Google Chrome OS
ChromeOS
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing and configuring PADS4 Viewer on ChromeOS devices.
To rename the viewer, use PADS4 CTRL Center.
1. Preparing the Device
During setup, you will need to configure the PADS4 Server location. It is recommended to complete the installation of the PADS4 Server first before configuring your ChromeOS device.The minimum PADS4 Foundation version required for ChromeOS is 2024.1.
1.1 Prerequisites
Before using PADS4 on ChromeOS, ensure the following conditions are met:- You are familiar with ChromeOS and device management in the Google Admin Console.
- The Google Management Platform is cloud-based, requiring internet access for viewers.
- The ChromeOS version is 120 or newer.
- The device is connected to a network with internet access.
- You have created one or more Organizational Units (OU) for PADS4 Viewers.
- The device is provisioned in the Google Admin Console.
- You have purchased a Chrome Enterprise or Kiosk & Signage Upgrade license.
- The device has been assigned a Chrome Enterprise or Kiosk & Signage Upgrade license.
2. Adding PADS4 as an Application
To install PADS4 on ChromeOS, follow these steps to add PADS4 as an App in the Google Admin Console:1
Step One
Open the Google Admin Console and log in.
2
Step Two
Navigate to: Devices → Chrome → Apps & Extensions.
3
Step Three
Go to Kiosks.
4
Step Four
Select the appropriate Organizational Unit.
5
Step Five
Click the plus (+) sign to add an application.
6
Step Six
Select “Add by URL”.
7
Step Seven
Specify the following URL:
If your PADS4 Server operates under a domain, replace
"PADS4" with your domain name.8
Step Eight
Click Save.
9
Step Nine
Under the Organizational Unit, select PADS4 as the Auto-launch App.
10
Step Ten
PADS4 Viewer will now start automatically as the default application for devices in this Organizational Unit.
3. Configuring ChromeOS Device Settings for PADS4
3.1 Adjusting Idle Settings
To prevent ChromeOS from dimming or turning off the display, follow these steps:1
Step One
Open the Google Admin Console and log in.
2
Step Two
Navigate to: Devices → Chrome → Settings.
3
Step Three
Select the Organizational Unit for PADS4 Devices.
4
Step Four
Go to Device Settings.
5
Step Five
Scroll to AC Kiosk Power Settings.
6
Step Six
Enter
0 for Screen Dim Timeout (minutes).7
Step Seven
Enter
0 for Screen Off Timeout (minutes).8
Step Eight
Click Save.
3.2 Moving the Device to the Organizational Unit
To ensure PADS4 Viewer starts automatically upon device startup:1
Step One
Open the Google Admin Console and log in.
2
Step Two
Navigate to: Devices → Chrome → Devices.
3
Step Three
Select all devices that should run PADS4 Viewer.
4
Step Four
Click Move.
5
Step Five
Select the Organizational Unit with PADS4 set as the Auto-launch App.
6
Step Six
Reboot the devices.
7
Step Seven
The devices will restart, and PADS4 Viewer will launch automatically.
3.3 Renaming the PADS4 Viewer
Once connected to the PADS4 Server, the server assigns a temporary viewer name such as:4. Updating PADS4 Viewer
After initial installation, PADS4 Viewer will automatically update when the PADS4 Server is updated.5. Device Capabilities and Supported Features
General Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ | Automatic Updates – PADS4 Viewer updates when the PADS4 Server is updated. |
| ✅ | Offline Mode – The device continues playing scheduled presentations for 7 days if offline. |
| ⚠ | ChromeOS requires a network connection to start PADS4 Viewer. |
Device Capabilities
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ | Portrait Mode – Device auto-rotates. |
| ✅ | 4K UHD Support |
| ✅ | Transfer Protocols – HTTP, HTTPS |
| ✅ | Turn Off Display – Display turns off when no presentation is scheduled. |
| ✅ | Cluster Viewer – Supported |
| ✅ | Volume Level Control – Set max volume at the device level. |
Elements Supported
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ | Video Element – Up to 4 Full HD videos per page. |
| ✅ | Video Rotation, Seamless Videos, Reflection, Skew, Flip – Supported. |
| ❌ | Streaming Video – Not supported. |
| ✅ | Images (JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF), Text, Tables, Shapes, Scrolling Text, Interactive Buttons |
| ✅ | PowerPoint Element – Requires Microsoft PowerPoint installed on the PADS4 Server. |
| ✅ | PDF Element – Requires Xpert License. |
Device Management
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ | Remote Device Management via PADS4 CTRL Center |
| ✅ | Connection State Monitoring & Alerts |
| ❌ | Reboot, Shutdown, Wake-on-LAN – Not supported. |
| ✅ | Restart Viewer, Retrieve Logs, Install Fonts, Proof of Play Tracking |
Important Notes
Content File Integrity – The PADS4 Content Library verifies file integrity using MD5 checksum during synchronization.
Proof of Play Limitations – A maximum of 50,000 records can be stored locally. Older records will be removed once the limit is reached.