During its annual gathering in Berlin, Nextcloud introduced Nextcloud Hub 9, the newest iteration of its open-source cooperation platform. This edition brings forth a plethora of fresh functionalities to empower users, boost decentralization, and refine the overall user journey.

Prior to delving into the latest improvements, it’s essential to clarify any misunderstandings for those unacquainted with Nextcloud. It’s critical to grasp that commonly recognized as Nextcloud (formally known as Nextcloud Files) and Nextcloud Hub are distinct offerings.

Nextcloud Files serves as a file synchronization and distribution application that allows users to host their cloud storage solution. It delivers fundamental features such as file storage, synchronization across multiple devices, and the capability to share with others, with a primary focus on these fundamental cloud storage elements. Detailed instructions on Docker installation can be found here.

Conversely, Nextcloud Hub diverges from its foundation as a file-sharing solution to encompass a range of collaboration and productivity tools like Files, Talk, Groupware, Office, and Whiteboard amalgamated into a unified platform.

In essence, Nextcloud Hub elevates Nextcloud from a mere file-sharing solution to a comprehensive, self-hosted platform for productivity and collaboration. Now that the distinction is clear, let’s resume discussing the subject at hand.

Notable Features in Nextcloud Hub 9

One standout feature in Nextcloud Hub 9 is its enhanced federation capabilities. While its predecessors facilitated federated file sharing and basic chat functionalities, the latest update expands this to encompass chats and video calls.

Users on diverse Nextcloud servers can now seamlessly communicate, fostering a more interconnected and decentralized environment.

Nextcloud Hub 9 also presents Nextcloud Flow, a business-oriented process automation engine deeply integrated within the platform. Powered by Windmill, this tool enables enterprises to automate intricate workflows encompassing tasks like payment processing, form data handling, and third-party service integration.

Furthermore, Nextcloud Hub 9 has undergone a substantial design refresh to accommodate the expanding feature set without overwhelming users. The interface now boasts a more condensed layout with scaled-down input fields, buttons, and links.

The modern look is further enhanced by rounded corners and a dynamic background that adjusts to light or dark themes, ensuring a cohesive appearance across various devices.

Expanding its range of collaboration tools, Nextcloud Hub 9 introduces Nextcloud Whiteboard. This application provides an expansive canvas for users to sketch, draw, and brainstorm collectively, even during Nextcloud Talk conversations.

Featuring shapes, images, arrows, and collaborative drawing options, teams can engage in real-time creative sessions.

As the focus on AI intensifies, Nextcloud also embraces AI enhancements in this version. Nextcloud Assistant now boasts a chat interface for more natural interactions.

It supports translations across hundreds of languages and can access Analytics app data for richer conversations.

Regarding performance and scalability upgrades, Nextcloud Hub 9 incorporates numerous enhancements. The transition to Vite for JavaScript bundling has minimized app sizes, resulting in quicker load times.

Server-side optimizations and database sharding have been implemented to bolster scalability and reduce environmental impact.

Moreover, Nextcloud Hub 9 showcases significant updates to its core applications:

• Nextcloud Groupware: Features include intelligent follow-up reminders and phishing detection in Mail, calendar room availability display, and enhanced contact management.
• Nextcloud Files: Introduces file filters, a folder tree view for simplified navigation, and a new File Request feature for secure file collection from users.
• Nextcloud Office: Adds PDF templates, form-filling capabilities, 3D presentation transitions, improved security, and enhanced interoperability.
• Nextcloud Talk: Enhancements cover moderation features, mobile offline browsing, and Apple Vision Pro support for augmented reality calls.

Refer to the official release announcement for a detailed breakdown of all modifications.

Acquiring Nextcloud Hub 9

Nextcloud Hub 9 is now accessible for download from the Nextcloud website. Users can opt to install it via the comprehensive Docker or VM image for fresh setups. Over the upcoming weeks, the update will roll out to individual users through the updater, following the established staged deployment approach.

Credits: Nextcloud