1.8.3 firmware update - any news?

[machinogodzilla]

Hello,

In a few days' time it will have been a year since the last firmware update was made available for Onyx readers. Ereader store shows 03 May 2017 date for version 1.8.2. Up to that version there were reasonably frequent releases and then they suddenly stopped.

I have heard from that store about the new update a few times but recently they just went quiet - no response to my queries:

• 03/2017: "THe smoothness of scribbled lines will be improved in the update 1.8.3."
• 08/2017: "Yes, the next update is coming soon."
• 11/2017: "The 1.8.3 is still in work. We expect to finish it within of the next couple of weeks."
• 12/2017: "1.8.3 (...) is ready to 87%."
• 03/2018: no reply
• 04/2018: no reply
• 06/2018: "The update to 1.8.3 for N96 series will be released in 2 weeks. Update to 1.9.0 is in discussion." *

Does anyone know any news about the future updates?

[UncleZeno]

That's a very good question.
Good and constant firmware updates were one of the points I liked more of my n96ml during its first year. I understand that they need to sell more and that they concentrate on new products but at the same time they should continue supporting "old" devices with improvements. Especially when a product is still sold.
This is always the same story for almost all small companies.. They seduce you and then they abandon you.

Hope somebody has some good news to share about firmware updates.

[machinogodzilla]

Originally Posted by UncleZeno

I understand that they need to sell more and that they concentrate on new products

They will be selling noting to me or my friends that's for sure until there are some news about the updates.

I'm wondering what firmware do readers like Note or Max2 run on. I would be surprised if they had anything different from the rest but they are not listed amongst the abandoned devices. Perhaps the firmware in these newer tablets depends on newer Android in which case best of luck to anyone who owns N96ML and such.

On the other hand how do you upgrade these newer devices? The ereader store's website doesn't say anything about it at all. I only found some mentions in the comments for Note:

From Claus | 2018-04-23 22:33:38

Hi - I have had my Boox Note for a couple of weeks and I am very satisfied with it. Except for one thing: Is it really not possible to password protect the device?? That is really a must if you want to use it professionally. Will that feature be added in the next firmware update?
administrator

We have already added this feature (password protection) in our software. It will be available in next update very soon

and Max2:

...After last update (of March) it is possible to use own Google apps that was already paid. We should remember that additional apps can shorten battery life...

This kind of confirms what you said about the older devices having been left behind despite the new firmware being "ready to 87%" as ereader store claimed in December last year.

[gimble]

Originally Posted by machinogodzilla

I'm wondering what firmware do readers like Note or Max2 run on.

Max2 firmware version shows up as "1.8.3". I suspect the different android versions between their current and older devices may be one of the reasons behind the delay.

There have been two firmware updates since Max2's launch in late 2017 - one in Jan 2018 and another in March 2018.

[AlexKidd]

It is unthinkable that a device like the Onyx Boox Max Carta is left to itself so quickly

[underscore]

I won't risk updating my N96ML to a 4.4 firmware that is still listed as pre-release on their website after a year.

[machinogodzilla]

Finally some news from Booxtor. Let's hope it doesn't become yet another bullet point to add to my list...

[UncleZeno]

Unfortunately 2 weeks passed after the message of Booxtor but no update has been released so far.
I feel the N96 is almost abandoned.

I understand there are new products but, still, more than a year without updates is not a good point for Onyx.

[machinogodzilla]

Meanwhile the firmware downloads page has disappeared...

[desk7]

I hope the firmware update will be released: N96 and Max buyers were the first to fund that new line of products and these devices cannot be abandoned already.

[machinogodzilla]

Boox official downloads page, it's quite informative.

[UncleZeno]

Originally Posted by desk7

I hope the firmware update will be released: N96 and Max buyers were the first to fund that new line of products and these devices cannot be abandoned already.

I agree with you but I consider the devices already abandoned until I see a new firmware release. I am close to be upset with Onyx and indeed I did not buy the Max 2 anymore.

I am not going to spend a lot of money for a device that is updated only for 1 year after the release.

[machinogodzilla]

Originally Posted by UncleZeno

Unfortunately 2 weeks passed after the message of Booxtor but no update has been released so far.

6 weeks now.

[downeaster59]

I bought a Kepler Pro late last year. Like your devices, mine was supposed to receive a 4.4 update. Booxtor did send me two beta versions of the 4.4 firmware for the Kepler Pro: one late last year, and the second in February or March of this year. The first was largely unusable, as WiFi did not work. The second was much better, but needed work in several areas. For example, turning a page or changing a screen resulted in ghosting and artifacts from the previous page. Refresh did not work well. I have had no further betas.

I suspect that work on the Kepler Pro upgrade has been abandoned, or at least put on hold.

Booxtor has said that the firmware downloads page will be restored soon.

I went ahead and bought a Note a few months ago. I like it a lot - but yes, I know, I am taking the chance that there will be no updates after a year or so! However, in the case of the Note or the Max 2, Onyx can't blame the hardware for a lack of an update.

We shall see.

[plusz]

Originally Posted by machinogodzilla

Boox official downloads page, it's quite informative.

I have just updated mine to 1.9.0. Can't find any difference yet