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markusliebel's avatar
markusliebel
Copper Contributor
May 06, 2020

Browser based video conferencing on Surface Hub S2

Hi all, this is my first post here and yes, I already found other posts around Cisco Webex etc.. But somehow I can't really believe that there is no way to use webbased third party video conferencin...
Cédric DAUVILLIER's avatar
Cédric DAUVILLIER
Copper Contributor
May 18, 2020

Definitely.

We urgently need the new Chromium Edge browser on the Hub to support other videoconferencing services.

I hope it will be embedded in the new 20H1 Windows 10 update.

 

Anyone know if there is insider Hub version to test this ?

  • cezarcretu's avatar
    cezarcretu
    Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
    May 19, 2020

    Hello Cédric DAUVILLIER and markusliebel 

     

    Browser based AV conferencing solutions do require an add-on to work, which is not supported by Surface Hub edge due to security restrictions. Only UWP apps can be installed on the Surface Hub for the same reason. Until the company holding the service will develop such an app, this will not be possible. Consider the implications allowing add-ons to be installed and running during a confidential board meeting, these are not verified like UWP apps.

    We do understand the need but not willing to do any trade offs on security. I suggest asking for the UWP release to your favorite conferencing service provider

     

    Thank you,

    Cezar

    • Cédric DAUVILLIER's avatar
      Cédric DAUVILLIER
      Copper Contributor
      May 23, 2020

      Hello cezarcretu 

       

      Please specify what do you call add-on ? You mean browser extensions ? Web assemblies ?

      Teams, Zoom & Webex now work perfectly on modern browsers (eg chrome / chromium edge) using standard web rtc or web assemblies and without requiring user to install anything.

       

      I know only UWP can be installed on SH and that's really a pain considering the very low traction of this tech (and rumors of Microsoft abandonning it did not help).

      You know there is absolutely zero chance your competitors will invest to create an UWP app for SH.

       

      I understand your point on security, but for customers, especially very large ones with subsidiaries that use several AV converencing services, it's simply not working and they are considering alternatives like Teams Rooms where native integration is coming soon.
      https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-day-dawns-meetings-meeting-room-systems-ilya-bukshteyn/

          

      • cezarcretu's avatar
        cezarcretu
        Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
        May 26, 2020

        Hello Cédric DAUVILLIER,

         

        As far as I know, WebEx requires a plugin to work as web based. Unfortunately I don't have an account to check if this is true. However, I tested with Zoom and it seems it doesn't support Edge (not Chromium). There is no browser plugin as you mentioned.

        Since there was no official mention about Chromium on the Surface Hub, I cannot say if this will come on the next major OS version. We know this is something that our users are asking so it is being considered. While we understand the need, security always comes first in a business environment. I trust the product team will be able to enable this feature without compromising security. Please have a bit more patience with this subject, I'm sure a decision will be made soon

         

        Thank you,

        Cezar

         

         

         

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