Update: The new feature "Plus sign (+) is omitted for participants" was added on November 12th
The new version of BigBlueButton (BBB) includes a number of new features for use in teaching, research and administration. The room management interface (Greenlight V3) has been given a new look and the software has been updated in the background. In addition to the new structured elements on the interface, you can now upload a profile picture that will be displayed in BBB conferences instead of your avatar.
All new features of BBB 2.7
Plus Sign (+) is omitted for Participants
Participants will no longer see a plus sign (+) in the lower left corner of their screen. You will now find the Layout Settings feature under Options, the three small dots in the upper right corner of your screen. For presenters, the plus sign (+) will still be available with all of its features.
Grid Layout
The new grid layout shows all participants in a meeting with a tile, even if your camera is turned off. This makes it easier to see who is in the room.
- Participants need to click on Options, the three small dots in the top right corner of their screen, select Layout Settings, and then select Grid Layout.
- Presenters need to click the plus sign (+) in the lower left corner of the screen, choose Layout Settings, and choose Grid Layout.
Camera as Content
The new feature Camera as content is an advantage especially for hybrid learning. So instead of the preseantation are the camera will be shown. This can be useful to focus on experiments or live close-ups of other subjects. To activate this feature, select the plus icon (+) at the bottom-left corner of the screen, then choose camera as content.
Disable viewing your own Video Stream
To concentrate better on the patricipants and on th event you can now deactivate viewing your own video stream. When you disable the view you will see an image of yourself with an overlay reminding you that your webcam is still active and others see you.You can re-enable viewing your own webcam at any point. Click on the arrow to the right of your name within your webcam and choose disable self-view.
Downloading of different Presentations
Participants are offered two different versions to download the presentation
- the whole original presentation without annotations
- the whole original presentation with all annotations
Timer and Stopwatch
Presenters can now add a count down (timer) or a count up (stopwatch) for all participants to see. There is an audio notification when the timer elapses.
To activate this feature, select the plus icon (+) at the bottom-left corner of the screen, then choose activate timer/stopwatch.
Wake Lock
When using BigBlueButton on a mobile device you can now enable Wake lock. When enabled, your device's screen will remain on -- i.e. will not dim -- and therefore your media connections during a conference will not be interrupted.
Click on the three tiny dots of your upper-left corner of your screen and choose the option Wake lock.
Extended Reactions Bar
The function raise your hand will be supplemented by applause or thumbs up. The choosen Emoji will be shown instead of the avatar in the participants list and at the bottom of the screen. It will be displayed until a new one is selected.