes

Newline provides up-to-date tech notes for our all our panels and software. The below articles contain information about recent updates to Newline products including new and enhanced features, updates to existing features, and bug fixes, for the last 6 months.

Firmware Update
Model: Z Series
Version: 1.1.86
Expected Release Date: May 23, 2023

Whiteboard:

• Resolved the issue causing writing to pause when YouTube is playing.
• Introduced the ability to capture and paste screenshots directly into the Whiteboard.
• Added a “Creative Commons” filter to the Web search for filtering images with creative commons licenses.
• Fixed the bug that caused the toolbar to become transparent and display background applications.
• Included a support for a Periodic table as a background option.
• Addressed a bug that caused the background to flicker when set to black or dark.
• Enhanced the writing experience in whiteboard split mode with support for writing acceleration.
• Enabled infinite backgrounds once a template is added.
• Added a Brush tool under the ‘Pen’ category.

Classroom Tools:

• Introduced new world clock options.
• Added a customizable spinner tool.

Firmware:

• Updated the Newline Display Management agent version to v25.8.2.
• Updated the Newline Cast
• Updated the Newline Broadcast version to v2.5.12.
• Enhanced the embedded KIKA Keyboard to fully support the Japanese language.
• Fixed the bug that caused the device to reboot when switching between sources.
• Increased the hotspot SSID allowing up to 16 digits.
• Added a new auto-launch feature for apps in Settings > Input & output > App auto-launch.
• Implemented Cloud function for saving remote control screenshots.
• Resolved the issue with volume, brightness, and menu buttons not functioning in Enable Embedded OS mode.
• Fixed the problem with setting up Whiteboard and adjusting the screenshot data removal frequency under Admin mode > Security.

Software Update
Software: Newline Cast
Version: 2.18
Expected Release Date: June 2023

New features:

• Miracast for Q Series. Note, this requires FW 1.1.79 which contains permissions
• Removal of the whiteboard
• Support for Catalan

Improvements/Enhancements:

• Better streaming performance via improved video and audio decoding
• Removed the whiteboard
• Sentry integration for real-time bug tracking and improved customer support.
  • Through Sentry not only can we see and catch bugs in real-time, but we will also be able to identify individual receivers vis the device serial number.
    • To do this, go to settings, general and share the serial number and time of issue.

Bug Fixes:

• Android 11: Airplay – move iPad from landscape to portrait make the display distorted video and flashing
• [Windows Client MSI] Updating from 2.16 –> 2.17 MSI is causing an error
• [Android Receiver] [Web client] Incorrect stream size when sharing a tab with a video
• [Android Receiver] [Google Cast] Resizing Google Chrome quickly breaks presentation
• [Android Receiver] [Google Cast] Stream shrinks as it progresses
• [Android] [Receiver] [MacOS app] [Streaming] Green line at bottom of video streaming
• [Android] [Receiver] [Airplay] [Streaming] Green line at bottom of video streaming
• [iOS] App not closing properly when quitting from the app switcher while broadcasting
• Android (Android 13 only) – Move from portrait to landscape not occupy the full screen
• Session sometimes get disconnected when Chromebook turn into sleep when unlimited connection mode is ON
• [Android receiver] When Airplay service is enabled, receiver leaks FD and Crashes after some hours
• [Web client] Attendees view is not correct when you need confirmation and the screen height is small
• [Web client] Wrong UI when connected to a meeting
• [Receiver] – Language selection screen contains design errors
• [Web client] Different element alignment depending on view
• [Web client] Does not disconnect when closing the tab where web client is running
• [Android & Windows receiver] Existing Casting device client is not removed when the meeting is full and a new casting client tries to present
• [Receiver] The UI to lock the settings panel changes its height after entering 4-digit PIN and having to confirm it
• [Android client] [Lobby] When the screen size of an android client changes when the app is in background, it is notified to all clients connected to the lobby
• [Web client] Web client is in the joining view when an error happens trying to connect to a standard meeting without cloud connections
• [Mobile clients] Username is not remembered
• [Receiver]Black screen when client connects and start presenting on floating ID mode
• [Clients] Non-unified behavior when the receiver presents a link
• [Airplay] Airplay visibility issues with multiple NL Cast devices

NT+ Firmware Release
Model: NT+ Series
Version: 1.1.3
Expected Release Date: May 12, 2023

Enhancements:

• Added support for IP control using TCP/IP protocol.
• Updated support for manual OTA firmware process.
• Updated RS-232 serial port codes.

Updates:

• Fixed a bug that prevented users from toggling the timer on/off to “On.”
• Fixed a bug that caused the color saturation to be reduced by 4-8 steps when connecting to a computer.
• Fixed a bug that prevented the device from shutting down when the power button was long pressed in sleep mode.
• Fixed a bug that caused the device to take a long time to load after setting the power-on signal source and prevented users from returning to the menu.
• Fixed a bug that prevented users from toggling Wi-Fi on/off to “ON”.
• Fixed a bug that caused no signal for a long period of time without any message.
• Fixed a bug that caused 4k YouTube videos played using Chromium to become unresponsive.
• Fixed a bug that prevented a small number of users from updating the panel using Newline Display Management

Q Firmware Release
Model: Q Series
Version: 1.1.79
Expected Release Date: May 12, 2023

• Adjusted palm eraser size to match the panel size for better erasing experience.
• Fixed a bug that caused the movement of the image to rotate.
• Fixed the bug that caused writing to pause when YouTube is playing.
• Added the option to take screenshots of the Whiteboard content and paste them directly into the Whiteboard.
• Added U.S. format Ruled Paper as a background option.
• Added “Creative Commons” filter to Web search for filtering with creative commons pictures.
• Fixed the bug that caused the toolbar to become transparent and show background applications.v
• Added a Periodic table as a background option.
• Fixed a bug that caused the background to flicker when set to black or dark.
• Added support for zooming in/out from 30% – 300%.
• Added supported for writing acceleration in whiteboard split mode for enhanced experience.
• Fixed the bug that prevented the lock icon from being updated properly.
• Added support for infinite backgrounds once a template is added.

• Added new world clock options.
• Added a customizable spinner tool.

• Fixed an issue with a power button behavior with wired connections.
• Updated the Newline Display Management agent version to v25.8.2.320 addressing an OTA firmware bug.
• Includes updated Newline Cast app by adding support for all features found in v2.17.
• Includes updated Newline Broadcast version to v2.5.12.16215.
• Updated embedded KIKA Keyboard to fully support Japanese language.
• Made “Front button lock” and “Power button lock” (in Advanced settings) memorable after a reboot.
• Removed Ethernet Tethering function.
• Fixed the bug that caused the device to reboot after switching between sources.
• Added a feature allowing users to customize the the top tool icon on the floating toolbars.
• Updated hotspot SSID allowed characters 16 digits.
• Added three new dynamic wallpapers and support for *.gif customization.
• Added a new theme “Field” in Settings > Theme & Wallpaper.
• Added a new feature allowing users to change the Home Screen Font size in Settings.
• Added a new auto-launch feature for apps in Settings > Input & output > App auto-launch.

RS+ Firmware Release
Model: RS+ Series
Version: 1.6.19
Expected Release Date: May 12, 2023

• The whiteboard and annotation now default to “write with fine pen or fingers” for improved user experience.
• Added a periodic table background and a selection of images to the whiteboard for enhanced creativity.
• Added a “signal wake-up” switch to Power for quicker startup.
• Updated Annotation version to improve functionality and performance.
• Updated File Commander version to improve file management.
• Fixed an issue where annotations would not open correctly under OPS, resulting in handwriting errors.
• Fixed a delay in source input for RS+ for smoother input transitions.
• Youtube videos no longer pause when handwriting, ensuring uninterrupted viewing.
• Fixed an issue where PDF files were not expanding full screen, leaving a gap of a few centimeters at the sides.
• Fixed the whiteboard toolbar to become transparent, allowing for better visibility of the workspace.
• The HDMI setting now defaults to 1.4, with 2.0 available as an option.
• Updated Newline Cast, Newline Broadcast, and Classroom Tool versions for improved compatibility.
• Classroom tools now include clock and spinner tools for more engaging presentations.
• Implemented an updated Newline Display Management Agent.
• The file path for the default security certificates on the RS+ have been updated in Newline Display Management for improved security.
• Updated Chromium version to 108.0.5359.156 for improved browsing performance.
• Added six new wallpapers to the settings for better customization options.
• Added a shutdown window when the power button or remote control is short-pressed to prevent early shutdowns.

Software Update
Newline Engage Cloud
Release Date: May 10, 2023

Newline Engage Cloud, a collaboration and communication software, has added a new feature that allows users to open Smart Notebook files. Smart Notebook is an interactive whiteboard software used primarily in education settings. With this new feature, teachers and students can easily access their Smart Notebook files within Newline Engage, making it a more versatile platform for remote learning and collaboration. The feature enables users to view, edit, and share Smart Notebook files directly within the platform. This development is expected to enhance the usability of Newline Engage and make it a more attractive option for schools and educators looking for a comprehensive communication and collaboration tool.

Additionally, Newline Engage Cloud has integrated powerful AI, which is powered by OpenAI’s Chat GPT. This feature allows users to communicate with the platform using natural language, enabling a more seamless and intuitive user experience. The Chat GPT feature can help users find information, create content, and complete tasks more efficiently. Furthermore, Newline Engage Cloud has also added support for DALL-E, a new neural network model developed by OpenAI that can generate images from textual descriptions. This feature is expected to enhance the platform’s capabilities by enabling users to create and share images directly within the platform.

With the integration of Chat GPT, DALL-E and the ability to open Smart Notebook files, Newline Engage Cloud has become a more powerful and user-friendly collaboration and communication platform.

NT+ Series Firmware Release
Version: v1.1.0
Release Date: March 23, 2023
Release Method: Over The Air

Enhancements:
• Optimized User Interface for ease of use.
• Preloaded Newline VCS Application (Visual Communication Solution) – Reimagine Digital Signage.

Updates
• Fixed a bug causing the mute option to become enabled after waking the panel from sleep mode.
• Fixed a bug causing the IP Address to change after a panel reboot.
• Fixed a bug preventing a Static IP from being changed in network settings.
• Fixed a bug issue that prevented users from disabling the “Sound Mode Only” option.
• Fixed a bug preventing users from opening the network settings menu.
• Fixed a bug causing incorrect factory reset defaults.
• Fixed a bug preventing users from toggling CEC to “On.”
• Fixed a bug preventing the USB-C port from updating when performing an OTA firmware update.
• Fixed a bug forcing a user to reboot the panel after selecting portrait mode in the user settings (Supported on 55” and 65” models only).
• Fixed a bug which caused the menu to incorrectly display after setting a custom wallpaper.

Z Series Firmware Release
Version: 1.1.63
Release Date: March 16, 2023
Release Method: Over The Air

Enhancements:
• Added Newline Engage Cloud Whiteboard application.
• Added a new feature allowing for single user mode or multi-user mode.
• Added a new feature allowing admins to login without a passkey in multi-user mode.
• Added new auto-launch setting for apps. Feature can be found in Settings > Input & output > App auto-launch.
• Added new metric for displaying Screen Time. Feature can be found in Settings > System > About > Total screen time, Daily screen time and Weekly screen time.
• Added feature to allow switching between single-user mode and multi-user mode.
• Added feature allowing hotspot selection between 2.4GHz and 5GHz options.
• Added a new feature for “Wake on Wireless LAN” support.
• Added support for IP Control.
• Added support allowing users to change sound outputs in the embedded OS to include Speaker/Lineout/Mixed/SPDIF/ARC.
• Added ‘Ethernet Tethering’ to enable wireless communication between the embedded OS and OPS.

Updates:
• Updated OS storage options.
• Fixed an issue which displayed a grey screen while connected to an external source when pressing “Freeze” or “Screenshot” option.
• Fixed an issue that could cause the panel to reboot when switching between sources.
• Updated File Commander by fixing login issues of Google Drive and OneDrive for Business.
• Added an icon to enable full-screen screenshot in embedded OS Whiteboard.
• Set “Write with fine pen and fingers’” as default in embedded OS Whiteboard.
• Updated the Whiteboard/screenshot data clearance default to 30 days.
• Fixed the issue causing the connected cloud icon to disappear in the embedded OS Whiteboard.
• Fixed an issue that could cause the panel to reboot after selecting WPA3 connection type.
• Moved certificates options from Admin mode to WIFI Settings > Other allowing users the ability to install or delete their own profile certificates.
• Sources are now highlighted when using the source selector on the remote control.
• User Profiles are now highlighted on the login screen when using the remote control.
• Fixed an issue causing lost slides when using dual-pen in embedded OS whiteboard.
• Set HDMI EDID setting to v1.4 as default.
• Updated text string to display “No Camera Was Found” when no camera detected.
• Added support for 4K resolution in the visualizer application.
• Updated split screen support for 3rd party apps.
• Fixed text translation errors for other languages.
• Updated language options for Valencia and Kyrgyz

Newline Cast
Version 2.17.0
Release Date: 2/14/2023

What’s new

Unlimited Connections
An unlimited number of devices can now connect to a session. This enables a whole classroom to join the session, the teacher to be able to see the number of students connected and to be able to invite students from the lobby to share their screen. No need to disconnect to enable another student to join the session.
• Unlimited Connections is a feature that can be enabled in the Session Management panel in settings
• When Unlimited Connections is enabled it is a requirement that moderator mode also be enabled
• Unlimited Connections requires the receiver and clients to have an internet connection
• When Unlimited Connections is enabled devices can connect to the session using DN Windows app, DN Mac App, DN Android App, DN IOS App & DN Web App
• When Unlimited Connections is enabled the whiteboard and shared items functionality is not available
• Grid view is available when the Unlimited Connections feature is enabled
• During research we didn’t see a use case for the number of connected devices to exceed 100. Due to this we have set a control limited at 100 connected devices. Should a situation arise where more than 100 connected devices are required we can review the control limit.

Q Series Firmware Release
Version: 1.1.56
Release Date: 1/9/23

New Features:
• Added Newline Engage Cloud native application to the ‘Apps’ folder’.
• Added support for disabling profile passcode requirement in multi-user mode.
• Added support for ‘Wake on LAN Wireless’.
• Added support for ‘LAN Control’ / ‘IP Control’.
• Added support for USB-tethering in settings > network > Hotspot & Tethering.
• Added support for Hotspot selections for 2.4GHZ and 5GHZ.
• Added support for ‘Ethernet Tethering’ to enable wireless communication between Android and OPS.
• Added support for whiteboard full-screen screenshots.
• The source indicator is now highlighted when using the remote control.
• Login profiles are now highlighted when making a selection on the login screen.
• Added support for single user mode or multi-user mode.
• Lock icon is now displayed when ‘Power Lock” is enabled.
• Added support for selecting audio outputs in the Smart OS which include the Speaker/Lineout/Mixed/SPDIF/ARC ports.
• Added support for additional languages (Valencia and Kyrgyz) in EU region.
• Added support for screen time analytics.
• Includes updated versions to many embedded applications.

Improvements:
• Includes updated File Commander app that fixes connections issues with Google Drive and Microsoft One Drive for Business.
• Resolved an issue causing grey screenshots when connected to HDMI or while using the ‘Freeze’ function.
• Resolved an issue preventing the visualizer app from displaying 4K resolution correctly.
• Modified the default Whiteboard/screenshot data clearance to 30 days.
• Resolved an issue that would cause the panel to reboot when trying to resize Newline Cast in split screen mode.
• Pen and finger are now set as default when launching the native whiteboard application.
• Resolved an issue that would cause the connected cloud icon to disappear after logging in and out of cloud accounts.
• Resolved an issue causing missing slides when using dual pen in Whiteboard.
• HDMI EDID v1.4 is now set as default offering better support for older devices.
• Certificate setting was moved from Admin mode to WIFI > Other, allowing all users to install certificates if needed.
• Resolved an issue causing system error when selecting a WPA3 WIFI connection.
• Includes other under the hood fixes and enhancements.

Q Series Firmware Release
Version: 1.1.55
Release Date: 12/15/22

New Features:
• Added Newline Engage Cloud native application to the ‘Apps’ folder’.
• Added support for disabling profile passcode requirement in multi-user mode.
• Added support for ‘Wake on LAN Wireless’.
• Added support for ‘LAN Control’ / ‘IP Control’.
• Added support for USB-tethering in settings > network > Hotspot & Tethering.
• Added support for Hotspot selections for 2.4GHZ and 5GHZ.
• Added support for ‘Ethernet Tethering’ to enable wireless communication between Android and OPS.
• Added support for whiteboard full-screen screenshots.
• The source indicator is now highlighted when using the remote control.
• Login profiles are now highlighted when making a selection on the login screen.
• Added support for single user mode or multi-user mode.
• Lock icon is now displayed when ‘Power Lock” is enabled.
• Added support for selecting audio outputs in the Smart OS which include the Speaker/
Lineout/Mixed/SPDIF/ARC ports.
• Added support for additional languages (Valencia and Kyrgyz) in EU region.
• Added support for screen time analytics.
• Includes updated versions to many embedded applications.

Improvements:
• Includes updated File Commander app that fixes connections issues with Google Drive and
Microsoft One Drive for Business.
• Resolved an issue causing grey screenshots when connected to HDMI or while using the
‘Freeze’ function.
• Resolved an issue preventing the visualizer app from displaying 4K resolution correctly.
• Modified the default Whiteboard/screenshot data clearance to 30 days.
• Resolved an issue that would cause the panel to reboot when trying to resize Newline Cast in
split screen mode.
• Pen and finger are now set as default when launching the native whiteboard application.
• Resolved an issue that would cause the connected cloud icon to disappear after logging in and
out of cloud accounts.
• Resolved an issue causing missing slides when using dual pen in Whiteboard.
• HDMI EDID v1.4 is now set as default offering better support for older devices.
• Certificate setting was moved from Admin mode to WIFI > Other, allowing all users to install
certificates if needed.
• Resolved an issue causing system error when selecting a WPA3 WIFI connection.
• Includes other under the hood fixes and enhancements.

Newline Cast
Version 2.14
Release Date: 10/26/22

What’s New

Meet the brand new-home screen

• A brand new look and feel

• A more visible session ID, making it easier for students to connect

• Easy-to-follow instructions when you’re in local mode

• A clearer join experience for Airplay and GoogleCast users.

Newline Cast MSI Installer for Windows Devices

• A new Newline Cast .msi receiver that can be deployed using SCCM, AD GPO or similar.

• An updated version or this .msi receiver will be provided with each new release.

• This receiver will also update OTA

The next feature is for system admins who manage DisplayNote on Windows devices. The Microsoft Installer (MSI) MSI for Windows allows you to remotely deploy a fully licensed version of the receiver app into rooms with compute power, such as Mini Pcs or OPSs, making mass deployment and management across multiple locations easier.

Support for macOS Ventura

• Compatibility testing has been carried out again macOS Ventura with no issues found

Option to add additional Pin removed

• Following feedback, we have removed the option to add an additional pin alongside the session ID

Fix for Google Cast crash in high Traffic networks

• Goggle cast now works as expected in high traffic networks

• Reverse changes made during hotfix to v2.11

• Newline Q series model will now have Goggle cast enabled as default

Fix for missing AirPlay Receivers

• Airplay name not found after updating to 2.10

Other Change Log & Bug Fixes

• Newline cast windows receiver as .MSI

• Additional pin removed

• Support for macOS ventura

• Fix for Google Cast in high traffic networks

• Web client- downloading video freezes browser

• Web client- several clients can not draw simultaneously on whiteboard

• Web client- duplicate name on attendees tab

• Disabling AirPlay in settings- fix

• Receiver- can not share JPEG files- fix

• IOS client- application crashes when IOS client rotates the screen after locing the screen- fix

• Add new screen name for Newline LGA screen

• [Android receiver] Airplay name not found after updating to 2.10

• [Windows receiver] Montage screen re-sizes after screen power off-on.

• [MacOS client][Drawings] MacOS client not receiving drawings after connect to session

• [Receiver] Incorrect Term of use and Privacy policy links in the license activation

• [Web client] Sharing a video does not change to Videos tab automatically on Shared Items

• [Web client & Windows client] Shared video shows as playing but another device is presenting

• [Web client] Downloading a video while presenting disables the “stop presenting” button

• [Windows receiver] Volume slider is not hidden when client stops presenting

• [Desktop][UI] Text on button not shown properly on Spanish

• [Receiver] Montage crashes when sharing empty file of an unsupported file type

• Receiver in background does not go to foreground when a GoogleCast or Airplay client connects

• [Desktop clients + iPad] Footer text does not fill all available space on Join screen

• [Windows receiver] Connect via proxy button can incorrectly resize

• [Web client] [Windows receiver] Screen shows video as being presented but another client is sharing screen

• [Windows client] Client doesn’t respond when another client presents a video while windows client is selecting a folder to download a file

• [Android Client] [Android Receiver] Crash when taking over presenter while an AirPlay client is currently presenting

Z Series Firmware Release
Version: 1.1.40
Release Date: 10/11/22

Release Notes:
• Added the new feature allowing admins to disable the embedded operating system.
• Added a new feature allowing admins to disable user profiles in settings.
• Added additional options in Settings > Starting Sources, Eg. TYPE-C, HDMI, etc.
• Added new features for Settings Lock, Gadget Lock, Installation Lock.
• Updated the Chromium application that fixes smart address recognition and YouTube crashes.
• Updated Newline Cast application.
• Improved hand-writing delays on the native Whiteboard
• Support for split screen for the native Whiteboard and Visualizer applications.
• Fixed an issue where Display Port wouldn’t show in the floating toolbar interface.
• Added full-screen screenshot ability using the Remote control with auto save feature.
* This firmware release includes significant enhancements which requires all data and settings to be overwritten during the update process.