News
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In November 2024, the company launched MobiControl version 2025. What is new with this version, which will be primarily developed and installed in 2025?
SOTI VPN for Android Enterprise and Windows Modern
SOTI VPN is a brand new secure tunnel that can be easily configured from within the MobiControl web console. SOTI VPN is designed for easy and automated VPN connection without the need to enter authentication credentials. On Android and Windows Modern platforms, SOTI VPN can be used to tunnel all device network traffic or traffic destined for specific IP address ranges. Additionally, on the Android platform, a "per-app" VPN feature can be used to tunnel only selected app traffic through the VPN. However, the SOTI VPN feature is only available to customers who have subscribed to SOTI Premium Plus or Enterprise Plus services.
Apps Dashboard
The App Dashboard provides a centralized view of the apps used on mobile devices, including real-time status updates. It simplifies the management of application configurations and policies and contributes to the consistency of the environment. There is also a new one-click retry feature for failed app installs that further simplifies the deployment process and troubleshooting.
Certificates Dashboard
SOTI MobiControl administrators now have a comprehensive overview of all their certificates managed by MobiControl. The Certificate Dashboard is designed to simplify the tracking, monitoring and management of certificates on mobile devices. It allows for easy certificate renewal, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operation of mobile devices.
Enhanced Installer
The MobiControl installer has a new user interface that provides a clearer overview of missing system requirements (.NET, Java, etc.) including links to their installers.
SOTI XSight Live View Device Action
The SOTI XSight Live View session can now be started from the SOTI MobiControl Devices Dashboard. Live View provides location and other important information about devices in real time. This feature can be used for one specific device, multiple devices, or a group of devices.
Profile Installation Priority
Profiles for Android devices can now be assigned an installation priority, ensuring that profiles are installed on devices in a specific order. If a higher priority profile fails to install, lower priority profiles can be automatically stopped from installing. Profile prioritization is only supported in agents version 2025.0 and later.
New features for File Sync policies
File Sync policies for file synchronization can now be exported and imported between different Soti MobiControl environments. They can also be cloned, which speeds up new implementations.
Deprecation of Alert Rules
It is no longer possible to define Alert Rules in MobiControl v2025. Alerts have been replaced by Signal policies. When upgrading the system, the alert rules are partially automatically converted and need to be reviewed.
Selection of other news
- Ability to store and reuse filters used in profile and policy assignments
- Android managed app configurations in App Policies can be exported and imported
- When a user logs out from a shared device, a script can be automatically run
- Unique PINs can be defined for shared Android devices and assigned to users of those devices
- Display of the Remote Control active connection indicator, including the length of the connection session
- Bulk deletion of packages
- Ability to automatically un-enroll devices when a user is disabled in Active Directory
- Dynamic change of the Soti admin password whenever it is applied to a mobile device
- Enhanced editing interface for creating JavaScript scripts
- Running Soti scripts on inactive Android devices - the script will run when no one is working on the device
- Access to the Content Library via the Soti Hub client
- Management of Zebra wireless printers has been fully migrated from MobiControl to Soti Connect
More information about the Soti MobiControl EMM system
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Ivanti has announced that it will discontinue sales and support of the Avalanche MDM system as of September 30, 2025. This has been the leading mobile device management system for many years, running DOS (yes, it really is ancient!), Windows CE and Windows Mobile. Avalanche then went on to support the Android OS, but competing MDM products in the market overshadowed and outperformed it.
Of course, I'm happy to provide technical support on already installed Avalanche systems. I recommend the Soti MobiControl as an alternative EMM solution.
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From July 2024 Ivanti has changed the licensing of Ivanti Wavelink products, i.e. Velocity TE, Velocity WEB, Avalanche, Speakeasy, etc. It is no longer possible to purchase perpetual licenses, but only subscriptions. Support is always included in the subscription price. The standard subscription offer is for 1 year, 3 years or 5 years.
Already purchased perpetual licenses will continue to work. However, in the future it may be that they cannot be used with newer versions of software products without the customer having purchased valid support. The price of support for perpetual licenses will gradually increase. Until the end of 2024, Ivanti is offering customers the option to migrate from perpetual licenses to subscriptions on discounted terms.
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In October 2023, Soti launched a completely new version of the MobiControl, version 2024, which is the successor to version 15.6. Soti has decided to change the version numbering of its products to better reflect the time of release.
Version 2024 contains a number of new features. These include the ability to export Android platform profiles in one MobiControl system and import them into another. This can be used to quickly transfer profiles between environments, reducing the need for repeated manual entry and reducing the potential for human error. Exports include all configurations (including lockdown screen definitions) and a list of packages used in the profiles. The actual packages need to be transferred separately.
Another new feature is the redesign of the MobiControl Search service. It is now called Soti Search and brings faster search and indexing speeds and better overall reliability.
Additional components of the MobiControl v2024 user interface have been migrated into the modern HTML5-based environment, including reports and rules (now policies) for file synchronization, device relocation, data collection, etc. The ability to view profiles that are assigned to a specific device group has been added. This eliminates the need for cross-referencing and lengthy browsing of profiles and devices.
Of course, there is much more to the innovation environment. For example, the ability to use IN and NOT IN operators when searching for devices, the ability to limit the number of devices enrolled by the selected enrollment policy, the ability to limit user access to device location information and collected data on the Location and Collected Data tabs.
MobiControl now allows real-time notifications to be provided to third-party applications. Webhooks activated via Soti Signal Policy are used for this purpose. The Soti administrator can define different events and conditions when the activation occurs. These conditions can also work with Custom Data objects.
For Android device management, there is an option to display video and images after a certain period of device inactivity (Device Inactivity Profile). This is particularly useful for information kiosks that display video when idle and display a customer application or a multi-application menu when tapped. The Device Inactivity Profile can also be used to increase device security by wiping application data after a period of inactivity.
MobiControl now allows you to generate QR codes for Android Enterprise device enrollment directly from the web console, which was previously only possible using third-party tools or the Soti Stage Programmer. The QR code can include Wi-Fi settings, selected system settings and Enrollment ID/URL.
When creating lockdown screens for Android devices using HTML templates, administrators can now use a preview of the screen in the web console without having to test each partial appearance modification on a physical device. The preview will also make it easier to select the right template for a specific purpose.
Using what is called OEMConfig to configure Android settings is now possible on Samsung, Zebra, Honeywell, Panasonic and Datalogic devices without installing the OEMConfig app from the Google Play store. On devices enrolled in Google Play-enabled MobiControl, the Soti profile OEMConfig can be applied, which offers equivalent options to the app.
Within Application Run Control, not only blacklists but now also whitelists can be defined on Android Enterprise devices. This allows administrators to prevent unwanted sharing of confidential information with third parties.
The assignment of Soti profiles can be scheduled for defined time periods in MobiControl v2024. This is useful, for example, if you need to lock a device into kiosk mode during working hours and deactivate kiosk mode outside working hours.
The Soti Surf web browser and the Soti Settings Manager application have also been improved. The latter allows, for example, manual time synchronization with the NTP server or control of the phone light (flash).
Soti also announced the discontinuation of support for some legacy operating systems such as Windows XP, Vista and Windows CE 4.2. The Self Service Portal will continue to be available only to users who use MobiControl together with Soti XSight.
More info about Soti MobiControl EMM system
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I would like to introduce Soti Connect - an enterprise tool for remote management of mobile and desktop printers from Zebra, Honeywell, Sato, Brother and other manufacturers.
Similarly to Soti MobiControl, we provide implementation and license sales.
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Zebra introduced a new generation of ultra-rugged mobile terminals designed for advanced mobile solutions like video streaming, video calls, mobile dimensioning, augmented reality and scanning apps. The TC73/TC78 is built to handle 3 m drops to concrete and 2 000 tumbles. Its fast Qualcomm 6490 octa-core processor, with decent memory and storage provides sufficient power for running apps simultaneously. A 6-inch display is easy to see indoors and out, with sunglasses, when wet, and with gloves. Reliable wireless connections include Wi-Fi 6E, 5G and Bluetooth 5.2. The TC73/TC78 also supports Workstation Connect cradle using the Workstation Connect software, it can be easily connected to a large monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer etc. Premium configurations support capturing of parcel dimensions (Time of Flight sensor). It comes with a choice of scan engines - with the high performing SE4770 1D/2D scan engine, and the new generation SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with IntelliFocus technology. The TC73/TC78 offers Mobility DNA tools and five years of product availability with a full 10 years of service and support.
Features:
- 6-inch Full HD+ Edge-to-Edge display (1080 x 2160)
- Qualcomm 6490 octa-core CPU, with a performance core running at 2.7 GHz
- Memory options (RAM / Flash): 4 GB RAM / 64 GB UFS Flash or 8 GB RAM / 128 GB UFS Flash
- Withstands multiple 3.05 m drops to concrete and 2,000 1 m consecutive tumbles
- 5G (TC78 only), Wi-Fi 6E (TC73 / TC78) certified
- SE55 1D/2D Advanced Range scan engine with IntelliFocus™ technology or SE4770 1D/2D scan engine
- 16 MP Color Rear Camera with flash, 8 MP front camera, optical Image Stabilization available in premium models
- Time of Flight (ToF) depth sensor available in premium and certified premium models
- Android 11-14 support
- Certification for augmented reality - ARCore
- Multiple removable lithium-ion battery options: 4400 mAh standard battery, 4400 mAh Wireless Charge battery (TC78 only), 6600 mAh Extended Capacity, 4400 mAh BLE Beacon battery; fast
charging - TC78 support wireless charging through a 4400 mAh Wireless Charge battery and Wireless Charge vehicle cradle
- Zebra Device Tracker support with BLE beacon battery
- True Hot Swap battery mode (premium models only), Warm Swap battery mode (standard models)
- Zebra Workstation Connect Desktop Experience (Desktop Replacement)
- USB-C Connector for charging anywhere
- 10 years of support with 5 years of product availability and 5 additional years of service
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Soti Inc. recently released XSight version 4.2. They have added multiple new features for tracking and managing Zebra PowerPrecision and PowerPrecision+ batteries as well as Panasonic FZ-N1, FZ-T1, FZ-L1, FZ-A3, and FZ-S1 batteries:
- Battery Health Charts: Customize health criteria for your battery based on Battery Lasting a Shift, Remaining Capacity, Age and Battery Cycles
- Battery Pools: Create custom battery groups to organize your fleet based on location, type and more
- Customizable Shift Definition: Define shifts that fit your business and check which batteries will last each shift
- Battery Lifecycle Management: Full visibility into different stages of a battery lifecycle each on a separate dashboard
- New Batteries: Manage your new batteries inventory by importing newly purchased batteries into Smart Battery Dashboard before they are placed in any devices
- Monitor In Use Batteries: Monitor the health and usage of batteries from the moment they are placed in the first device until they are decommissioned
- Decommission Batteries: Decommission/recommission batteries and warn workers on use of malfunctioning batteries
- Inventory Management: A holistic view of your entire battery pool and number of batteries in each lifecycle stage
- Battery Spotlight: A detailed view of a single battery, including discharge rate and capacity data during any selected time window
- Map batteries to devices: View a list of batteries that were used by any device and vice versa
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Zebra has launched the ET40 and ET45 enterprise tablets with three variants of an integrated barcode scanner and two display sizes, namely 8 and 10 inches.
The tablets are rugged - intended for use in medium-demanding enterprise applications and also they have a reasonable price tag. The ET40 models offer Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, while the ET45 has 5G mobile data connectivity in addition to Wi-Fi 6.
Features:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon SM6375 octa-core processor
- Long-term Android OS support: tablets are launched with Android 11, while in the future their support is expected up to Android 14
- 8"/20.3 cm with a resolution of 1280x800 or 10.1"/25.7 cm with a resolution of 1920x1200; covered by Gorilla glass
- 802.11ax adapter (Wi-Fi 6)
- 2G/3G/4G and 5G mobile data connection (ET45; data only)
- Bluetooth 5.1 class 2, BLE support
- RAM/flash memory: 4/64 GB or 8/128 GB
- Integrated barcode scanner versions: SE4100 1D/2D, SE4710 1D/2D; SE55 1D/2D (for scanning at extended distances)
- 13 mpx rear camera with auto-focus and 5 mpx front camera
- Drop resistance 1.2 m onto concrete (without protective cover), 1.55 m (with protective cover)
- User-replaceable battery 6100 mAh (8" models) or 7600 mAh (10" models); optional secondary hot-swap battery 3400 mAh
- Zebra Mobility DNA support including LifeGuard updates, Zebra StageNow, Enterprise Home Screen, DataWedge, RxLogger, etc.
- Expansion slot for accessories connectivity
- 6 years life cycle (3 years production + 3 years support)
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Zebra has launched a new generation of TC5x enterprise mobile terminal series - the TC53 and TC58.
Compared to their predecessors, the TC53 (Wi-Fi only) and TC58 (Wi-Fi + mobile) have a completely new design and a number of hardware and software innovations.
Features:
- Qualcomm 6490 octa-core processor with long-term Android OS support (starting at Android 11)
- 6" Full HD+ display with vivid colors and Gorilla Glass for indoor and outdoor use
- Wi-Fi 6E adapter with optimization for indoor use
- 5G mobile technology (TC58 only)
- Up to 8 GB RAM and 128 GB flash memory
- SE4720 2D scanning module for barcode scanning at normal distances or SE55 module for scanning at longer distances
- 16 mpx rear camera with optical image stabilization and 8 mpx front camera
- 1.8 m drops to concrete with protective boot; 1.5 m drops to tile over concrete without protective boot
- High capacity battery; extended battery, BLE battery and wireless charging battery options; warm swap (standard models) and hot swap (premium models)
- Superior voice quality (3 integrated microphones)
- Dedicated Push To Talk button
- Mobility DNA support including LifeGuard updates, Zebra StageNow, Enterprise Home Screen, DataWedge, etc.
- Wide range of accessories including trigger handle, RFID sled and cradle to create a mobile-driven workstation (allows connection of a monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer and more)
- Life cycle 4 years of sales + 4 years of support
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Zebra has introduced the world's smallest Android all-in-one solution - the WS50. This hands-free device combines a mobile terminal with 2-inch display with barcode scanning. It's available in two variants:
- Converged Scanner - mounts on two fingers or the back of the hand
- Wrist Mount - mounts on right or left wrist
Wearable terminals and ring scanners have traditionally been used in warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing floors to maximize productivity in use cases that require hands-free operation. The WS50 Converged supports many of the same use cases, but in a one-piece solution that eliminates the need to manage a separate host device and paired scanner. The WS50 Wrist expands enterprise wearables into new use cases, such as task management and communications. With its enterprise-class features, Android operating system and rugged design, the WS50 Wrist can be deployed into unforgiving environments, such as manufacturing facilities, warehouses and distribution centers, as well as retail stores and hotels.
WS50 "Converged Scanner" Features
- Weight: Finger mount = 134 g; Back of Hand mount = 148 g
- Android 11 AOSP
- 1 GB RAM, 8 GB Flash
- 2-inch, full color AMOLED touch display
- Two programmable physical keys
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC
- SE4770 high performance 1D/2D imager scan engine
- 1300 mAh removable battery, with hot swap
- Operating temperature from -10 °C to 50 °C
- 6-foot drop to concrete, over the operating temperature
- Integrated speaker and microphone
WS50 "Wrist Mount" Features
- Weight 112 g
- Android 11 AOSP
- 1 GB RAM, 8 GB Flash
- 2-inch, full color AMOLED touch display
- Four programmable physical keys
- Wi-Fi 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC
- 13 MP camera, for photos, video and barcode scanning
- 800 mAh removable battery, with hot swap
- Operating temperature from -10 °C to 50 °C
- 4-foot drop to concrete, over the operating temperature
- Integrated speaker and microphone – supports 3rd party push to talk applications
At this time, Android 11 is the only OS supported on the WS50. No future Android versions are committed on this platform. The WS50 does not support GMS. The following Mobility DNA tools are available on the WS50: DataWedge, StageNow, Enterprise Home Screen, Device Diagnostics, MX, OEMConfig, Device Tracker, Wireless Fusion and RxLogger.
The WS50 can support push to talk via the integrated speaker and microphone or via a Bluetooth headset. The physical side keys on the WS50 are programmable and can be mapped to a PTT application to initiate a push to talk session. While Zebra’s Workforce Connect solution is not currently supported on the WS50, the device is “push to talk ready” for 3rd party PTT apps.