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Forum Discussion
Orbi RBR50 2.7.0.70 is "out"
Heard reports that this was pushed to some users.
It is available at the usual links.
Like 2.5.2.4 there are no release notes.
Orbi RBR50 support site still claims 2.5.1.16 as the official ver...
Well its nice that "NG is requesting that users do not post links to FW files from the auto update server.".
The best method to avoid users doing this is to communicate clearly - something that NG does not seem very good at.
Explaining and communicating what each firmware is providing, who it is targeted at and why, would avoid this wild goose chase.
Having mismatched information between the support website, the product information website, the forums and then something potentially different installed on the actual device is not helpful. Consistent information and firmware rollouts would be a very welcomed improvement.
And instead of NG requesting users to request other users do something, perhaps they could comment directly.
Just a suggestion of course.
Someone should make a STICKY, so everyone at least sees the topic, not to post those URLs, and also warn about the potential damage when manual updates of unofficial firmware are performed. Maybe also add warranty void statement or something similar.
- Well I’m not sure about other countries but I am glad that here in Australia companies can’t just void their warranty because of manual updates. The Australian Consumer Law protects against unfair terms, one of which has been tested already relating to such as software installations.
I also disagree with others in this thread that suggest NG built, hosted and provided firmware is considered unofficial. If firmware (pushed as an automatic update) is provided to exactly the same product/device as someone else, it’s difficult to argue that the firmware is unofficial. There is a difference between unofficial and unreleased, beta or trial.
Worth keeping an eye on how this progresses because if there is a suggestion from NG that their haphazard approach to firmware rollouts may cause consumers to lose out, this would warrant a referral to the ACCC and Dept of Fair Trading.
I really feel for those in jurisdictions where there isn’t both federal and state laws that strongly protect consumers. What makes it unofficial? It's hosted on Netgear servers.
And what damage are you talking about?
NomadTech wrote:What makes it unofficial? It's hosted on Netgear servers.
And what damage are you talking about?
(just my two cents) "Official" means the manufacturer sends an announcement (email message, or banner on the admin system) or the procedure used on the product reveals new firmware (Orbi web interface, Advanced Tab, Administration, Firmware Update) reveals "New Firmware Available." The manufacturer is saying, "I am putting you on notice that this firmware is available for your device."
So far, my Orbi app, my Orbi web interface Home Page, and my Orbi web interface Firmware Update web page have never given any indication that V2.5.1.16 is not the latest firmware for my RBR50.
When an enterprising person has discovered that what appears to be a newer firmware file can be found on a server, that does not seem to be "official". Perhaps it was placed there because some users have been told that their systems should be updated. Sort of like a manufacturer recall. "Your specific product is defective."
Damage? People post all the time that they updated firmware and "NOW my Orbi is no longer working." If the system gets "bricked" because the user decided to install firmware, that's their problem. Another example, if I decide to install 3rd party firmware on my Orbi and the system gets bricked, I did it and I have to deal with the consequences. Firmware somebody found a link to is not "official."
