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WowWee Rovio Firmware Update

fraggboy

July 29, 2010

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WowWee released a BETA firmware on December 18, 2008.  Version is: 5.00b7.

A lot of Rovio owners wanted a changelog so we can follow what has been addressed, or updated. 

They have done that for us!

Another big change the majority of us loved is that Rovio now supports WPA.  Before this firmware, the Rovio had to connect via WEP, which most of us know, is very easy to crack.

Changelog:

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v5.00b6 to v5.00b7 Updates:

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1. Help updated.
2. Increased sound buffer and added NACK when buffer is full.
3. Sets network mode automatically from the network selected.
4. Replaced special characters with ASCII for network password.
5. UPnP by enabled default.
6. Memory pool enlarged for network scan.
7. Removed strange values for ‘Group’ in GetWlan.cgi.

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v5.00b5 to v5.00b6 Updates:

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1. Fixed popup bug.
2. Updated and reskinned help files.

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v5.00b4 to v5.00b5 Updates:

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1. Added Online status.
2. Added verification of internet access.
3. Added a check for new firmware.
4. Added a box to select the network.
5. Added Quicktime support (Safari only). Still defaults to M-JPEG as Quicktime won’t work on some routers over the internet.
6. Fills password fields with fake password.
7. Added network confirm key field.
8. Added video player selection box for MJPEG & Quicktime (Safari only).
9. Adjusted video box size to fit better.
10. Added HTTP server side request.
11. Added a hardware restore to factory settings function (User turns Rovio on, waits until the red light flashes three times, and then turns it off and then on again. The LED power indicator will flash red and green when restoring).

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v5.00b.2 to v5.00b.3 Updates:
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1. Restoring over default settings issue resolved.
2. Corrected LED colours: Nothing = Booting; Orange = Connecting/Can’t connect; Green = Connected to network and ready; Red = user is connected.

v5.00b.1 to v5.00b.2 Updates:
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1. Added DropData.cgi which stops mjpeg video streams by ID.
2. Added call to DropData.cgi on page unload which stops browser continuously streaming even though the tab has been closed.
3. Added a call to re-establish connection after the video settings are changed. Fixes FF3.0 issues.
4. Fixed bug with network password field not saving.

v5.00b to v5.00b.1 Updates:
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1. Bug fixed in Wi-Fi driver that caused the main thread to be blocked.
2. Quicktime support in firmware fixed but has not been implemented in the UI.

UI v4.09b to v4.09b.1 Updates:
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1. Fixed Safari layout issues with side panels.
2. Fixed forced MJPEG for active-x on all ports (assessible using index.htm?force_mpeg=1).
3. Fixed bug with update button not enabling when the port field is changed.
4. Changed input boxes to enable update button on keypress not onchange event.
5. Uses new active-x v1.0.0.6 which fixes the PC Mic not sending audio on ports other than 80.
6. Hovering over nav bar now shows nav strength not wifi strength.
7. Added update log (updates.txt).

I have run the new firmware and I just LOVE the WPA connection to my network. I don’t use uPnP or forward any ports on Rovio’s network tab.  My firewall takes care of that through VIP’s.  Even though Rovio can connect via WPA, I still have a separate SSID, and subnet.  Rovio is not allowed to initiate any outbound traffic to the internet, or anywhere for that matter. 

Running simple paths still fails for me when the status shows Roaming (Only setting a path 5 feet away).  The video is still sub-par in low level light conditions.  I feel this can be addressed within the firmware, which is good.  Accessing the Rovio internally/externally is still the same.  I have all of the video settings high and the video keeps up with the framerate.  Rovio still docks very well.

**NOTE**  Please remember that this firmware is in BETA!!  Some users have had issues upgrading to the firmware, and certain features not working for them.  Use at your own risk!  If you download the firmware, you release Robot Reviews, or myself from any harm it may cause to your Rovio.