In the our previous post, we announced a major update to our software which included several new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes to enhance the overall user experience. But there were still some issues that needed to be addressed, especially firmware updates failing on certain devices. So this version of the firmware will be another major update, though most of the changes are under the hood.

We also want to address some important issues that have been identified with shipped HealthyPi Move devices and share the solutions we’ve implemented to resolve them.

Introducing Firmware v2.0.0: Addressing Delivered Device Issues

Based on your feedback and our continued testing, we’ve identified several critical issues with the original firmware that affected device performance and user experience. We’re pleased to announce that firmware v2.0.0 is now available and addresses all known issues. Based on the the nRFConnect SDK v3.1.1 which runs on Zephyr OS v4.1.0, this is a significant upgrade from the previous version in terms of stability, reliability, and performance.

Critical Issue: XIP Module Dependency Removal

The most significant issue affecting delivered devices was related to the nRF5340 XIP (eXecute In Place) module dependency. It turns out that the XIP in the nRF5340 was not as well supported as we initially thought, especially in the context of lower power modes and complex memory access patterns. This was causing several issues:

• System Instability: Random crashes and freezes during operation resulting from the external flash not being ready when accessed
• Battery Drain Issues: Inefficient memory access patterns reducing battery life due to the need to keep the external flash powered on more often than necessary
• Performance Problems: Sluggish response times and delayed sensor readings due to the overhead of managing XIP memory access

The Fix

We’ve completely removed the XIP dependency, resulting in:

• Rock-Solid Stability: No more unexpected crashes or system freezes because of the external flash starting up late or due to wrong init priorities. If there are any screen transitions issues, they are now purely UI related and not due to memory access problems.
• Extended Battery Life: Significantly improved power efficiency, since now there is no need to keep the external flash powered on all the time. This has led to a 20-40% improvement in battery life in our tests, depending on usage patterns.
• Responsive Performance: Faster boot times and real-time UI responsiveness, as everything now runs in the same memory space.

UI Issues Resolved with Complete Redesign

Many of you reported problems with the original interface, including:

• Poor Visibility: Low contrast making readings difficult to see
• Confusing Navigation: Complex menu structure causing user frustration
• Inconsistent Design: Mixed design elements creating a unprofessional appearance

The Solution: Complete UI overhaul featuring:

• High-Contrast Design: Crystal clear readability in all lighting conditions, especially utlizing the AMOLED display to its fullest potential
• Minimalist Interface: Intuitive navigation that just works with fewer taps to access key features and nothing extra that's not needed
• Professional Aesthetics: Clean, consistent, color-coded design throughout the application for ease of use

Firmware Update Problems Fixed

One of the most frustrating issues reported was failed firmware updates that sometimes left devices unresponsive:

• Update Failures: DFU process would fail mid-update, mainly due to the XIP issues
• Bricked Devices: Some units became unresponsive after failed updates.
• Inconsistent Behavior: Updates would work sometimes but not others

Now, once you update the firmware to v2.0.0, all future updates will be rock solid and automatically handled by the HealthyPi Move app itself. There’s no more need to use nRF Connect or other tools.

Resolution: The XIP dependency removal has enabled bulletproof firmware updates

• 100% Reliable Updates: Every update now completes successfully without failures. If an update does fail, the device will automatically revert to the previous version without any user intervention needed.
• Faster Updates: Updates are now significantly faster, plus having all the update functionality built into the app means you don't need to use any other tools.
• Seamless Experience: The entire update process is now integrated into the HealthyPi Move app, providing a smooth and user-friendly experience.

Developer Experience Improvements

For those of you who like to tinker with the firmware, we’ve made several improvements to enhance the developer experience:

• Modern Toolchain: Updated to the latest nRF Connect SDK and Zephyr OS versions, providing access to new features and improved stability.
• Comprehensive Documentation: Updated documentation to reflect the new architecture and provide clear guidance on development and debugging.
• Room for Expansion: The new architecture allows for easier addition of new features and sensors in the future. For features that don't exist yet, we have left hooks and examples in the code to make it easier for developers.

How to Get Your Update For Firmware v2.0.0

1. Automatic Update: Install the latest v2.x.x version of the HealthyPi Move app from Google Play or the App Store, connect your device, and follow the automatic prompts to update to v2.0.0.
2. Manual Update: Download from our GitHub Releases if automatic update doesn't appear
3. Support: Contact us if you experience any update issues, we'll resolve them immediately

Addressing Enclosure Quality Issues

We’ve also heard your concerns about the original enclosure quality and have taken decisive action. The problem was that the original vacuum cast enclosures had significant quality control issues, leading to inconsistent fit and finish, build quality problems, and durability concerns. This also resulted in a lot of manual post-processing to make the enclosures usable, which was not acceptable for a professional product.

In the above images, the most common issues can be seen including warping, rough edges, misaligned inserts, and inconsistent dimensions. These issues not only affected the aesthetic appeal of the device but also its functionality, as buttons and ports couldn’t align properly.

Our Solution: Premium PLA-CF 3D Printed Replacement Enclosures

PLA with Carbon Fiber (PLA-CF) is a high-strength, durable material that offers several advantages over traditional plastics. It provides the dimensional accuracy and repeatability of PLA, while the carbon fiber reinforcement adds significant strength and rigidity. This makes PLA-CF an excellent choice for enclosures that need to withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining a professional appearance. Now the device is a sleek all-black design with a black watch strap, giving it a premium look and feel.

Benefits of this new enclosure material and manufacturing process include:

• Precise Dimensions: Every replacement enclosure meets exact specifications with minimal variation
• Enhanced Durability: Carbon fiber reinforcement provides superior strength and resistance to impact
• Professional Finish: Elegant all-black appearance that resists fingerprints and scratches
• Better Feel: Premium texture and build quality you expect

Our Commitment to You

We take full responsibility for the issues present in the original delivery. These problems fell short of the quality standards you deserve and that we set for ourselves.

Your trust matters to us, and we’re committed to making this right. If you received a device with any of the issues mentioned above, please reach out to our support team at move@protocentral.com. If you miss any specific features that you would like to see in future updates, please send us your feature requests as well.