Overview

Cisco has announced the release of WBS42.6.6 as the next Slow Channel (lockdown) version of Webex.

 

The latest version of Webex is an important part of providing the best user experience. The key highlights of this release are:

• New virtual backgrounds, both static and animated have been added. Users can still upload their own as desired. Animated virtual backgrounds are not available when starting or joining a meeting from Webex App.

 

• Webinars to support breakout sessions. When the host schedules a webinar, they can preassign panelists to different breakout sessions. Attendees can't be preassigned but they can join breakout sessions by clicking the join link. Hosts can create up to 100 breakout sessions. Each breakout session can host up to 1000 attendees.

 

• Webex Meetings compliance policies for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). IT administrators can now prevent users from joining company meetings from a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Users can join your company meetings using such devices only if a registry keys or token is detected on that device. To learn how tokens and registry keys can be configured, check Cisco’s article on Collaboration restrictions for Webex Meetings in Control Hub.

 

• Moving Webex Meetings from your desktop to mobile app using a QR code is being introduced. Users can scan the QR code using their mobile camera and move their meeting to Webex Meetings mobile app without disrupting or disconnecting the meeting.

 

• Introducing the Webex Meetings for Chrome PWA. Webex Meetings web app is now available for download as a Progressive Web App (PWA) for ChromeOS in the Google Play store.This makes it easy for Chromebook users to access Meetings directly from their desktop, without having to go through the browser. 

             Go here for full details on what's new.

 

IT Managers

WBS42.2.5 end-of-life is scheduled for 2nd Dec 2022.

If you do not complete the upgrades by this date, your sites will be automatically upgraded to the latest patched version of Slow Channel 42.6.9.14.

 

1. Start Now.

Upgrade your test site or request a test site. Send an email to your BT contact with the Webex site, upgrade version (T42.6.6 base version or 42.6.9.14 latest patched version) and upgrade date.

 

If you have any questions about this change please contact your Account Manager, Service Manager or UC Specialist.

 

2. Inform your end users.

We have created an email template to help you inform your end users internally. This will make users aware of the upcoming changes.

Also, a short service notice will be displayed on the Webex host screen one week prior to the upgrade and shown every time meetings are started. The message will inform hosts of the upgrade and direct them to follow any actions if prompted.

This message can be disabled if required by completing this online form which confirms you will inform all users directly.

3. Upgrade resources.

Download the required installation files and find details on:

Getting the software

How to manage software upgrades

Frequently asked questions

IT Manager message to users

4. Service notice

Bookmark this web page and register your details to receive future Webex service notifications.