X2 vs X3 – Software Comparison
This chapter provides a comparative overview of the software features in the X2 and X3 series, highlighting differences between the X2, the first release of X3, and future X3 updates. It covers key aspects such as the operating system, security, services, iX Developer compatibility, user interface improvements, system management, industrial communication protocols, and business integrations. The chapter outlines feature availability, enhancements, and limitations in each version, helping to understand the evolution of the X3 platform and its capabilities relative to the X2 series.
Note
Features and specifications may change as the products evolve. Always refer to the latest documentation for up-to-date information.
X2 | X3 - Current release | X3 - Future updates | |
|---|---|---|---|
Operating system | Beijer Shell | OS3 | OS3 |
Supports iX Developer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
System settings UI | Yes | Yes | Yes |
USB support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
SD card support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Security | |||
Secure app transfer | No | Yes | Yes |
Secure app install from USB storage | Yes | No | Yes |
System settings protection | No | Yes | Yes |
Firewall (default: closed) | No | Yes | Yes |
Security patches | No | Yes | Yes |
Services | |||
Multi-app support | No | No (iX App only) | Yes |
Remote access (VNC) | Yes | No | No |
Remote access (secure, HTTPS-proxied, authenticated VNC) | No | Yes | Yes |
System requirements – For more information, see App System Requirements and System Requirements. | No | Yes | Yes |
X2 | X3 - Current release | X3 - Future updates | |
|---|---|---|---|
iX Developer version | 2.53 | 3.2 | 3.X |
Project conversion from previous versions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Scripting capabilities | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Latest scripting framework support | .NET CF 3.5 | .NET 8 LTS | .NET X LTS (LTS lifecycle) |
Reference assemblies | Yes | No (use NuGet instead) | No (use NuGet instead) |
NuGet support | No | Yes | Yes |
PC-Runtime | Yes | No | Yes |
System settings (COM, LAN A/LAN B, power saving, SNTP) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
User interface & usability | |||
Modernized IDE UI | No | Yes | Yes |
Improved Chart object | No | Yes | Yes |
Modern Component library | No | Yes (enhanced look and feel) | Yes (enhanced look and feel) |
Improved Trend Viewer | No | No | Yes |
SVG support | No | No | Yes |
GIT-friendly projects | No | No | Yes |
HTML5 browser | No | Yes | Yes |
Media player | Yes | No (use Web Browser object instead) | No (use Web Browser object instead) |
PDF viewer | Yes | No (use Web Browser object instead) | No (use Web Browser object instead) |
Picture in picture | No | Yes (in Web Browser object) | Yes (in Web Browser object) |
QR code object | Yes | No (use NuGet instead) | No (use NuGet instead) |
Additional controls (DLL-support) | Yes | No (use NuGet instead) | Yes |
Touch beep | Yes | No | Yes |
Target rotate | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Rotate object | Yes (only for industrial PC targets) | No | Yes (only for industrial PC targets) |
Run action | Yes | No | No |
Security and system management | |||
Active Directory on-premises | No | Yes | Yes |
Active Directory cloud solution | No | Yes | Yes |
Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) cloud solution | No | Yes | Yes |
Configurable TCP ports via iX Developer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Services | |||
Web server | Yes | Yes (REST API only) | Yes (REST API only) |
FTP support | Yes | No | No |
Secure file transfer CLI (replacing FTP) | No | Yes | Yes |
Excel report | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Print Excel report | Yes | No | Yes |
Remote Alarm & Distribution | Yes | No | Yes |
Business integrations | |||
OS keyboard integration | No | Yes | Yes |
Non-Latin keyboards | Yes | No | Yes |
Brands | Yes | No | Yes |
Targets | |||
HMI panels | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Industrial PCs | Yes | No | Yes |
X2 | X3 - Current release | X3 - Future updates | |
|---|---|---|---|
Supported drivers (approximate number) | 70 | 15 | 50 |
OPC UA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Secure OPC UA | No | No | Yes |
Drivers with Ethernet support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Drivers with Serial support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Drivers with CAN support | Yes | No | Yes |
Drivers with SoftControl support | Yes | Yes (dependent on CODESYS) | Yes |
Drivers with BACnet support | Yes | No | TBD |
Drivers with expansion modules support | Yes | No | No |