Onyx has released a new software update, version 3.0, for their line of Android-powered Boox ereaders and writing tablets.
The update is available for the previous generation models, including the Onyx Max3, the Note2, the Nova2 and the Poke2.
For the most part it’s the same software that comes on Onyx’s newer models, but it doesn’t update the underlying Android system version.
They’ve added some really useful features, like being able to use two apps at once in split screen view, and the new gestures feature makes navigating faster and easier. Neither was enabled by default on my Note2, however, so I had to turn gestures on in settings and manually edit the quick settings menu to add the Split Screen option.
They also finally made it so NeoReader documents appear in the multitasking list so you can easily switch back to reading. I like how it shows multiple documents that you have open, not just the most recent one. But there’s still no way to quickly switch to recent notes.
They added a bunch of other new features as well, including a new pencil option and layers for the Notes app. You can find the full list of changes here on the 3.0 firmware changelog on Onyx’s blog.
The update can be downloaded from the settings menu on Boox devices or you can download the update from Onyx’s support website and install it manually—just make double sure to get the proper update for your specific model.
Here’s a look at some of the new features they added with the 3.0 update:
Soooo…. Nothing new for Max2?
Have you had any issues with the new update? My Note2 has had several graphical isues; the screen does not refresh correctly and usually the notetaking stops working until I restart (often a few times) or all the pages mix together until the whole thing stops working. Also, the article navigation mode that worked very nicely with the note taking app side by side does not work anymore: when I go to the split screen mode, the navigation switches back to default full page.
For me, the issues are more than the benefits of the new version. Unfortunately, according to Onyx, it is not possible to downgrade. Let me know if you know a way to downgrade to 2.3.1.
I got the Note Air to review so I haven’t been using the Note2 since the update launched.
Hi Ali,
This is why I’m waiting a while before I update my Note 2 to the 3.0 firmware. Did you send Boox your feedback? ( go to settings> feedback> then tap the plus sign in a circle at bottom right of screen> fill out and send feedback report)
Also take a look, and or post, on r/Onyx_Boox .
Hi George,
I was hoping to get new features specially the global split screen. I sent them multiple feedback logfiles with no useful reply from onyx. Finally, they said that it is a hardware problem and I have to send it back for a hardware check. Their customer service is responsive but not efficient. I’ll post my experience on reddit later. I did a factory reset but the problem persists. Currently, I have to restart the device several times to read a paper on it.
Noticed its finally available for the Note Pro