EMDK For Xamarin

EMDK For Xamarin 2.7

Overview

EMDK for Xamarin is an IDE extension that provides developers with a comprehensive set of tools to easily create powerful line-of-business applications for Zebra Android devices using C# skills and tools. EMDK for Xamarin includes class libraries, sample applications and source code, and all associated documentation for building applications that take full advantage of the power of Zebra devices.

EMDK for Xamarin inserts the Zebra-exclusive Profile Manager technology within the IDE, providing a GUI-based development tool for configuring Zebra devices. This allows developers to write fewer lines of code, produce fewer errors, and reduce overall development time and effort.

New in v2.7

Enhanced Barcode Manager API:

  • Supports Multi-barcode decoding
  • New MULTI_BARCODE value in enum ScanMode enables simultaneous decoding of multiple barcodes
  • New MultiBarcodeParams class in ScannerConfig adds barcodeCount parameter to set the barcode count to be scanned
  • New PRESS_AND_SUSTAIN AimType avoids canceling a read by subsequently pressing the trigger button (TC20/TC25 devices only)

Enhanced SerialComm API:

  • flowControlMode under Serial Config takes RTS_CTS, XON_XOFF and NONE values

Enhanced Profile Manager DataCapture:

  • Supports Serial Input plug-in
  • Support Zebra DS-3608 scanner
  • Support for Multi-barcode decoding:
    • New Multi Barcode Scanning Mode option in Reader parameters enables simultaneous decoding of multiple barcodes
    • New Barcode count field under Multi-barcode parameters allows a barcode count to be set
  • Supports sending ENTER command as a string
  • Enhanced support for Inter-character delay
  • New PRESS_AND_SUSTAIN AimType avoids canceling a read by subsequently pressing the trigger button (TC20/TC25 devices only)

Beta support for Visual Studio on Mac OS X

Support for MX 7.2 adds the following Setting Types and features:

  • Enhanced Display Manager CSP:
    • On VC80 devices, adds the ability to force the display to “Stay Awake” and remain on.
  • Enhanced Power Manager CSP:
    • Turn ON/OFF “Doze Mode” energy saving features on the device. When enabled, only specially designated apps can prevent the device from entering a low-power state to preserve battery life.
  • Enhanced Remote Scanner Manager CSP:
    • Supports RS-507 and DS-3608 scanners
  • Enhanced Settings Manager CSP:
    • Enable/Disable application notification control on devices running Android Nougat

Devices Supported

EMDK for Xamarin has been designed to work with all Zebra mobile computers running Android.

The following devices have been tested and validated:

Mobile devices

  • ET5X - Lollipop
  • MC33 - Nougat
  • TC20 - Nougat
  • TC25 - Nougat
  • TC51 - Marshmallow, Nougat
  • TC56 - Marshmallow, Nougat
  • TC70 - Lollipop
  • TC70x - Marshmallow, Nougat
  • TC75 - Lollipop
  • TC75x - Marshmallow, Nougat
  • TC8000 - Lollipop
  • VC80x - Nougat
  • WT6000 - Lollipop

EMDK for Xamarin 2.7 cannot target devices running KitKat

Scanners and imagers

  • RS507
  • RS6000
  • RS5000
  • RS4000
  • DS3678
  • DS3608

Development Tools Supported

  • Windows
    • Visual Studio
      • 2013
      • 2015 (up to v15.5)
      • 2017
  • Mac OS X
    • Visual Studio (beta)
    • Xamarin Studio (deprecated)
      • 6.x

EMDK for Xamarin 2.7 is the last version to support Visual Studio 2013 and 2015

Note for VS2015 users: EMDK for Xamarin supports Visual Studio 2015 only up to version 15.5. Upgrading to any higher version results in failure. Zebra recommends using Visual Studio 2017.

Deprecations

  • Support for configuring DataWedge using EMDK Profile Manager is deprecated. Profile Manager capabilities categorized under Data Capture are still supported but will no longer be advanced. Zebra recommends using DataWedge intent-based APIs to configure DataWedge profiles going forward.

  • Support for the ContinuousRead class is deprecated. This class, which can be used to enable continuous scanning, is still supported but will no longer be advanced. Zebra recommends using the aimType, sameSymbolTimeout, differentSymbolTimeout reader parameters for the device camera, imager or laser.

  • Support for the picklist field is deprecated. This field, which is used for enabling the picklist mode, is still support but will ultimately be replaced by the picklistEx field.

  • Xamarin Studio on Mac OS X remains supported but will no longer be advanced.

Compatibility Notes

  • When upgrading to a new version of EMDK for Xamarin, previous versions must be uninstalled. Failure to remove previous versions will result in an incomplete installation of the new extension.
  • Support for KitKat (Android 4.4.3 or higher) devices has been dropped.
  • For devices running Android Lollipop or higher, a device-specific update is distributed with the latest BSP or security incremental patch for that device.