Onyx gets a lot of flack for releasing new models every few months and replacing existing models after just 6-12 months on average, but I recently discovered that Onyx is still releasing software updates for models that were released over 4 years ago so that’s pretty cool.
I was surprised to find the latest 3.5 software update available to download on my Boox Note2 from 2019. It’s almost like getting a new device after all this time with all the changes they’ve made to the software since the Note2 was first released.
On Onyx’s website it’s says they will provide free firmware updates for at least three years after a product is launched. There are instances where that simply is not true, like with their first color device, the Poke2 Color, but it’s good to see they’re still updating some of their older models from over 4 years ago.
If you have an older Boox device you might want to go to the main settings menu and check for a software update. Updates aren’t available indefinitely so you might have to contact Onyx to see they have an update available if you waited too long to check, as they no longer offer software downloads from their website.
Apparently the Nova2 and Poke2 have gotten the 3.5 update as well, according to some reports at MobileRead, so it’s not just limited to their more expensive Note models.
This also made me think about how Onyx no longer sells regular Note models, just the Air version and newer Tab Ultra models. The older Note models had a symmetrical design, unlike the new versions that all have asymmetrical designs with a larger handle on one side.
Plus the older Note models used plastic-based Mobius screens that didn’t crack and were lighter than the glass-backed Carta screen they’re now using (the Note2 only weighs 380 grams, whereas the new Note Air3 weighs 450 grams and it has a smaller battery). It’s a shame they stopped making the regular Note models, but with this software update it’s kind of like getting a new Note2.
Was pleasantly surprised when my Nova 3 received a firmware update recently after several months. Glad to see they haven’t abandoned their older devices
I still don’t like the fact that Onyx doesn’t provide Android OS updates but I can live it as long as they keep rolling out updates.
My Max 3 had an update not all that long ago. Before that happened, various articles mentioned that most Boox devices are updated for about 5 years after their initial release. These older devices are further down the list, but will be updated. But I think I also heard that not all of them will be updated, only certain ones. If so, I cannot remember which ones.
Someone mentioned something about their Russian model. I think I read something on that too- they don’t seem to update theirs the other websites do. But that is pulling from the foggy past of cursory article skimming.
My Poke 2Color got the 3.5 update last week! I was pretty surprised to see that considering the last update was early 2023.
Wow, that’s good to hear. I guess mine never got updates because it’s the Russian version.
My Poke2 got update too! I had stopped by checking for updates, I don’t even remember when was the last time it got one.
Poke2 was replaced by Poke3 just 4 months after it was released. Just after I bought mine. So I had made my peace with my device being long abandoned.
Thank you for referring to the Poke2 in your article.