Adobe has released a new Meeting Add-in for Connect and many Connect users will now see a message from Adobe that can be a little confusing.
The original message is at the end of this Blog Post, my personal explanation is below.
Why is this being released?
This new Add-in fixes some issues wth Connect on Windows and Mac. You can see the fixes here.
Does everyone have to install the new Add-in?
No. You can still access Connect using simply the Flash Player if that is all you need…this has not changed. The email friom Adobe seems to give the impression that you cannot access Connect without installing the Add-in, this is not the case. You can still access Connect with the basic Flash Player.
If I have the Add-in installed, do I need to update to the new version?
No, you can continue with the old version but it is recommended by Adobe that you do update to the new Add-in and you will be prompted to install it as Connect will detect that you have an out of date Add-in. See the text from the Release Notes:
This new version will not be required but it is recommended that all users update to this new version.
When will I be promoted to install the new Add-in?
If you enter a Connect meeting room and you have an older version of the Add-in installed, you will be prompted to install the Add-in. You do not absolutely have to install the new Add-in, but it is recommended that you do.
If you try to share your screen or an application, you will be prompted to install the new Add-in, specifically if you are only using Flash Player to join the meeting. The Add-in is required to share your screen or an application. This has never changed.
If you upload a PPTX file into your meeting room, or share a PPTX file in your meeting room then you will be prompted to install the new Add-in. As we understand it, this relates only to PPTX conversions and display.
Do I need Flash Player installed to use Connect?
No. As of the earlier version of the Add-in (9.5.2) Flash Player is not required to use Connect (previous versions of the Add-in checked for Flash Player and this requirement has been removed).
Is there a difference between the ‘lightening install’ (installation as you join the meeting room) and the installation from the downloadable .exe (outside of a meeting room)?
Technically, both options should be fine. The .exe installation however adds information to the registry that means you should not have to install the Add-in for every browser you use. The lightening install is quicker and easier, but it is possible that you would need to install the Add-in separately for each browser you use for Connect and possibly even for each Connect domain you use.
If you have any questions of course, please contact Adobe Support or your GetConnect representative.
Additional Note – If you are using Chrome, there is a possibility that the Add-in will not be recognized. The Blog Post from Adobe below explains this in case you every come up agains it:
The Connect Meeting Add-in with Chrome is not recognized on the Meeting Test Page
Original Adobe Email on the Connect Meeting Add-in 9.5.3
Dear Adobe Connect Customer,
This message is regarding your account: domainname.adobeconnect.com
As a reminder, beginning this Friday June 17, 2016 a new Adobe Connect Add-in (henceforth referred to as simply “Add-in”) will be required. You will be asked to install the new Add-in when:
- You try to start/join a 9.5.3 meeting for the first time after June 17, 2016 and have an older version of the Add-in installed
- OR
- You invoke screen sharing, application sharing, or share PowerPoint (PPTX format) files and do not have the new version of Add-in installed
If you are in a locked down environment, we recommend that you download and install the Add-in before your upgrade date.
Please click here to obtain the new Add-in. The version of new Add-in is 11.9.976.291. If you have any questions, please contact Technical Support.
MAC USERS: Please note that, while version 11.9.976.291 is the minimum required Add-in, Adobe will release 11.9.977.321 for Mac on June 17 to address specific issues that impact Mac users only.
For more details on the Add-in update, please see the Adobe Connect 9.5.3 Add-in release notes at https://helpx.adobe.com/adobe-connect/release-note/adobe-connect-9-5-3-add-in-release-notes.html .
Sincerely,
The Adobe Connect Team