UPDATE (2021-07-21):
We’ve written a second blog post documenting which bugs have been discovered as well as their workarounds. Currently documented bugs include:
Apex Blue theme missing secondary style
All open databases close when OnLastWindowClose triggered
Unknown Error: -1 when launching FileMaker — SOLVED
BaseElements plug-in not loading on M1 processors — SOLVED
Databases not opening on Windows
Web viewer memory leak issue on Windows
New PDFs in container fields on Windows —SOLVED
Today, Claris announced the newest agile release of FileMaker with immediate availability. We officially have FileMaker 19.3! But what’s included in this version and what are the substantive changes from previous versions? Highlights include compatibility with Apple’s new M1 processor, updates for WebViewer to improve performance and security, Ubuntu Linux for FileMaker Server, and more features for FileMaker Cloud.
Apple’s M1 Processor
During the June 7 Apple Keynote, a new processor for Apple computers was announced. The M1 Processor has considerably better performance speeds compared to the older x86 processor. And while new Macs will contain an emulator to ensure older software not only continues to run but also has improved performance, Claris is an Apple subsidiary and the newest version of FileMaker has been recompiled to fully utilize the M1 processor.
Worth noting here, the M1 processor uses ARM-based architecture. ARM server racks are considerably more affordable than alternatives. Claris hasn’t said anything about it, but we suspect that they may have a long-term goal of supporting an ARM Windows server for FileMaker Server and FileMaker Cloud.
Web Viewers and PDFs
In previous versions of FileMaker, FileMaker used Safari on Mac and Internet Explorer on Windows as the browsers running web viewers. Additionally, interactive container fields used a form of the browser to display content such as PDFs and videos.
With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft Edge became the default web browser on Windows machines. Internet Explorer continued to be supported, though future development ceased. Newer versions of JavaScript were difficult—or even impossible—to use within FileMaker because Internet Explorer didn’t support these newer features.
Additionally, users with certain versions of Adobe Acrobat on their machine would have security and function conflicts when attempting to view a PDF within a container field. Under those conditions, FileMaker would crash or refuse to display the PDF.
FileMaker 19.3 has been updated to use the newest WebView2 control for Microsoft Edge. By using a supported browser, newer technologies and features are able to keep up while also minimizing security vulnerabilities and incompatibilities. PDFs should be viewable without problems.
FileMaker Server and Linux
FileMaker Server 19.1.2 included the long-awaited ability to host FileMaker Server on Linux, using the CentOS distribution. Originally, CentOS was projected to have an end-of-life date in 2029. However, Red Hat announced in late 2020 that it would only be supported until December of 2021. Because of this change, Claris adapted FileMaker Server to make it compatible with the Ubuntu distribution of Linux, ensuring long-term stability for the databases impacted.
FileMaker Cloud 2.19.3.1
Additionally, a new release of FileMaker Cloud was announced on June 16. There is now more continuity between FileMaker Server and FileMaker Cloud as Cloud users can now use the Admin Console to schedule FileMaker Scripts. Additionally, the log viewer allows administrators to easily download and view the log file records.
Full Release Notes
We’re excited at PK Information for all of these new features, bug fixes, and changes. At this point, we’re actively testing the newest release with the goal of rolling out updates to our clients in the near future.
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PK Information is a FileMaker-certified development agency serving the Tampa Bay, Miami Lakes, and Knoxville regions. We believe software should work the way you do, with business priorities first and technology second.
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