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BigBlueButton

MEETINGS
Velocity3.8

Open-source web conferencing system for online learning

bigbluebutton.org ↗

BigBlueButton's 4.0 beta defaults to a Unified layout and ships a WASM audio processor.

video-conferencingopen-sourcelayout-revamplivekit-audiowasm-audiosecurity-cadenceinstitutional-deployment
◆Current state
BigBlueButton is running two parallel tracks: aggressive maintenance on the 3.0 line (six security-and-improvement releases between January and March, with LiveKit audio stabilization the recurring theme) and a 4.0 beta cycle that just hit beta.3 with substantial UX work. v4.0.0-beta.3 makes the Unified layout the default, adds a WASM-based audio processor on the mic stream, introduces user search, a 3-state presenter lock policy, pinned moderator messages, a viewer 'Request to Become Presenter' flow, and Ubuntu 24.04 support.
◆Where it's heading
BBB is preparing for the 4.0 line as the long-term successor to 3.0. The Unified layout (introduced opt-in in 3.0.19 back in January) is becoming the default; audio infrastructure is being modernized via WASM. The pattern of security patches every two to four weeks on 3.0 signals strong institutional-deployment support discipline. Beta cadence on 4.0 suggests GA is still some months out.
◆Prediction
Expect a few more 4.0 beta iterations before release candidates, with feature work converging toward GA in Q3 2026. The 3.0 line will continue to receive security-focused maintenance — institutional users (universities, training orgs) tend to lag on majors, so the dual-track will continue past 4.0 GA.

◆Recent moves

  1. 1mo ago

    BBB 4.0 beta 3: Unified layout default, WASM audio processor

    ⚡ SPARK

    Third 4.0 beta lands the headline UX changes: Unified layout becomes default, dual-sidebar multi-functional mode arrives, a WASM-based audio processor (BBBA) runs on the mic stream, user search appears in the user list, lock settings gain a 3-state presenter policy, viewers can request the presenter role, and Ubuntu 24.04 support is in. This is the architectural beat the 4.0 line is being built around.

    View source ↗
  2. 3mo ago

    BBB 3.0.23 breakout improvements + security fixes

    Maintenance release on the 3.0 line with breakout-room improvements and direct security fixes. The bbb-web property renames (insertDocumentBlockedHosts / insertDocumentSupportedProtocols) are the only operator-action item.

    View source ↗
  3. 4mo ago

    BBB 3.0.22 client/core improvements + security

    Routine client and core improvements plus security fixes. Continues the steady two-to-four-week patch cadence on the 3.0 line.

    View source ↗
  4. 4mo ago

    BBB 3.0.21 security fixes and minor improvements

    Security-focused maintenance — administrators are urged to update at the earliest opportunity. Smaller scope than surrounding releases.

    View source ↗
  5. 5mo ago

    BBB 3.0.20 LiveKit audio fixes + security patches

    LiveKit-related audio fixes plus several direct and transitive security fixes. The LiveKit focus signals where the heaviest production stress is landing on the 3.0 audio stack.

    View source ↗
  6. 5mo ago

    BBB 3.0.19 LiveKit fixes; Unified layout debuts opt-in

    LiveKit audio fixes alongside the first appearance of the new Unified layout — opt-in only at this point. This is where the 4.0 UX direction began surfacing inside 3.0 maintenance releases.

    View source ↗