What's new in the 8x8 Work for Desktop/Web 8.18 release?
In this release, we introduced the following enhancements:
Ability to override the Caller number format settings for admins
When setting up the Call Info pop-up, choosing the correct number format based on the site or app linked in the URL is essential. Administrators can change the caller number format per user in the 8x8work-config.json file or at the customer level through the 8x8 Work Admin.
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Change the Caller number format configuration via the 8x8work-config.json file per user:
{
“app-select-caller-number-format”: 1
}
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Set it from the 8x8 Work Admin at the customer level.
The caller number format settings from the 8x8 Work Admin or the 8x8work-config.json file are translated into numbers for the 8x8 Work for Desktop and 8x8 Work for Web. For example, the value 1 set in the 8x8 Work Admin or the config file is translated as E164 format in the 8x8 Work for Desktop and 8x8 Work for Web.
Note: When setting up the Call Info pop-up, choosing the correct number format based on the site or app linked in the URL is essential. Users in the United States typically prefer the National format [(408) 555-1212], while European users often use E164 [+14085551212]. Always ensure that the number format you select is the most effective for the specific site or app referenced in the URL.
To learn more about configuring Call info pop-up, see View call info pop-up.
To learn more about setting system requirements by 8x8 Work admins, see About system requirements.
Other enhancements
- Improved accessibility for screen readers in messaging and General areas.
What's new in the 8x8 Work for Desktop/Web 8.17 release?
In this release, we introduced the following enhancements:
Ability to send text messaging in bulk - Limited Availability
Note: The text messages in bulk feature is currently on limited availability. Contact 8x8 Support for more help.
You can now send text messages in bulk to up to 50 external numbers simultaneously, significantly improving from sending each text message individually. This feature benefits customers who send the same message to multiple contacts, saving time and increasing productivity.
To send text messages in bulk:
- Click Messages
. -
Click
New > Bulk Text Message.
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In the Bulk Text Messages window, add the external numbers and the text you wish to send to these numbers.
- Click Send separately to create individual 1:1 conversations for each external number you added to the To list. You can send your message to up to 50 external numbers.
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Additionally, a new Bulk Text Room is created when sending text messages in bulk, providing information on when each bulk message was sent and to whom it was generated. You can share additional information with all contacts previously reached through bulk text messages.
When a new message is sent from the Bulk Text Room, it is delivered individually to all contacts in bulk. When one of these numbers responds, the message will appear in the 1:1 conversation with that number, not the room conversation.
Note: You can change the room name, but you cannot remove the participants from the room.
To learn about sending and receiving messages, see IM and SMS messages.
Ability to silence incoming calls
You can now silence incoming calls instantly by clicking the X button on the incoming call banner without declining the call. The call will continue to ring on the caller's side until they hang up or call forwarding rules kick in. The ringtone will stop playing immediately, and the incoming call banner will be dismissed automatically, giving you a more seamless and distraction-free experience. The call will continue to ring on the caller's side until they hang up or call forwarding rules kick in.
To learn about placing a call, see Place and receive calls.
Enhanced file access in conversations
When files are shared in 8x8 Work Desktop conversations, you can now open them with one click using your computer's default application.
Previously, opening files in 8x8 Work Desktop conversations required several steps: downloading the file, locating it on the device, and then opening it, making the process inconvenient and time-consuming.
To open an attachment from an 8x8 conversation, click Open 
to launch the file in your default application.
Note: You cannot open an executable file, but you can download it by clicking Download 
.
To learn more about downloading attached files in conversations, see Attach files in chat.
Other enhancements
- Improved accessibility for screen readers in areas like Calls, Call controls, and General areas.
For details on features introduced prior to this release, see our list of previous releases.
