iFi Zen Blue ( Firmware update )

[camcroft]

Just an update I have given my 2 x Zen Blues the firmware update and have to say that without a doubt that the sound is a lot better than before and would recommend that if you have the opportunity to do the update you will not regret it but unfortunately its only available to Android devices at the moment. Keep up the good work iFi

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

How do you do this?

 

[PlastermanOG]

How do you do this?

Go to

Download Hub | Software and firmware for your iFi audio devices

The new, quick and easy searchable interface to find software and firmware downloads for your iFi audio devices.

ifi-audio.com

Select zen blue from the drop down menu and enter the device serial number.
The serial number is on the box or the back of the device, its a ten digit number.
This firmware has been available since January so not a recent update, if you haven't already updated it's definitely worth doing.
It makes the connection more stable and gives the option to turn off the led lights with a long press on the pair button.

 

[camcroft]

I have an iPhone someone did my updates for me thats why it has took me so long.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

I think I'm being dim - having downloaded all of that, how do I get the app onto my phone? Do I just copy & paste the .apk and .bin files, and if so, to where?

Why don't the people who write these guides just do it from the basics?

EDIT: Looking further along the instructions there are other points where I don't know how to do what they are asking. Why not design a proper app? Frustrating.

 

[camcroft]

I think I'm being dim - having downloaded all of that, how do I get the app onto my phone? Do I just copy & paste the .apk and .bin files, and if so, to where?

Why don't the people who write these guides just do it from the basics?

EDIT: Looking further along the instructions there are other points where I don't know how to do what they are asking. Why not design a proper app? Frustrating.

Sorry I cant help lucky for me someone else did it for me otherwise I would have been in the same boat I hope that someone comes along to help.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Thanks. It all feels a bit half-baked.

 

[PlastermanOG]

Thanks. It all feels a bit half-baked.

They use to have a tutorial on the website how to install the gaia control app, I take it that's now contained in the pdf file.
Ifi audio are pretty active in this thread on head-fi

iFi audio ZEN Blue - The Official Thread

Enlightened audio at a down-to-earth price First of a new range of audio components priced at just £129, US$129 and €149, iFi’s ZEN Blue delivers hi-res Bluetooth streaming to any audio system Southport, England – iFi kicks off a new range of high-quality, super-affordable, desktop-sized audio...

www.head-fi.org

 

[camcroft]

They use to have a tutorial on the website how to install the gaia control app, I take it that's now contained in the pdf file.
Ifi audio are pretty active in this thread on head-fi

iFi audio ZEN Blue - The Official Thread

Enlightened audio at a down-to-earth price First of a new range of audio components priced at just £129, US$129 and €149, iFi’s ZEN Blue delivers hi-res Bluetooth streaming to any audio system Southport, England – iFi kicks off a new range of high-quality, super-affordable, desktop-sized audio...

www.head-fi.org

Who did your update ?

 

[PlastermanOG]

Who did your update ?

I did, and it was a bit of a pain to start with but eventually I got it working.
It was a while ago so its not clear in my mind, I do remember that I couldn't find the apk file in my downloads because I expected it to be the first file in the list. It turned out it was well down the list of downloads.

 

[camcroft]

Go to

Download Hub | Software and firmware for your iFi audio devices

The new, quick and easy searchable interface to find software and firmware downloads for your iFi audio devices.

ifi-audio.com

Select zen blue from the drop down menu and enter the device serial number.
The serial number is on the box or the back of the device, its a ten digit number.
This firmware has been available since January so not a recent update, if you haven't already updated it's definitely worth doing.
It makes the connection more stable and gives the option to turn off the led lights with a long press on the pair button.

I have just noticed on mine that after I have paired with the unit the light goes off completely and stays off while playing anything.

 

[PlastermanOG]

I have just noticed on mine that after I have paired with the unit the light goes off completely and stays off while playing anything.

That's what the firmware does, lights up to tell you what codec is being used and what the resolution is and then the led lights go off.
When you disconnect the blue/red led flashes for a couple of minutes then the led switches off.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

I've put in a support ticket via the website, but it feels like the equipment is rather let down by this sort of support. We're used to better in the 21st century!

 

[camcroft]

I've put in a support ticket via the website, but it feels like the equipment is rather let down by this sort of support. We're used to better in the 21st century!

Lets hope we get it sorted

 

[PlastermanOG]

I've put in a support ticket via the website, but it feels like the equipment is rather let down by this sort of support. We're used to better in the 21st century!

I agree, its all to clunky for a 21st product, good job it sounds good for bluetooth.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

Tried downloading directly to phone, but it doesn't work. Really frustrating as I am having some connectivity issues. Utterly piss-poor.

 

[camcroft]

Tried downloading directly to phone, but it doesn't work. Really frustrating as I am having some connectivity issues. Utterly piss-poor.

I have just got this from a guy that I am in touch with at iFi follow the PDF BELOW. Please look in your inbox on here for my message.

 

[camcroft]

Tried downloading directly to phone, but it doesn't work. Really frustrating as I am having some connectivity issues. Utterly piss-poor.

The guy said that you are doing it the wrong way.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

I'm sure I am - though in 2021 with a proper app, I think there should only be one way of doing it.

 

[nopiano]

Perhaps somebody can explain how firmware updates can change the sound? I can’t fathom it myself, though I’ve read similar suggestions on other forums about other kit.

 

[camcroft]

I don't know about changing the sound but better connectivity this one had an issue with the Ldac codec which it fixes which has a knock on effect on how well the codec works and sounds.

 

[rainsoothe]

Perhaps somebody can explain how firmware updates can change the sound? I can’t fathom it myself, though I’ve read similar suggestions on other forums about other kit.

Changes in the DSP, at the very least. My Naim streamer pre had this with it's latest update

 

[nopiano]

Changes in the DSP, at the very least. My Naim streamer pre had this with it's latest update

Thanks, so that’s DSP meaning digital signal processing, but not in sense of the equaliser function often labelled that way? I thought the processing was done by the hardware, which is why I’m puzzled. Or does the firmware change the frequency response!

 

[rainsoothe]

Thanks, so that’s DSP meaning digital signal processing, but not in sense of the equaliser function often labelled that way? I thought the processing was done by the hardware, which is why I’m puzzled. Or does the firmware change the frequency response!

Don't know where the change takes place, but it did in my case. Of course, some didn't hear it, some preferred the latest one, and some (myself included) rolled back to the previous version.

 

[GSV Ethics Gradient]

I did have a bit of help from their support team and all done - a word of caution though - it won't work easily with some phones. My Sony won't work in the way suggested, but the Motorola does.

There's another update about to be issued which they are going to email to me directly - if anyone wants it, just ask.