About ZWC

Zebra Workstation Connect 1.2

Overview

Zebra Workstation Connect (ZWC) is a hardware and software solution for select Zebra devices running Android that allows a mobile device to provide a desktop-like experience. The solution includes Zebra's Workstation Docking Cradle, which provides connections to an HDMI external monitor, wired Ethernet and four USB ports for attaching a keyboard, mouse and other peripherals.

image Click images to enlarge; ESC to exit.

Key applications for ZWC include retail, healthcare, warehousing, transportation and many others. ZWC software leverages Android Desktop Mode either to mirror the device screen on an external monitor or to present a different set of apps and content on the device and monitor screens.

New in ZWC v1.2

Administrative features now support:

  • MX/Audio Volume UI Manager for setting min/max volume settings for apps running on desktop
  • Monitor density settings
  • Automatic dimming/disabling of mobile device screen
  • Show/hide specific running apps in Desktop Taskbar

User features:

  • "Relaunch and Reset" Action for apps running on Desktop
  • Web, File, Static and Dynamic shortcuts on the Desktop
  • Keyboard shortcuts added:
    • PRTSCR captures the Desktop screen and stores as a file on the device
    • ESC works like the BACK button for apps running on Desktop
    • Windows+L Immediately locks and suspends device

See the Workstation Connect Administrator's Guide (pdf) for more information.

Desktop Mode

Desktop Mode allows an external monitor to appear to work independently of the mobile device, displaying a separate set of apps and data from the mobile device. All running apps can accept input from a connected keyboard and mouse as well as the touch screen.

image Desktop Mode can display different sets of apps on the device and monitor.
Click to enlarge; ESC to exit.

This is made possible by Zebra Workstation Connect, a secondary app launcher for Android that executes automatically whenever a device containing the ZWC app is inserted into a Zebra Workstation Docking Cradle. ZWC handles all communications through the dock, presents the preferred desktop on the external monitor and stores the display resolution settings, app shortcuts and all other user preferences.

image The "All Apps" button (circled, above left) displays all apps on the device. The image at right shows the "Desktop" with taskbar, running apps, shortcuts, settings icons and notifications.
Click to enlarge; ESC to exit.

Desktop Mode includes all features of Mirror Mode and also can display:

  • A "Desktop" screen with custom wallpaper
  • Content on the external monitor unique from the device
  • Notifications from the device
  • Device settings such as audio volume, network and battery status
  • Icons of running apps with click-to-switch functionality

Desktop Mode also allows an administrator to:

  • Create actions (i.e. launch an app) to execute when docking or undocking
  • Configure app launch behavior for Desktop vs. device
  • Configure ZWC settings remotely using StageNow or an EMM system

Desktop Mode allows the device user to:

  • Switch between running apps by clicking icons on the taskbar
  • Create and display app-launcher icons (shortcuts) on the desktop
  • Move running apps from device to Desktop and vice-versa
  • Respond to notifications
  • Show and change audio volume, date and time and network settings and Wi-Fi connections
  • Show charging and status of device battery

Mirror Mode

Mirror Mode displays the same content on the monitor as on the device. The only difference between the two is the orientation, which is adjusted to display content in landscape mode on the monitor from the vertically oriented device (see image, below). Supported devices will use Mirror Mode by default whenever they're docked in a Workstation Docking Cradle that's connected to an HDMI monitor.

This mode offers the easiest setup; after installing the required OS on one or more supported devices and connecting a keyboard, mouse and monitor to a Zebra Workstation Docking Cradle, setup is complete. If Mirror Mode functionality is adequate for the intended use case, no further configuration is required.

image Mirror Mode displays the same content on device and monitor, with adjusted orientation.
Click to enlarge; ESC to exit.

For additional features, including the ability to remotely configure ZWC settings, install the Workstation Connect app.

Version History

Addd in ZWC v1.1

  • Support added for ET56 tablet. See all supported devices.
  • Launch corresponding settings UI when clicking on Taskbar status icons
  • Administrative features added:
    • Restrict device user access to specific device apps to run on Desktop
    • Select whether icons of running mobile apps are displayed in Taskbar
    • Allow users to enable the All Applications panel
    • Select whether to launch the corresponding settings UI when clicking on a status icon

Also See