[nrapallo]

Just wanted to share my experiences playing with the Next1's firmware...

eBook readers based on the Rockchip RK2729 have 3 hidden partitions.

1. A backup firmware (only updated using the Firmware Upgrade tool (RK28DM) available here)
2. The firmware actually loaded (150MB partition)
3. User settings. (80MB partition)

We can see (and then backup) 2. and 3. above using the following method:

• Attach the reader to the computer using the mini-usb cable.
• Create an empty file with the following name: rkusb.tag
• Copy it into the root of internal memory (NEXTBOOK Partition). There may be another unnamed partition for the microSD card, if installed. Make note of the Drive Letters assigned.
• Turn off the reader
• Shutdown and restart the computer
• Turn on the reader and wait until the USB connection picture is displayed
• Wait a reasonable time to recognize the reader (the previously visible partitions above may have the Drive Letters re-assigned now)
• After the computer finds the two new partitions, copy the contents of each of them into a zipped file or "as is" onto your hard drive
• Delete the empty file created (rkusb.tag) in internal memory
• Power cycle the reader and the hidden partitions will “disappear” as before.

Notes:

1. Do not try to copy the individual files into the hidden partitions to update the firmware.
2. The OS loader of the reader checks the CRC of the files from partition 1. to 2. and if they do not match, they are replaced.
3. To update you have to create an image (FAT) .img file using UltraISO or WinImage, and replicate the file structure of the larger (150MB) hidden partition’s contents.
4. Then use the software Rockchip DK28DM_Setup to install the firmware upgrade tool and update with your .img file.

For other devices, other possible empty filenames, instead of rkusb.tag, to try are:
- teclast.sys, FRK.TAG, HTC_001.Tag

If you aren't comfortable messying around with your device's firmware, then don't! Proceed with extreme caution as there may be a slight chance you can "brick" your device if the above is preformed incorrectly. These instructions work for me, but I won't be held responsible for any damage done to your device by following them (or not!).