About Enterprise Browser 1.7

Enterprise Browser 1.7

Overview

Enterprise Browser is a powerful, industrial browser that provides everything needed to quickly build device apps for barcode scanning, signature capture, payment processing, printing and most other enterprise applications for a long list of supported Zebra devices running Android and Windows Mobile/CE. EB includes a runtime environment inside which a company's application logic can be executed and controlled using HTML5 and CSS3 for presentation and JavaScript to access EB APIs for scanners, cameras, card readers and other device peripherals.


The base EB installation includes all necessary components to allow a Windows development host to easily build device apps and set runtime settings for local or mass-deployment using Zebra StageNow or a mobile device management (MDM) system. If migrating from another platform, Enterprise Browser also can run apps built for PocketBrowser, RhoElements and the RhoMobile Shared Runtime, making it an ideal path for moving apps to a newer UI, device or platform. For more information about API crossover, see the API Compatibility matrix.


New in v1.7

ButtonBar API

A new Android-only ButtonBar API permits a series of custom buttons or keys to be displayed on the screen and configured to launch an app, execute a JavaScript snippet or perform other operations available to the device. img

Related links:


Device Support

EB 1.7 now supports the following new devices (shown in bold) and/or existing devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop and Android 6.0 Marshmallow:

  • TC51HC (HealthCare) Android Marshmallow
  • TC56 Android Marshmallow
  • DS3678 Ultra Rugged Scanner (when used with Android TC51/TC51HC Marshmallow)
  • CBL-NGWT-HDVBAP-01 External Vibrator (when used with WT6000 Lollipop)
  • ET50 Android Marshmallow
  • ET55 Android Marshmallow
  • MC32 Android Lollipop
  • TC75X Android Marshmallow
  • RS5000 Ring Scanner (when used with WT6000 Lollipop)
  • RS6000 Ring Scanner when used with:
    • TC51 Marshmallow
    • TC51HC Marshmallow
    • TC8000 Lollipop

See all supported devices


WebView Control

Enterprise Browser 1.7 now permits many features of the Android WebView to be controlled through the Config.xml file, helping to simplify access to device- and web-related security capabilities and user-experience features. EB 1.7 also increases the methods and properties provided in the WebView API.

These tags apply only to devices running KitKat and higher.

New WebView Config tags:

  • <LayoutLeft> - Optionally sets the horizontal start position of an EB app
  • <LayoutTop> - Optionally sets the vertical start position of an EB app
  • <LayoutWidth> - Optionally sets the width (not to exceed device screen width)
  • <LayoutHeight> - Optionally sets the height (not to exceed device screen height)

Other new UI-related tags

  • <customxmlfile> - specifies the location of the CustomScript.xml, an optional file containing custom JavaScript snippets to be called by custom on-screen buttons or other app functions.

  • <JSLibraries> - can be used to inject JavaScript API libraries (ebapi-modules.js and elements.js) into the DOM of every HTML page when it's not otherwise possible or convenient to edit the source.


New Substitution Variables

The following new substitution variables are now supported by Enterprise Browser for use in Config.xml parameters:

  • %PRIMARYDIR% - resolves to the root directory of internal device storage (i.e. /storage/sdcard0)
  • %SECONDARYDIR% - resolves to the root directory of external storage (i.e. /storage/sdcard1)
  • %PERSISTCONFDIR% - resolves to a directory that persists after an Enterprise Reset of the device (i.e. /enterprise/device/enterprisebrowser)

For details, see the Config.xml Reference.


Web Security Features

  • <ApplicationCacheEnabled> - allows an HTML5 app to be stored locally for off-line operation, improved speed and reduced server load.
  • <ApplicationCacheOnExit> - controls whether to erase a cached HTML5 app upon exiting it.
  • <SetCacheMode> - controls rules for loading pages from cache vs. loading from the server.
  • <DeleteCacheOnExit> - controls whether to erase contents of the browser cache when exiting an app.
  • <DomStorageEnabled> - controls whether application data is stored locally using HTML5 Web Storage.
  • <DatabaseEnabled> - controls whether to enable the WebSQL database.
  • <GeoLocationEnabled> - controls whether location data from the device can be consumed by the EB app.
  • <JavascriptEnabled> - permits JavaScript code execution within an EB app to be toggled on and off.
  • <SaveFormData> - determines whether an app will retain data entered by a user into forms, checkboxes and other input elements.
  • <BlockNetworkImage> - prevents the app from loading images over a network while allowing non-image resources to load.
  • <BlockNetworkLoads> - prevents the app from loading all network resources, including images.
  • <ClearWebData> - determines whether WebView data stored by the EB app will be retained when app returns to the foreground after the device HOME key is pressed.
  • <NavigateToHomePage> - causes an EB app to display its Start Page when the app returns to the foreground.
  • <MixedContentMode> - security feature that can prevent loading of content from insecure sites.
  • <WebFilteringEnabled> - controls whether web sites will be filtered by the addresses specified in the related tags (below).
  • <WhiteListingUrls> - explicitly allows one or more websites to be visited by an app.
  • <BlackListingUrls> - explicitly blocks one or more websites.
  • <DeleteCookiesOnExit> - automatically erases cookies stored by Enterprise Browser when exiting.
Additional Web-related Features
  • <BackgroundColor> - controls the color of the screen in areas apart from those of the app (if not already set by HTML).
  • <WebPageCapture> - diagnostic tool captures screenshots and source files for all app screens.
Device Security Features (for kiosk mode--Lollipop and higher only)
  • <setHomeKeyDisable> - prevents the HOME key (or capacitive button) on the device from exiting the current app.
  • <setStatusBarDisable> - prevents the status bar from being displayed (either automatically or by dragging down from the top of the screen).
  • <setBackKeyDisable> - disables the BACK key (or capacitive button), which could otherwise exit the current app and invoke the previously active app or Launcher screen.
  • <setVolumeButonDisable> - prevents the user from controlling the speaker volume using device hardware keys.
  • <setRecentAppDisable> - prevents display of the Recent Apps list, which could otherwise allow the user exit the current app by selecting one from the "recents" list.

New or Updated APIs

  • An updated WebView API provides programmatic control over the Android WebView using new clearApplicationCache, clearCache, clearHistory, clearCookies, resizeWebviewLayout and resetWebviewLayout methods, and blockNetworkImage, blockNetworkLoads and contentHeight properties.
  • An updated Device API - adds a reboot method for Android.
  • An updated SIP API - adds disableAIIIME and resetToDefault methods for Android.
  • An updated RemoteNotification API - introduces a cancelNotification method and isLEDSupported, isBeepSupported and isVibrateSupported properties for Android.
  • An updated Barcode API - gives Android devices new resetToDefault and isParamSupported methods and properties for aimType, timesAimDuration, sameSymbolTimeout, differentSymbolTimeout, picklistEx, decodeLEDtime, decodeLEDFeedback, decodeLEDFeedbackMode, OneDQuietZoneLevel and PoorQualityDecideZoneLevel.

New or Updated Guides

  • A new Web Page Capture guide covers diagnostic features introduced in EB 1.7 that can capture screenshots and source code files for all app pages.

  • The new Customization guide shows how to customize the on-screen buttons on a device and how to include custom JavaScript snippets for use by the buttons or apps.

  • An updated Security Overview guide includes the new security-related Config.xml-file tags.


New in v1.6

Android Jelly Bean - End of Support

Enterprise Browser 1.6 and higher will no longer support devices running Android Jelly Bean. For Jelly Bean support, please use Enterprise Browser 1.5 or lower.

Device Support

EB 1.6 now supports the following new devices and/or existing devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop and Android 6.0 Marshmallow:

  • ET50 with Android Lollipop
  • ET55 with Android Lollipop
  • MC18 with Android Lollipop
  • MC40 with Android Lollipop
  • TC51 with Android Marshmallow
  • TC75 with Android Marshmallow
  • TC8000 with Android Lollipop

See all supported devices

This release also adds a range of additional new features for all supported Android devices.

New or Updated APIs

  • New Enterprise Keyboard API - provides programmatic access to Zebra's software keyboard and some of its settings (applies only to Android devices with EKB 1.2 and higher).

  • Updated Barcode API - now includes decodeSound, decodeVolume, decodeFrequency and decodeDuration properties for Android (formerly available only for Windows Mobile/CE).

  • Updated Scanner API - adds KitKat support for the connectionListenerEvent.

  • Updated Sensor API - implements a proximitySensorType property to set the value of proximity sensor type or get its current value.

Ring Scanner Support

Enterprise Browser Kiosk Mode

New Tags for Android

The following Enterprise Browser configuration tags are now supported on Android (formerly Windows-only).

  • <ScanDecodeWav> - allows specification of a .wav or .ogg file to be played when a scanned barcode is successfully decoded.

  • <DecodeVolume> - controls the volume of the device beeper when a barcode is scanned.

  • <DecodeFrequency> - controls the frequency of the device beeper when a barcode is successfully decoded.

  • <DecodeDuration> - controls the duration (in milliseconds) of the device beeper sound when a barcode is scanned.

New and Updated Guides

  • New Security Guide - explains Enterprise Browser's numerous security features and provides links to their individual guides or guide sections.

  • Updated DataWedge Usage Guide - adds detailed steps for enabling and disabling DataWedge based on the version installed on the device.

Android Jelly Bean Deprecated

Enterprise Browser 1.6 and higher will no longer support devices running Android Jelly Bean. For Jelly Bean support, please use Enterprise Browser 1.5 or lower versions for Android Jelly Bean device support.


Key EB Features

  • A development toolkit for mobile cross-platform enterprise apps. Supports all enterprise devices: mobile computers, tablets, kiosks, wearables and vehicle-mounted devices. Supports multiple operating systems: Android, Windows Embedded Handheld and Windows Mobile/CE.
  • Build apps using HTML5, CSS and JavaScript. Use web skills to create great-looking applications. Based on open source and standard technologies, not proprietary toolkits. Access to the world's largest developer community.
  • Common APIs across all enterprise devices. Single code base; does not require different APIs for different OSes to create a true write-once, run-anywhere apps with a consistent UI. Easily access native device hardware with JavaScript APIs
  • Backward-compatible with PocketBrowser and RhoElements. Compatible with legacy PocketBrowser APIs, enabling a clear path forward for legacy apps. EMML (Meta Tag) support extended to Android. Compatible with legacy RhoElements JavaScript APIs, enabling a clear path forward for "RhoElements Shared Runtime" users.
  • Unparalleled access to device capabilities. Access all device features, including bar code scanning, signature capture, printing, RFID and more.
  • Thin client architecture. Simplifies device deployment and management by enabling instant application updates on devices; ensures version consistency.
  • Offers operating system "lock out". Hides access to distractions, such as web-browsing and games; simplifies user interface and eliminates risk of unauthorized changes to device settings. Password-protect settings screen and prevent any app from exiting.
  • Full-screen display. Maximizes available display space for a richer, more effective user interface; hides command bar and Start menu.
  • Extensive logging capability. Flexibility to easily capture logging information, reducing management and support effort.

Key EB Benefits

  • Reduces application and development costs and eliminates the need to develop, manage and maintain multiple versions of an application to support different types of devices and operating systems; provides highly cost effective support for a mixed-OS environment.
  • Protects the business from OS market uncertainty. Devices and platforms can continue to churn without impacting the business. These OS-agnostic applications work on Symbol, Motorola and Zebra Technologies platforms of yesterday (MPA2), today and tomorrow.
  • Reduces end-user training costs. Enterprise Browser app development is incredibly intuitive for developers skilled in HTML5, CSS and JavaScript.
  • Leverage every feature on every device and attached peripheral. Easily design rich applications that take advantage of all the available features on a device and its attached peripherals, including barcode scanners, RFID tag readers and payment processing devices.
  • Create consumer-style apps for business Without OS constraints to impact app design, a graphical user interface can be created that is every bit as engaging, intuitive and interactive as today's consumer applications. Provides complete control of application behavior on different devices. With automatic screen resizing, apps can look, feel and behave identically on all devices, or display new features or expand the presentation of existing features to take advantage of larger screens.
  • Faster time to market. A simplified application development approach allows for shorter time to market than ever before.

Supported Devices

Mobile

Device family Device Operating System(s) Supported WebView(s)
ES400 ES400 Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 Internet Explorer, Webkit
ET1 ET1 (Enterprise Tablet)
ET1 WAN
Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) Android Stock Webkit
ET5X ET50, ET55 Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Android Stock Webkit
TC75x TC75x Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) Android Stock Webkit
TC5x TC51, TC51HC, TC56 Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) Android Stock Webkit
MC18 MC18 Windows CE 7.0
Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
Internet Explorer, Webkit, Android Stock Webkit
MC3090 MC3000, MC3090 Windows CE 5.0
Windows Mobile 6.1
Internet Explorer
MC3100 MC3100R, MC3100S, MC3190G, MC3190R, MC3190S, MC3190Z Windows CE 6.0 Professional
Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5
Internet Explorer, Webkit
MC32N0 MC32N0 Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
Windows CE 7.0
Internet Explorer, Webkit, Android Stock Webkit
MC40 MC40 Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
Android Stock Webkit
MC45 MC45 Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 Internet Explorer, Webkit
MC55 MC5574, MC5590 Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 Internet Explorer, Webkit
MC55A0 MC55A0 Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 Internet Explorer, Webkit
MC55N0 MC55N0 Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 Internet Explorer, Webkit
MC65 MC659B Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 Internet Explorer, Webkit
MC67 MC67 Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5
Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Internet Explorer, Webkit, Android Stock Webkit
MC70 MC7004, MC7090, MC7094, MC7095 Windows Mobile 6.1 Internet Explorer
MC75 MC7506, MC7508, MC7596, MC7598 Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 Internet Explorer
MC75a MC75A0, MC75A6, MC75A8 Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 Internet Explorer, Webkit
MC9000 MC9090, MC9097, MC9094 Windows CE 5.0
Windows Mobile 6.1
Internet Explorer
MC9100 MC9190-G, MC9190Z Windows CE 6.0 Professional
Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5
Internet Explorer, Webkit
MC9200 MC92N0 Windows CE 7.0
Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5
Android 4.4 KitKat
Internet Explorer, Webkit, Android Stock Webkit
MC9500 MC9590, MC9596, MC9598, MC959B (WM6.1) Windows Mobile 6.1
Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5
Internet Explorer, Webkit
Omnii XT15 XT15 Windows CE 6.0
Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5
Internet Explorer, Webkit
TC55 TC55 Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)
Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Android Stock Webkit
TC70 TC70 GA1, TC70 GA2 Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
Android Stock Webkit
TC75 TC75, TC75x Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
Android Stock Webkit
TC8000 TC8000 Android 4.4 (KitKat)
Android 5.0 (Lollipop)
Android Stock Webkit
Workabout Pro 4 7528 Windows CE 6.0
Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5
Internet Explorer, Webkit

Vehicle

Device family Device Operating System(s) Supported WebView(s)
VH10 VH10 Windows CE 6.0 Internet Explorer, Webkit
VC5090 VC5090 Windows CE 5.0 Internet Explorer
VC6000 VC6000, VC6096 Windows Embedded Handheld 6.5 Internet Explorer
VC70 VC70 Windows CE 7.0 Internet Explorer, Webkit

Micro-Kiosk

Device family Device Operating System(s) Supported WebView(s)
MK3000 MK3000, MK3090 Windows CE 5.0 Internet Explorer
MK3100 MK3100, MK3190 Windows CE 7.0 Internet Explorer, Webkit
MK4000 MK4000, MK4090 Windows CE 5.0 Internet Explorer

Wearable

Device family Device Operating System(s) Supported WebView(s)
WT4090 WT4070, WT4090 Windows CE 5.0 Internet Explorer
WT41N0 WT41N0 Windows CE 7.0 Internet Explorer, Webkit
WT6000 WT6000 Android 5.0 (Lollipop) Android Stock Webkit

Ring Scanners

Device family Device Operating System(s) Supported WebView(s)
RS5000 Bluetooth Ring Scanner Accessory Supported for use with WT6000 (Lollipop) only.
RS6000 Bluetooth Ring Scanner Accessory Supported for use with:
WT6000 (Lollipop)
TC8000 (Lollipop)
TC75x (Marshmallow)
TC51 and TC51HC (Marshmallow)
RS4000 1D Corded Ring Scanner Accessory For WT6000 only
RS507 Cordless Ring Imager Accessory For devices with KitKat and higher. See support notes (below).

RS507 Support Notes:

  • Works with the Enterprise Browser Barcode API on all supported devices running KitKat or higher (relies on the EMDK service, which is standard on those devices; optional on some Jelly Bean devices).

  • Works with RhoElements 2.x and PocketBrowser 2.x/3.x APIs on all supported devices running KitKat or higher except the TC70-GA1.

Ultra-Rugged Scanners

Device family Device Operating System(s) Supported WebView(s)
DS3678 Ultra-Rugged Scanner Accessory Supported for use with TC51 and TC51HC (Marshmallow)

Misc. Accessories

Device family Device Operating System(s) Supported WebView(s)
Vibrator CBL-NGWT-HDVBAP-01 Vibrating Cable Accessory Supported for use with WT6000 (Lollipop)

Printers

The printers shown below have been tested for compatibility with USB printing from Enterprise Browser. Printing wirelessly from EB apps is supported on many other Zebra printer models. NOTE: Zebra's QL Plus and QLn series printers do not support USB printing.

Device family Device models Operating System(s) Interface(s)
MZ MZ 220, MZ 320 Android, Windows Mobile/CE Bluetooth, USB, Wi-Fi
iMZ iMZ 220, iMZ 320 Android, Windows Mobile/CE Bluetooth, USB, Wi-Fi
RW RW 220, RW 420, RW 420 Print Station Android, Windows Mobile/CE Bluetooth, USB, Wi-Fi
P4T P4T, RP4T Passive RFID Printer Android, Windows Mobile/CE Bluetooth, USB, Wi-Fi
ZD500R ZD500R RFID Printer Android, Windows Mobile/CE Bluetooth, USB, Wi-Fi