Changes introduced in firmware version 1.1

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1. Way simpler vibrations and streamlined connection

In the previous version, vibrations were used - and sometime overused - to signal way too many things. From boot mode, to connection status, to battery, to intermediate input steps. This release streamlines everything to the most important stuff a performer needs to know:

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* the remote was turned on (see sleep mode below)

* the remote is connected / disconnected

* the input was invalid or confirmed (in watch mode)

* low or critical battery

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Turning on the remote requires both hands by design so there is no need to use vibration when the built in LED can convey the same information with the remote in plain sight. All un-necessary LED blinking have been removed to just one: critical battery (RED). Along with this what each button does in watch mode (numeric or swipe, long or short press) has been simplified drastically.

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2. Smart time input (watch numeric mode)

Enter 134 and the remote will send 1:34 to the watch.

Enter 123 and the remote will wait for the forth digit (for 3 sends; when the 3 seconds are up a short vibe confirms input is now complete).

Enter 119 and the remote will send 1:19 to the watch.

Enter 29 and the remote will signal error as there is no way to form a time by starting with '2' '9'

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There are now only a very few cases when the leading zero is encouraged (0123 for 1:23) and they are easy to remember since the hour is always 1. So if the spectator says 1:45, the performer can put a leading zero even if not strictly need. This means less cognitive burden for the performer at the worst time. Support for 24h format was removed (who uses it?) in order to reduce even further the possibilities of requiring a leading zero when not necessary.

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3. SBWatch new protocol

The new SBWatch firmware is designed with the performer in mind and it's not an adaptation of an existing hybrid watch functionality (e.g. Fossil). As such the watch is capable to move and freeze hands while keeping the internal clock running normally. This way a reset time will always work as expected while hands freezing means not worrying about patter length anymore. This new release will recognize the new protocol and take advantage of these premium features.

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4. Sleep mode.

It's intentionally hard to accidentally turn the remote on or off which also made it hard to save battery by turning the remote on-demand. Sleep functionality, hold 1 in watch mode or totally configurable in KB emulation code, allows the performer to turn and pair the watch, put it to sleep, and have it ready at a moment notice with a simple keypress. The remote will restart as if it was just turned on, go through connection and be ready in less than a minute*

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5. Force time.

Five configurable times can be sent to the watch with a single keypress.

In swipe mode: button 6 will send the first force time, button 7 will send the second time, etc.

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In numeric mode: holding button 5 will send the first time, holding button 6 will send the second time, etc. A recap of the button functionality per each mode is at the bottom of this page.

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6. Media controls

In Keyboard mode keys can now be assigned to media control functionality: PLAY, PAUSE, NEXT, VOL, etc. Keys can also be assigned to allow the remote to go to sleep.

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7. Support for void buttons

Some people prefer a very simple remote layout and have the need to have some buttons do... nothing! It is now possible, via the same configuration page, to completely disable a button press (short, long or both)

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8. More reliable update process

Upgrading the FW is a delicate step and prone to bricking the device. We put in place many failsafe mechanisms and increased the upgrade process reliability (which was already high).

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9. Simplified vibration strength.

The number of possible options has been reduced to the essential due to the imperceptible difference between some of the previous available "steps". There are only three levels: MUTE, LOW, MAX.

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10. Battery status.

By pressing the corresponding button (see below), the LEDs will flash as follow:

Battery more than 80%: 2 blue flashes

Battery more than 50%: 1 blue flash

Battery more than 25%: 2 red flashes

Battery less than 25%: 1 long red flash.

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11. More

There is more stuff under the cover, a lots of bug were squished in the process of releasing this version. With this release we started to scratch a little deeper than the surface of the many possibilities this remote can offer.

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Button press map: WIFI MODE

1 - Vibration MUTE

2 - Vibration MUTE

3 - Vibration LOW

4 - Vibration MAX

5 - Vibration MAX

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Button press map: WATCH SWIPE MODE

Button - short - long press

1 - swipe UP - reset input

2 - swipe LEFT - reset input

3 - reset time - reset input

4 - swipe RIGHT - reset input

5 - swipe DOWN - reset input

6 - send force time 1 - reset input

7 - send force time 2 - reset input

8 - send force time 3 - reset input

9 - send force time 4 - reset input

0 - show battery LEDs - reset input

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Button press map: WATCH NUMERIC MODE

Button - short - long press

1 - send 1 - sleep mode

2 - send 2 - reset input

3 - send 3 - reset input

4 - send 4 - reset input

5 - send 5 - send force time 1

6 - send 6 - send force time 2

7 - send 7 - send force time 3

8 - send 8 - send force time 4

9 - send 9 - show battery LEDs

0 - send 0 - reset time

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* radio communications are bound to interferences and the behavior of two independent devices. While Versa is FCC certified and short connection times the topmost priority in our development process, too many factors outside our control are in play in determining re-connection speed and reliability. Thanks for being one of our supporters.