We’re happy to announce WebFrame Pro v3.1.0, now available on the iOS App Store. We have some exciting new features and a couple of small refinements that we think you will love.

Augmented Reality

Create an infinite showroom, gallery, or display for 3D objects with Augmented Reality. Simply link to a .USDZ or .Realty file on your webpage. When a user taps on the link/image, it will be rendered in an AR Quick Look window that will guide the user through calibrating the screen and anchoring the image.

On your webpage, use the following code to host a 3D model and preview:

<a rel="ar" href="/path-to-model/model.usdz">
  <img class="image-model" src="/path-to-preview/preview.png" alt="" />
</a>

Open Apps by URL

We have added a new setting in WebFrame Pro that enables launching 3rd party apps using app-specific URL schemes. For example, on your webpage, you can create a link open the iOS Shortcuts app by adding the following:

<a href="shortcuts:">Open Shortcuts App</a>

Note: App URLs will not open 3rd party apps when a device is configured in Guided Access Mode, Single App Mode, or Autonomous Single App Mode. This option is disabled by default.

Session Options

We have added the ability to configure WebFrame Pro to launch with a new session or resume a previous session when launching after a device is restarted or when the app is completely closed and restarted (for example, after a force-quit). The default option is to start a new session. Behavior during app switching remains the same (resume current session).

Launch from WebClip Setting and Default Behavior Change

In version 3.1.0, we have changed the default behavior regarding Web Clips. Launching WebFrame Pro from a Web Clip is now always enabled and the enabled/disabled toggle has been removed from settings. After consideration, we felt that having this as a configuration option was redundant since an administrator would have to configure and install a Web Clip in the first place.

At WireFrameRate, we welcome these changes by Apple. Our apps do not (and will never) collect user data, track users, sell data to advertisers, etc.

In the rare event one of our apps crashes, and you choose to submit the data to Apple and WireFrameRate, we only log system and configuration data. We go out of our way to ensure no data that could be associated with a user is ever logged.

Upcoming Apple privacy update has developers desperately seeking dodges

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/01/app-makers-explore-desperate-measures-to-dodge-apple-privacy-rules

Tuesday, Apple surprised developers by announcing that iOS and iPadOS 14 would be released Wednesday. Fortunately, as we revealed in our previous blog post, we invested heavily in test automation over the past few months. Over the last 24 hours, we have been able to complete dozens of full test passes on WebFrame Pro, WebFrame, and WebFrame Basic. To their credit, Apple reviewers are rapidly reviewing and approving new releases. We are happy to announce the availability of v3.0.0 of the WebFrame Kiosk portfolio of products.

WebFrame v3.0.0 Includes:

iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 Support

iOS and iPadOS 14 introduced changes in multitasking and how threads update the user interface. We introduced a work-around in the previous release to accommodate our customers using the public betas. v3.0.0 has been updated with the latest OS changes while maintaining compatibility back to iOS 12.4.

QR and BarCode Reader

While mobile Safari includes support for JavaScript-based QR code readers, Apple has not enabled that support for WKWebView-based browsers which includes many popular browsers (Chrome, Edge, FireFox, etc.) as well as other web-based kiosk solutions. To support our customers, we have created native a native QR and barcode scanner that can be called from JavaScript. After a successful read, WebFrame will return the scanned data to a JavaScript callback function that you can implement however you wish. This allows our customers to create product lookup, employee login, coupon scans, etc. For information on implementing WebFrame QR and Barcode reader on your page, please refer to https://www.wireframerate.com/webframe-user-guide#qr-reader

Easier Access to and Password Protection of In-App Settings

When enabled, in-app settings can be accessed with a four-finger double-tap gesture. This provides easier access to settings and allows configuration changes to be made to a device running in Single App Mode. Additionally, in-app settings can be protected by a passcode. As an added convenience, the passcode can be entered by scanning a QR code.

Autonomous Single App Mode (WebFrame Pro)

In addition to Guided Access Mode and Single App Mode, WebFrame Pro supports Autonomous Single App Mode (ASAM). Like traditional Single App Mode, ASAM will lock a device down to a single application with no access to the home screen, even on a reboot. As an added convenience, however, ASAM allows a configured kiosk app to start and stop a single-app session. From the in-app settings menu in WebFrame Pro, an authorized administrator can exit a single app session, access the desktop to use a line-of-business or other app, then go back to WebFrame Pro and resume a single app session.

Create a Web Archive from In-App Settings (WebFrame Pro)

When offline support was added to WebFrame Pro, creating a web archive file required either desktop or mobile Safari. In WebFrame Pro v3.0.0, you can now create a web archive from in-app settings. After creating the archive, WebFrame Pro will prompt if you would like to configure the archive as the homepage URL.

Improved Test Coverage and Bug Fixes

Our investment in test automation has not only paid dividends in our ability to quickly test and release a new build, but also exposed several lower priority bugs and quality issues in our previous releases. As we move forward, this new approach should accelerate our ability to release new features while improving product quality.

Updated User Guide

We have created a new user guide with enhanced navigation and an improved architecture that will allow the page to load faster and allow us to quickly add new content. The URL for the user guide remains https://www.wireframerate.com/webframe-user-guide

Get WebFrame Now

WebFrame Basic Kiosk on the AppStore

WebFrame Kiosk on the AppStore

WebFrame Pro on the AppStore

We’re busy building exciting new features and support for iOS 14 in WebFrame v3.0.0. To support our efforts, we’ve spent a lot of time building out automated UI tests to go with our existing unit tests. As a result, we have reduced a test pass from 3-4 hours per device per iOS version to around 15-20 minutes. This will help us accelerate releases while increasing quality and coverage of QA.

Please note, the video below has been sped up for brevity; although we wish it ran this quickly!

When we began working on WebFrame, software for turning an iPad into a public kiosk, we did not envision a time when people would stop going out in public. We see both challenges and opportunities in the post COVID-19 world, and are making some adjustments to respond.

First, we are seeing a need from our customers to switch from interactive kiosks to digital information displays. In the latest releases of WebFrame and WebFrame Pro, we have changed the way our inactivity timer functionality works to allow digital information displays to be more dynamic while still remaining non-interactive. When user interaction is disabled, the inactivity timer will start counting down immediately (rather than waiting for the first user interaction) before refreshing the page. We have also added a 1-hour option to the timer. These changes will allow you to point WebFrame to a webpage, document, slide show, or commercial information display solution and enable WebFrame to reload new content on a periodic basis.

Second, we see a lot of promise in the use of iPad-based kiosks as a replacement of person-to-person interactions to facilitate social distancing. However, the iPad screen is a potential source of spreading infection between users. As a result, we are actively looking for partners that manufacture anti-microbial cases and/or screen protectors. Look for an announcement soon.

Finally, we are pleased to announce WebFrame Basic Kiosk. WebFrame Basic has the entire set of features available in WebFrame Kiosk, but is free. Our hope is that WebFrame Basic will provide an easy way for potential customers to try-out WebFrame in their environment or with their web apps before purchasing WebFrame or WebFrame Pro. WebFrame Basic includes an ad banner at the bottom of the screen that provides App Store links that make it easy to purchase WebFrame or WebFrame Pro.

Get WebFrame Basic, WebFrame, and WebFrame Pro from the following links:

WebFrame Basic Kiosk

WebFrame Kiosk

WebFrame Pro Kiosk

Thanks and stay safe!

Tony @ WireFramerate

Announcing WebFilter Content Blocker

As we were building the Advanced Content Filter feature of WebFrame Pro Kiosk, we built a Safari content blocker as a test utility. We decided to add some polish and release it as a free, stand-alone product.

WebFilter will allow you to selective block tracking cookies and/or content from ads, analytics, social networks, and more. You can also block cryptomining and fingerprinting scripts. Finally, you can create your own custom JSON-based WebKit Content Blocker rules.

Get it today for free on the iOS App Store

We’re pleased to announce WebFrame Pro Kiosk 2.2.0 with advanced content filtering.

In addition to improved performance of our existing Allowed Domains feature, the Advanced Content Filter will allow you block:

• Tracking cookies from ads, social networks, and other sources

• Tracking content including ads, fingerprinting, crypto mining, and more

• Custom content that you can define yourself.

See the WebFrame User Guide for more information.

Get WebFrame Kiosk Pro v2.2.0 from the iOS App Store.

Announcing WebFrame Pro Kiosk v2.1.1

Now with WebFrame Pro Kiosk, you can use a locally stored site (.html), document, media file, etc. as the homepage for a completely disconnected experience. 

Create an archive (.webarchive) of your website using desktop or mobile Safari, store it locally, and use it as your WebFrame Pro homepage to create an offline starting point that automatically bridges to an online experience.

To learn more about setting up and using offline support, see the WebFrame User Guide or watch this brief video demo:

Get WebFrame Pro Kiosk 2.1.1 from the iOS App Store:

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What’s new in WebFrame Kiosk v2.1.1?

Offline support is exclusive to WebFrame Pro, but we haven’t forgotten about WebFrame. Both WebFrame and WebFrame Pro have been updated with enhancements and bug fixes including:

• Activity spinner has been replaced with a progress bar to actual page loading progress in a less intrusive way. New configuration options allow you use the new progress bar (default), activity spinner, or no progress indicator.

• Disabled drag-and-drop, which caused problems in Guided Access Mode or allowed users to launch Safari.

• Disabled text highlighting and the associated “Copy | Look up | Share” popup menu.

• Multiple bug fixes for Allowed Domains filtering.

Get WebFrame Kiosk 2.1.1 from the iOS App Store:

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Announcing WebFrame 2.0.0

We are pleased to introduce WebFrame Kiosk and WebFrame Pro Kiosk version 2.0.0. This version is a substantial update and introduces remote management capabilities in WebFrame Kiosk for the first time. It also adds a new remote management alternative to WebFrame Pro Kiosk, providing an alternative to costly MDM solution if you only need to manage WebFrame Pro settings. This is accomplished through the addition of iCloud Sync, which allows settings to be synchronized between all devices logged into the same iCloud account. We have also added a Management Mode to WebFrame, allowing a dedicated device to serve as a management console for all synchronized devices.

iCloud Sync

With iCloud Sync, you can remotely manage multiple devices without an expensive MDM solution, provided that all devices are logged into the same iCloud account.  There are two methods for managing devices with iCloud Sync - Peer-to-peer management using the iOS Settings app, and settings push management using the new Management mode of WebFrame. In order to use iCloud Sync, your device must be signed into an iCloud account and iCloud Drive and WebFrame (or WebFrame Pro) should be enabled in settings.

iOS Settings > Apple ID > iCloud

WebFrame Management Mode

Managing WebFrame settings can be accomplished in two ways: Through the iOS Settings app (peer-to-peer management) by toggling the WebFrame “Sync to iCloud on Next Run” setting, or through the new Management Mode of WebFrame (push-management). Management Mode allows you to configure a device as a management console rather than as a kiosk. With this mode, you can manage settings for all device synced with the same iCloud account. Management Mode has a similar look-and-feel to iOS Settings, but since it’s running within WebFrame, settings are applied and synced immediately.

Learn More

To learn more about WebFrame 2.0.0 including instructions on enabling and using iCloud Sync, peer-to-peer management, and push management, see the demo video below or at this URL: https://youtu.be/Gxk1ExWWxoo. You can also checkout the WebFrame User Guide for more information and detail.

Download Now

WebFrame Kiosk

WebFrame Pro Kiosk

Updates

Hello from WireFrameRate! It’s been a while since we provided an update, so we would like to announce WebFrame and WebFrame Pro version 1.6.0 and let you know what we’ve been up to.

For most of the early Spring, we were busy adding features to support our designer-customers to provide a great experience for demonstrating prototypes in InVision, Figma, Marvel, and more.

We spent the last couple months performing Spring cleaning. As a result, we have:

• Reduced app bundle size by over 25%. This is especially useful for WebFrame Pro customers that are deploying and managing across their business.

• Optimized memory and processor usage to provide improved performance.

• Updated setting labels to be more clear and more concise. This is particularly important on iPhone where there is less room for setting labels.

Not everything has been under the hood. We have also added new features in the latest release:

• Support for hardware keyboard shortcuts for reload, home, forward, back, and print. Hold Command key for list of available options.

• Added support for Voice Over accessibility.

• In WebFrame Pro, we have added a custom URL scheme to enable launching sites from WebClips. This allows multiple sites (not just homepage URL setting), but domains must be added to allowed domain list (or disable Domain Limiting). Custom URL format is “webframepro:https://www.domain.com/path/page”. When creating a WebClip, specify “Full Screen”. WebClips can be created with Apple Configurator 2 or any leading MDM.

Keyboard Hint Window (hold Command key to display)

Example WebClip created in Apple Configurator

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New Look

Finally, we have updated the app icon and splash screen with a new theme we refer to as “Honeyglobe”. We hope you like the refreshed look:

WebFrame

WebFrame Pro

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Downloads

WebFrame and WebFrame Pro are both available now and you can get them here:

WebFrame Kiosk

WebFrame Pro Kiosk

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