We're excited to announce the launch of the redesigned web console UI for Splashtop Gateway! This update reflects our commitment to providing a seamless, user-friendly experience, making it easier than ever for both our long-time users and new customers to manage settings and access features. Our goal with this redesign is to ensure that the transition from the old UI to the new one is as smooth as possible, so let’s dive into what’s new.
Why We Redesigned the Splashtop Gateway UI
Our team has carefully reviewed feedback from our users, analyzed usage patterns, and identified areas that could benefit from improvement. The goal of this redesign is to streamline your workflow by simplifying access to key features and improving overall clarity. By refining the layout and reorganizing controls, we aim to reduce the learning curve, minimize the clicks needed to access essential tools, and create an efficient interface that allows you to focus on what matters most—secure and effective remote management.
Key Changes at a Glance
Our new interface introduces several structural and visual improvements to help users quickly adapt:
1. Streamlined Navigation for Quick Access
The updated navigation bar (see screenshots) now includes clearly labeled sections like “My Computers,” “My Devices,” “Logs,” “Management,” “Settings” “Downloads,” and “System.” This streamlined setup places the most important tools front and center, helping users navigate effortlessly. For instance, "Settings" now has dedicated sub-sections, consolidating related settings under a single, intuitive location.
Sidebar navigation in new design
Expanded sidebar navigation in new design
Top menu navigation in previous Splashtop Gateway
2. Refined Team Settings Layout
In the new design, Team Settings has been moved from the Management sub-menu to a dedicated Settings section in the sidebar, positioned just below Management.
Each setting is grouped logically under headings such as "General," "Security," "Unattended Access," "Attended Access," and "User settings." This structure allows users to find specific configurations more quickly and provides a clearer picture of the overall setup for team management.
General section in Team settings
Security section in Team settings
Unattended access settings in Team settings
Attended access settings in Team settings
User settings in Team settings
Team Settings in previous Splashtop Gateway
3. Expanded Security Management
The security settings have been redesigned to highlight Two-step verfication, Device and Browser authentication, Account policy, and Session security policies. Now, team owner can easily locate these options to configure the security protocols that best suit the organization’s needs.
4. Improved Download Section
Accessing client applications for different operating systems is now simpler. The "Downloads" page displays OS-specific options (Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android) with clear buttons and instructions. This layout reduces confusion, helping users quickly identify the correct client for their device.
Downloads section
Downloads section in previous Splashtop Gateway
5. Granular Control settings:
The new UI emphasizes granular control over permissions, making it easier to tailor access settings for different user roles. Features such as centralized session recording and unattended/attended access settings are clearly labeled with accompanying explanations. Users can now manage permissions with confidence, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
The redesigned Default Granular Settings panel (see screenshot) now provides detailed control over various permissions, including file transfer (upload/download), text copy-and-paste (in both directions), remote print, remote command, watermark protection, and remote control. Additionally, the Admin Configurable column allows admins to customize permissions on a per-feature basis, enhancing flexibility.
Default granular control settings in Team settings
In the previous versions, Granular Control Settings were presented in a pop-up dialog format. While functional, this design introduced limitations for users needing to access and modify multiple settings efficiently. Pop-up dialogs can interrupt the workflow, requiring users to open, adjust, and save settings within an isolated overlay, which can be time-consuming and cumbersome when managing complex configurations.
The new design eliminates the pop-up dialog approach, instead presenting granular settings directly on the main interface (first layer). This flat design allows for quick, seamless access to all settings in one place, making it easier to view, compare, and adjust permissions across roles without navigating through multiple dialogs. By keeping the settings readily accessible, the new layout streamlines the configuration process, reducing clicks and enhancing overall usability for a more efficient and professional management experience.
Default granular control settings in previous Splashtop Gateway
Smooth Transition Tips
To make your transition to the new UI as smooth as possible, here are a few tips focused on helping you navigate the redesigned layout effectively:
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Get Familiar with the Sidebar Structure: With several key sections like Settings, Management, Logs, and System now organized within the sidebar, start by exploring this area. Take note of where frequently used functions are located, as this will save you time and make navigation more intuitive in the long run. A quick scan through each section will give you an overview of the new structure and reduce any initial disorientation.
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Dive into Team Settings: Team Settings, along with related configurations like Authentication, Email Settings, Syslog Settings, and OpenAPI Settings, are now grouped under a dedicated Settings section. Take a moment to explore this layout to understand the new, streamlined organization. Familiarizing yourself with the revised settings structure will make it easier to adjust permissions, policies, and configurations as needed.
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Utilize Search Techniques: While there isn’t a built-in search feature on every page, using browser search (e.g., Ctrl+F or Command+F) can help you locate specific terms or settings within pages quickly. This can be especially useful on settings pages with extensive options, where finding specific controls may otherwise require scrolling.
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Approach the New UI with Flexibility: With any UI transition, a bit of patience and flexibility goes a long way. As with other major industry software updates, changes in layout and structure often bring long-term benefits but can feel unfamiliar at first. Give yourself time to adjust to the new design, and remember that the new layout is intended to improve efficiency and accessibility.