April 15, 2019 at 15:05New 3CX VoIP Application for Android and CFD v16
And again the good news from 3CX! Two important updates were released last week: the new 3CX VoIP application for Android and the new version of the 3CX Call Flow Designer (CFD) voice application development environment for 3CX v16.
The new version of the 3CX application for Android includes various improvements in stability and usability, in particular, new support for Bluetooth headsets and car multimedia systems.
To maintain compact and secure code, adding new features, we had to limit support for Android versions. Now supported is a minimum of Android 5 (Lollipop). Due to this, it was possible to ensure stable integration and quite reliable operation on most phones. Here is what we managed to implement:
According to our tests, 3CX for Android will be guaranteed to work on 85% of smartphones on the market. Bugs arising on Nokia 6 and 8 devices have been fixed. The internal architecture of the application has been improved, due to which network requests, for example, outgoing calls, sending messages, are performed much faster.
For devices on Android 8 and above, the 3CX Android app adds an option called “Car / Bluetooth support” (Options> Advanced). The option uses the new Android Telecom Framework API for improved integration of Bluetooth and car multimedia systems. On some phone models, it is enabled by default:
For Samsung phones, this option is disabled by default, but we continue to work to support all modern devices.
In general, we recommend enabling this option. However, consider the following restrictions:
Complete 3CX Change Log for Android.
As you know, the CFD environment allows you to create complex call processing scripts in 3CX. After the release of 3CX v16, many users rushed to update the system and found that 3CX v15.5 voice applications did not work. I must say that we warned about this . But don't worry - the new 3CX Call Flow Designer (CFD) for 3CX v16 is ready! CFD v16 offers easy migration of existing applications, as well as some new components.
The current release retains the familiar interface of the previous version, but the following features are added:
CFD v16 works with 3CX V16 Update 1, which has not yet been released. Therefore, to test the new Call Flow Designer, you need to install the preliminary version of 3CX V16 Update 1:
To migrate existing CFD projects from v15.5 to v16 Update 1 Preview, follow the 3CX Call Flow Designer Project Testing, Debugging, and Migration Guide .
Or watch the training video.
Pay attention to the existing problem:
Complete CFD v16 Change Log.
New 3CX VoIP Application for Android
The new version of the 3CX application for Android includes various improvements in stability and usability, in particular, new support for Bluetooth headsets and car multimedia systems.
To maintain compact and secure code, adding new features, we had to limit support for Android versions. Now supported is a minimum of Android 5 (Lollipop). Due to this, it was possible to ensure stable integration and quite reliable operation on most phones. Here is what we managed to implement:
- Now from the Android address book you can click on the 3CX icon near the contact, and the number will be dialed through the 3CX application. You no longer need to open the application, and then call the contact. 3CX can be called simply via Android contacts!
- When a number is dialed through the 3CX application, it is checked in the Android address book. If the number is found, contact details are displayed. Very convenient and clear!
- The application supports LTE networks using IPv6. Now the application can work on some of the latest networks that use IPv6.
According to our tests, 3CX for Android will be guaranteed to work on 85% of smartphones on the market. Bugs arising on Nokia 6 and 8 devices have been fixed. The internal architecture of the application has been improved, due to which network requests, for example, outgoing calls, sending messages, are performed much faster.
Experimental Bluetooth headset support
For devices on Android 8 and above, the 3CX Android app adds an option called “Car / Bluetooth support” (Options> Advanced). The option uses the new Android Telecom Framework API for improved integration of Bluetooth and car multimedia systems. On some phone models, it is enabled by default:
- Nexus 5X and 6P
- Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
- All OnePlus Phones
- All Huawei Phones
For Samsung phones, this option is disabled by default, but we continue to work to support all modern devices.
In general, we recommend enabling this option. However, consider the following restrictions:
- On Samsung S8 / S9 devices, the “Car / Bluetooth support” option creates one-way audibility. On Samsung S10 devices, you can receive calls, but outgoing calls will not go through. We are working on a solution to this problem together with Samsung, since it is related to the features of their firmware.
- Different phone models and headsets may have problems routing audio to Bluetooth. In this case, try to switch between the headset and the speakerphone a couple of times.
- If you have any problems with Bluetooth, we recommend that you first check the battery level. With a low charge, some phones include “smart” power saving, which affect the operation of applications. Test your work with Bluetooth at a charge level of at least 50%.
Complete 3CX Change Log for Android.
3CX Call Flow Designer v16 - voice applications in C #
As you know, the CFD environment allows you to create complex call processing scripts in 3CX. After the release of 3CX v16, many users rushed to update the system and found that 3CX v15.5 voice applications did not work. I must say that we warned about this . But don't worry - the new 3CX Call Flow Designer (CFD) for 3CX v16 is ready! CFD v16 offers easy migration of existing applications, as well as some new components.
The current release retains the familiar interface of the previous version, but the following features are added:
- Created applications are fully compatible with 3CX V16, and existing applications can be quickly adapted for v16.
- New components for adding data to a call and retrieving added data.
- The new MakeCall component offers a logical result to indicate a successful or unsuccessful subscriber response.
CFD v16 works with 3CX V16 Update 1, which has not yet been released. Therefore, to test the new Call Flow Designer, you need to install the preliminary version of 3CX V16 Update 1:
- Download 3CX v16 Update 1 Preview . Use it only for test purposes - do not install in a working environment! Subsequently, it will be updated through standard 3CX updates.
- Download and install the CFD v16 distribution using the Call Flow Designer Installation Guide .
To migrate existing CFD projects from v15.5 to v16 Update 1 Preview, follow the 3CX Call Flow Designer Project Testing, Debugging, and Migration Guide .
Or watch the training video.
Pay attention to the existing problem:
- The CFD Dialer component is successfully converted to the new version, but must be explicitly called (manually or through a script) to make the call. We do not recommend using these components (dealers) in new projects, as this is an outdated technology. Instead, outgoing calls through the 3CX REST API will be implemented.
Complete CFD v16 Change Log.