It's recommend to check for firmware updates regularly to ensure your Kontakt.io devices have the latest released version. Commonly, each firmware release introduces new enhancements that may improve performance or deliver new features. This article will guide you through the process of checking for available firmware updates and how to update devices to the latest firmware version.
Important
All Kontakt.io devices, with the exception of Portal Light models, must be updated locally at the device. Portal Lights automatically receive firmware updates during their connection to Kio Cloud.
Kontakt.io device firmware versions are incremented in their numbering, with the highest version representing the most recent firmware update available. However, updating to the latest version may require updating to each earlier version sequentially until reaching the latest version; meaning if a device is at version 1.0 and you want to update to the latest version 2.0 , the device may need to update to version 1.2, then 1.5, and then 1.6 first before its updates to the latest version.
To learn more about released firmware versions, see the Device firmware changelog.
Note
Effective May 2023, a Kontakt.io device category terminology change was introduced. Prior to this change, Kontakt.io devices were categorized as Beacons or Gateways.
Now, when you access the Kio Cloud apps, you will notice that devices are categorized as Tags or Infrastructure.
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Tags refer to devices that are moving and being tracked by some kind of infrastructure. These devices are not assigned to a location within Smart Location. For example, Asset Tags, Smart Badges, Nano Tags, .
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Infrastructure refers to devices that are stationary and remain in a fixed location. They are assigned to a room within Smart Location. For example, Portal Lights, Portal Beams, and Anchor Beacons. You may also notice that Portal Beams are also referred to as room sensors and Anchor Beacons may be referred to as reference beacons.
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From Kio Cloud, go to Device Management 2.0.
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From the left menu, select the device category, either Tags or Infrastructure devices.
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To filter devices by their firmware version, from Search & Filter set the Criteria (A) to Firmware (B). By filtering, you can get a quick glimpse into the various firmware versions installed onto your devices.
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The Firmware filter drop-down displays the device count by each firmware version.
Select a firmware version (A).
From the filtered list, the firmware column (B) displays a bolded update icon if a firmware update is available.
To view the version update detail, hover your mouse over the firmware update icon (C).
If you are nearby the Kontakt.io devices, you can use the Kio Setup Manager app to check for firmware updates. The app provides a visual indicator for each device that has an available firmware update.
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From your mobile device, open the Kio Setup Manager app > sign in with your Kio Cloud username and password.
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Bring your mobile device within Bluetooth range of the device to update.
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From the bottom menu, tap Devices. A visual icon appears next to a device when it has a pending configuration or an available firmware update.
Visual indicator
Blue arrow up icon
: indicates a firmware update is available.
Orange sync icon
: indicates the device has a pending Kio Cloud configuration update.
Options to update firmware include:
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Locally at a device with the Kio Setup Manager app.
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Through a third-party app integrated and developed with the Kontakt.io mobile SDKs.
Firmware updates can be applied locally at each device using the Kio Setup Manager app. You can also use the app to check for available firmware updates.
The update is automatically downloaded to the device, which can take a few minutes. During the update, your mobile device must remain within Bluetooth range of the device.
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From your mobile device, open the Kio Setup Manager app > sign in with your Kio Cloud username and password.
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Bring your mobile device within Bluetooth range of the device to update.
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From the bottom menu, tap Devices. A visual icon appears next to a device when it has a pending configuration or an available firmware update.
Visual indicator
Orange sync icon
Blue arrow up icon
Tip
Have a problem with the app not finding a Kontakt.io device or it's not allowing you to perform an action? From your mobile device, turn Bluetooth OFF and then ON again. Wait for the app to establish its connection to the device. Also, be sure you have the latest app version. Allowing automatic app updates is recommended.
If this does not resolve the issue, close the Kio Setup Manager app and any other open apps using Bluetooth. Then reopen the Kio Setup Manager app.
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To update a device's firmware, tap on the device.
iOS app...
Android app...
Tap update to firmware [version displayed] > from the Firmware Update notice, tap Yes.
The updating progress is shown and once complete it will display out of range to refresh its status.
Apply all available updates: tap Back. From the My Nearby Devices list, if the device has a blue dot this indicates an additional firmware update is available. It may take a few seconds for the device to appear in the list.
From the Settings tab, scroll down to the Firmware section > tap Firmware Update Available > tap Update.
Apply all available updates: Firmware Update Available is displayed until the firmware is at the latest released version.
The Bulk Manage feature, only available on the iOS app and requires a Kio Cloud subscription, provides a method to update multiple devices to the latest firmware version at the same time. During a bulk update, the app updates a single device at a time to the latest released version and then continues to the next device.
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From your mobile device, open the Kio Setup Manager app > sign in with your Kio Cloud username and password.
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From the bottom menu, tap Bulk Manage > tap Pending Configuration > and then tap Firmware updates.
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Tap Start Bulk Management.
This process may take time to update each nearby device. Be sure that your mobile device does not enter sleep mode during the bulk update.