What has changed? Did you recently upgrade the Agent, or is this the first time you're enrolling using Android Enterprise on Oreo? The OEM Specific plugin for Zebra should restore Remote Control capability although there are some changes coming to how Zebra supports RC as I know they are no longer signing plugins. 

Hi Matt,

It was working last week, but this week it's failing. I've since tried updating to fix it, but it remains unavailable.

The Zebra MC33 has MobiControl 14.1.6 Build 1018 installed with a Zebra EMDK Work Managed Device Remote View (1.16.10.121) Active MDM API.

This is my first Android that I've added to Soti as I literally have only just bought the license - so this is all a bit new to me.

Kind regards,

Jon.

I have an MC9300 that is doing the same thing. Last week it was working but this week it only allows remote view. There were no changes in the device at all or our Soti Cloud as far as I know.

I've just factory reset and re-enrolled a handheld and it remains "Remote View" only, so something is amiss here.

Have you been using Soti MobiControl for long? Do you know if it's possible to actually talk to Soti MobiControl support rather than just go through this message forum?

Jon

I think you can call the 888-624-9828 and choose standard support. I tried downloading the Zebra OEM client but the install failed each time I tried.  

Thanks Rick, I too attempted the OEM install and it failed.

I've also checked the "manage android agents and plugins" via the Global Settings and all the agents are there. The Plug in is the same version, but I did spot the Agent on the Handheld is later than in the Global Settings, I.E. Global settings shows the Zebra Agent as 14.1.4.1010, however the agent on the Handheld is actually 14.1.6 Build 1018. I wonder if this is related to the problem?

I'm going to try rolling it back - but that's quite a hairy thing to attempt when I've only had Mobicontrol for a fortnight!

I'll update if I have any success.

Kind regards,

Jono.

Hi Rick, So... It's started working again for me. After several factory resets and re-enrollments, the Remote Control icon has returned and an agent called "RC+ (1.16.10.121)" along with "Zebra EMDK", "Android Plus 1.6" and "Work Managed Device", in place of "Work Profile" that was displayed previously. I can't think I've done anything different to make these agent API's appear this time around, which is somewhat random and worrying.

Kind regards,

Jono.

That is exactly the issue. Work Profile is a BYOD Android Enteprise Management scenario that is purposely limited in its functionality. There is a massive difference between Work Profile and Work Managed with Remote View vs. Remote Control just being one of them. For rugged Zebra devices used in a dedicated use case you will almost always want to leverage Work Managed (AEDO). 

Thanks Matt,

I've since reset the handheld again (via StageNow Factory reset) as I'm testing the build and deployment process and this time it's frustratingly gone back to a "Work Profile" with just remote view functionality. How do I 'lock' the configuration to use "Work Managed" when the device joins?

FYI - I'm joining SOTI Mobicontrol using a StageNow deploy and enrollment barcode.

Kind regards,

Jon.

Work Managed is completely a function of how the device is enrolled. The AE agent is exactly the same whether you are in Work Profile or Managed so it is the enrollment method that dictates which management style you end up with. These are pretty fundamental concepts to Android management that exist beyond just SOTI MobiControl and Zebra devices. I suggest that you brush up on some of the industry terms and concepts so that some of this makes more sense to you. Bayton.org is a fantastic resource:

https://bayton.org/2020/01/the-decade-that-redefined-android-in-the-enterprise/

https://bayton.org/docs/enterprise-mobility/android/what-is-android-enterprise-and-why-is-it-used/

https://www.brianmadden.com/opinion/The-state-of-Android-Enterprise-in-2018

https://bayton.org/download/doc/ae-general/infobytes/DYK04.pdf

For AEDO you can use NFC, QR, DPC Identifier, or ZTE. Since they are Zebra devices you also have the added option of StageNow DO enrollment. Keep in mind that DO requires that the devices start from a Factory default state every single time. 

Hello Jon Hudson,

Thank you for requesting a response from SOTI Support Staff.

Please contact SOTI Support and create a ticket for this, as this needs investigation.

Click here to create a Support ticket.

Thank you!