Forum Discussion
New Microsoft Whiteboard App
- Oct 18, 2018
Hi Ron/Everyone
Looks like we've got an update coming out today that enables opt-in for the new Whiteboard app:
Oct 18th, 2018 —update for Team edition based on KB4462939* (OS Build 15063.1418)
This update to the Surface Hub includes quality improvements and security fixes .
Key updates to Surface Hub, not already outlined in Windows 10 Update History , include:
- Skype for Business fixes:
- Resolves Skype for Business connection issue when resuming from sleep
- Resolves Skype for Business network connection issue, when device is connected to Internet
- Resolves Skype for Business crash when searching for users from directory
- Resolves issue where the Hub mistakenly reports “No Internet connection” in enterprise proxy environments.
- Implemented a feature allowing customers to op-in to a new Whiteboard experience.
Looking at the Whiteboard page for Surface Hub, it seems it's been updated, but I'm not sure if this corresponds exactly with the update today:
How can I roll out the new version?
The new version of Whiteboard can be rolled out to Surface Hubs with an MDM setting that will be available by the end of the year.
If you wish to opt in sooner, you can enroll the device in the Windows Insider Program. The Release Preview ring provides an option to receive fixes, applications and drivers only. This will get slightly faster updates of Whiteboard and other apps.
To opt into Whiteboard using Release Preview:
On your Surface Hub, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program, and click Get Started.
Follow the steps to opt the device into the Windows Insider Program, making sure to choose Just fixes, apps and drivers. Within 24 hours, you should see the new Whiteboard app as the default.
If you have previously installed the new Whiteboard app on the device, you should uninstall it.
So on one hand, we have an update saying they've implemented a feature to allow us to opt-in, on the other the Whiteboard page is saying we need to enroll in the Insider Programme for just fixes, apps and drivers to get the new app, and that the MDM setting will be coming later this year.
Currently nothing on the Surface Hub Admin Guide.
Given this has only just hit the relative sites, ChangeWindows hasn't even picked up on today's CU release yet, and nothing from Jen in the Windows 10 subreddit, I'll give it a few days and see if we get a consistent message in the admin guide confirming how to roll this out properly, either whether the MDM setting is actually there, or if the update today just allows for the Insider Programme to roll it out. Fingers crossed it's the former!
- Skype for Business fixes:
What are your thoughts on the Whiteboard application vs. the built-in whiteboard option that is in Skype for Business?
- Daniel HudsonAug 06, 2018Iron ContributorPersonally I don't think they're comparable. The built-in Whiteboard function in Skype for Business is still running the original code-base from Lync 2007 and possibly Microsoft Communicator before that. This was one of the largest reasons why it's taken Microsoft so long to rebuild Whiteboard co-authoring the way they have, simply because they couldn't use the build in Skype whiteboard in the means they wanted to.
- Mathias SchröderAug 17, 2018Copper Contributor
Hello Daniel,
so as far as I know the Whiteboard App is not in a preview anymore, right?
Are the data still stored in the US cloud or is it possible to chose the own country?
And do you have an idea when the Whiteboard App will be integrated in MS Teams?
Best regards
- Daniel HudsonAug 22, 2018Iron ContributorHi Mathias
I don't work for Microsoft so can't really answer your questions. I can only go on the information Microsoft have already provided publically.
You are correct that the app is not in preview anymore. Microsoft did say that, when it came out of preview, it would be storing data in the local tenant location for the organisation, but I can't find any information about this online at the moment.
As for integration with MS Teams, I have no idea. I've not actually heard of any plans for integration at this time. My best guess is we'll need to wait at least for the web version of Whiteboard to be enabled, and MS Teams integration will likely follow that, but don't expect it for some time.
Thanks
D