Hi everyone,
We are thrilled to announce a major update to the Omega2 platform: brand-new firmware and a comprehensive documentation site designed to enhance your development experience with the Omega2 Eval Board!

What’s New in the Firmware?

We’ve been hard at work developing new firmware that brings significant improvements to performance, usability, and development flexibility. Here are some of the highlights:

Up-to-Date Software Base

• OpenWRT 23.05: Built on the latest OpenWRT release, providing enhanced stability and security.
• Linux Kernel 5.15: Enjoy the benefits of a modern kernel with improved hardware support and performance.

Improved Performance and Functionality

• Faster Boot Times: Reduced boot times mean you can start working on your projects sooner.
• Enhanced Wi-Fi Capabilities: Using the open-source mt76 Wi-Fi driver for better performance and flexibility.
• Streamlined and Lightweight: Minimal pre-installed packages free up onboard storage for your applications.

Modern Development Environment

• Python 3.11: Access the latest Python features for advanced application development.
• NodeJS v18: Develop modern JavaScript applications right on your Eval Board.

Easier Customization and Development

• Simplified Build Process: Building custom packages and firmware images is now faster and more straightforward.
• Run-Time Loadable Device Tree Overlays: Extend hardware capabilities on the fly without rebuilding the entire firmware.

Focus on User Experience

• Out-of-the-Box Usability: Networking is pre-configured for easy connectivity, and hardware interfaces are readily accessible.

Explore the New Documentation Site

To complement the new firmware, we’ve launched a brand-new documentation site! It’s packed with user-friendly guides, tutorials, and reference materials to help you get the most out of your Omega2 Eval Board.

• Step-by-Step Guides: Learn how to set up your device, connect to networks, and start building applications.
• Comprehensive Tutorials: Dive deep into advanced topics with detailed instructions.
• Reference Materials: Access documentation on supported programming languages, hardware interfaces, and more.

👉 Visit the new documentation site

Why This Matters

We designed the new firmware and documentation with your needs in mind. Our goal is to make your development process smoother, faster, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re building IoT devices, prototyping new ideas, or deploying applications, these updates provide a robust foundation for your projects.

We Value Your Feedback

Your feedback is crucial to us! We invite you to explore the new firmware and documentation and let us know your thoughts. If you have suggestions, encounter any issues, or have features you’d like to see added, please reach out through the following channels:

• Comment on Documentation Articles: Share your insights directly on the comment sections in documentation pages.
• Submit Issues or Suggestions on GitHub: Contribute to our OpenWRT-Packages or documentation repositories.
• Post on the Onion Community Forum: Join discussions with other users and share your experiences.

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for more exciting updates:

• Guides on Building Packages: We'll be sharing tutorials on how to build "Hello World" packages in C and Python using Docker and then run them on your Omega2 Eval Board.
• Production Sneak Peek: Get an inside look at our manufacturing process with exclusive photos from the factory.
• Prototype V2 Insights: Learn about the latest design changes and enhancements in our upcoming prototypes.

Thank you for being a part of our community. We’re excited to see what you’ll create with the new firmware and documentation!

Happy hacking!
Team Onion