A useful feature of Chrome Device Management is the ability to pre-configure networks on Chrome devices.
After logging in to your Google Admin console, go to the Device Management section.
On the column on the left side of the screen, click Networks. (Your console may say Network instead, under the Device Settings heading)
Select the Organizational Unit (OU) you wish to apply the network to. If you don’t know which OU to select, pick the top level OU to apply the settings to all devices in the console.
Click CREATE ETHERNET NETWORK.
In Platform access, check the box next to “Chromebooks (by device)”
In Details, create a name for your network. If your network requires Authentication (802.1X), you can configure the authentication credentials after selecting 802.1X under Authentication. Be sure to click Save when you’re done configuring the network.
Each Arreya channel can be deployed as a Progressive Web App (PWA) and has settings to customize the look and feel of your PWA. You can force install to PWA to managed devices via the Google Admin Console.
After logging in to your Admin console, go to Device Management > Chrome management.
Once you are on the Chrome Management screen, click on Apps & extensions.
Select the OU (Organization Unit) on the left hand side of the screen that you wish to configure. Only Chrome Users in this OU will have the settings applied.
Click on the USERS & BROWSERS tab
Hover your mouse on the Yellow Plus button on the bottom right corner of your screen, next click on the Web icon to open up the Add by URL option. Enter the address of your Arreya Channel in the URL field. (e.g. arreyademo.arreya.com) You can select whether the PWA will open in a new tab, or a seperate window. Click Save to add the PWA.
After the PWA is added, you will see it in the App listing. The app will force install by default, and you have the option to pin it to the users’ taskbars.
A core goal of Arreya’s development team is to stay informed and constantly test the newest hardware and software that manufacturers have to offer. As a result of our extensive testing we found that Chrome OS devices provide the best experience. These devices offer easy device setup, deployment, and content delivery that works perfectly with Arreya.
Another benefit of Chrome OS devices with Chrome Enterprise Management is the ability to remotely manage the devices through the Google Admin console. To explain further, Chrome Enterprise Management simplifies the troubleshooting and deployment processes. Simply configure networks, reboot devices, fetch logs, take screenshots, and much more.
Arreya tries to remain platform agnostic while taking advantage of new browser features, and retaining backwards compatibility where possible. From user reports and previous testing, we have identified requirements and known issues for other common hardware choices. However this information is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed to work for every situation.
Android
Minimum version requirement: Android 7.1 (Nougat)
Android is an open source operating system and can be compiled with core features missing.
Low-end Android media players frequently are shipped with Android builds missing drivers, hardware acceleration issues and missing video codecs.
Samsung Smart TV (TIZEN OS)
Minimum Samsung OS version: Tizen 3.0. Came in 2017 models, older models may be able to be updated
Older versions of Tizen are missing core browser features
General Smart TV/Mobile browser limitations (LG WebOS, etc.)
Limited memory and storage space could cause content failure and crashes
Concurrent video playback may be limited on any smart TV due to decoding hardware and software
Only fonts embedded in the TV will be used, other fonts may fail to display
Linux (RaspberryPi, Ubuntu, etc.)
Linux/Unix is a family of open source operating systems. Each version and build can be compiled with core features missing and frequently are missing required video decoders and codecs.
Additional package installation, configuration, and testing is required in every scenario.
Typical browser compatibility issues
Below is a list of browser features commonly missing from older, incompatible browsers. Arreya uses these features and requires them in order to properly run.
To remotely manage your Chromeboxes and other Chrome devices, you need to subscribe to a Chrome Enterprise Upgrade. There are 3 types of services as listed by Google and you choose the one that best suits your project. When you subscribe, you specify the number of subscription licenses that you need, based on how many Chrome devices you want to enroll. How you pay for licenses (subscription type) depends on what service you subscribe to. All the licenses allow you to lock the device into a single app kiosk mode, manage networks, policies, and remotely troubleshoot devices. This gives you confidence that your devices are secure and not being hijacked with unwanted content. Your Arreya digital signage channel will be the only app shown on your device.
If you have any questions about Chrome Enterprise Upgrade, need to purchase upgrades, or purchase Chrome devices check out the Arreya store.
Chrome Enterprise Upgrade can be purchased either standalone or bundled with ChromeOS devices.
ChromeOS devices with bundled upgrades / Chrome Enterprise Devices
Best recommendation
Bundled with Chrome Device, no extra license to purchase
Perpetual, one-time cost
ChromeOS devices with bundled upgrades are the easiest way to get started as the license is tied to the device and doesn’t require any extra steps to provision licenses to your Chrome devices. Bundled upgrades allow complete control and management of Chrome devices via the Google Admin console. Bundled upgrades are perpetual, and last the life of the device. Look for Chrome devices labeled “Enterprise” or “Bundled” to make sure you get a device with a bundled license.
Standalone Kiosk & Signage Upgrade
Renews annually
Specifically for kiosk and digital signage use
The Kiosk & Signage Upgrade gives you most of the same functionality as the bundled upgrade, but doesn’t allow you to manage policies for users, and can only be used in single app kiosk mode. This upgrade is also billed annually, but is offered at a lower cost compared to other upgrades. These licenses are great if you want to use a device that doesn’t come with a bundled upgrade, ChromeOS Flex devices, or if you prefer annual billing.
Chrome Enterprise Non-Profit Upgrade (Perpetual)
Non-profit organizations only
Discounted price
Perpetual
Chrome Enterprise Non-Profit Upgrade allows access to the same features as bundled perpetual upgrades at a lower cost for non-profit organizations. The license allows you to configure policies and settings for Chrome devices, manage users, manage apps, configure networks, and more. The perpetual license is valid for the life of the device but can be transferred to a like device in the event of a device issue.
Chrome Enterprise Education Upgrade (Perpetual)
Education organizations only
Discounted price
Perpetual
Chrome Enterprise Education Upgrade allows access to the same features as bundled perpetual upgrades at a lower cost for education organizations. The license allows you to configure policies and settings for Chrome devices, manage users, manage apps, configure networks, and more. The perpetual license is valid for the life of the device but can be transferred to a like device in the event of a device issue.
Chrome Enterprise Upgrade Annual
Renews annually
Allows managed guest sessions and user policies
The Chrome Enterprise Upgrade Annual license gives you the same functionality as the bundled upgrade including managed guest sessions and user policy management. This upgrade is billed annually, and is offered at a lower cost compared to other upgrades. These licenses are great if you want to use a device that doesn’t come with a bundled upgrade, if you need to use managed guest sessions, manage users, or if you prefer annual billing.
For more information on each service type of Chrome Management License, refer to the description in the Arreya online store.
Chrome Service
Upgrade term available
Description
ChromeOS device bundled with Chrome Enterprise Upgrade
Perpetual
Best recommendation
Bundled with Chrome Device, no extra license to purchase Perpetual, one-time cost
For a full list of supported devices, see ChromeOS devices.
Standalone Kiosk & Signage Upgrade
Annual
Renews annually
Specifically for kiosk and digital signage use
No managed guest sesssion No user policy management
Standalone Chrome Nonprofit Upgrade
Perpetual
Non-profit organizations only
Discounted price
Perpetual
Standalone Chrome Enterprise Upgrade
Annual
Renews annually
Allows managed guest sessions and user policies
Standalone Chrome Education Upgrade
Perpetual
Education organizations only
Discounted price
Perpetual
Services governed by the Chrome Services License Agreement
Chrome Enterprise Upgrade services allow you to configure settings and enforce policies for specific Chrome devices. You can control user access, customize features, configure network access, and more. Choose the service that’s right for your organization type.
Chrome Kiosk & Signage Upgrade service gives you access to the settings you need to configure, deploy, and monitor a Chrome device as a single-app kiosk. It’s perfect for a device that’s used exclusively as a kiosk, such as a digital sign or point-of-sale system in a store. However, it can’t be used for public-session kiosks (managed guest sessions). This service is only available to business customers.
So which one is right for you?
For most Arreya digital signage subscribers, we recommend the Bundled Chrome Enterprise Upgrades. The upgrade is tied to the device, and is a one time cost for the life of the device. There is no annual cost for updates or renewals. For projects that have a set cut off time, Standalone Kiosk & Signage Upgrades may be the cost friendly. Contact us to discuss 319-294-6671, info@arreya.com or For more information go to Service and subscriptions.
