What's new — March 2026

Overview

In March 2026 we released significant firmware and software updates for uMyo, including BLE connectivity via Android bridge, OTA firmware updates, and a new Python workbench. This page covers what’s new, how to get it, and what’s coming next. If you received a device in the March 2026 batch, there’s also a section below explaining which firmware your specific device shipped with.

New capabilities

BLE connectivity via Android bridge

uMyo can now stream data over Bluetooth LE to an Android phone, which forwards it to your PC over WiFi. This gives you real-time EMG, IMU, and magnetometer data in a Python workbench without a USB receiver base. Currently supports one device at a time. Multi-device support is in development.

OTA firmware updates

Devices shipped with the updated bootloader can receive firmware updates wirelessly via the Android app. No programmer or USB connection required.

New Python workbench (uf1-tools)

A new Python GUI for real-time signal, IMU, and spectrum visualization via the Android bridge. The existing uMyo_python_tools remain the recommended path for multi-device setups via USB base — both are actively supported.

Which firmware does my device have?

Check the shipping notification email you received — the date and carrier tell you which firmware your device has.

fw-base — shipped via DHL on or around March 10

• Stable firmware with new magnetometer support and memory improvements
• Works with nRF24 and USB base station modes
• No BLE transport, no OTA capability
• To update: requires SWD programmer — contact us via Discord or email and we’ll help

fw-ble — shipped via DHL on or around March 13

• New BLE transport: raw EMG + full workbench mode via Android bridge
• Original bootloader — no OTA capability yet
• Can be upgraded to OTA capability with a one-time SWD flash of the new bootloader — after that, all future updates are wireless

fw-ble-ota — shipped via Ukrposhta on or around March 13–14

• New BLE transport + OTA-capable bootloader
• Firmware updates wirelessly via Android app
• Most capable configuration

Not sure which firmware you have, or need help upgrading? Join our Discord or email us.

Platform support

Platform	Status
Android (BLE bridge + OTA)	✅ Working
USB receiver base	✅ Working
Arduino / ESP32 (nRF24 or BLE)	✅ Working
Raspberry Pi	🔄 Planned next
Windows / Linux / Mac direct BLE	🔄 Planned
iPhone / iOS	🔄 Planned

Getting started with the Android bridge

Requirements

• Android phone (Android 11+: Location permission and Location toggle must be ON for BLE scan)
• PC and phone on the same WiFi network
• uMyo with fw-ble or fw-ble-ota firmware

Steps

1. Find your PC’s local IP address (ip addr on Linux, ipconfig on Windows)
2. Download the APK from the v0.1.0 release and install it on your Android device. Enable “Install from unknown sources” in developer options if prompted.
3. Open the app, enter your PC’s IP address and port (default: 26750)
4. Press the button on uMyo to power on, then press repeatedly to cycle through modes until LED is solid blue (BLE mode) — may take one or two presses depending on current mode
5. Tap Start GATT Raw in the app — device connects automatically
6. On your PC, clone uf1-tools and run:

PYTHONPATH=src python tools/uf1_workbench.py --bind 0.0.0.0 --port 26750

Your device appears in the workbench. Press ESC to quit.

For EMG signal only (simpler view):

PYTHONPATH=src python tools/uf1_view.py --bind 0.0.0.0 --port 26750

Tip

If the workbench doesn’t receive data, you may need to allow port 26750 in your firewall. On Linux with ufw: sudo ufw allow 26750. If you get stuck, ask in Discord.

How to update firmware via OTA

Requires fw-ble-ota (OTA-capable bootloader)

1. Enable Bluetooth and Location on your phone, open the app
2. Enter your PC IP and port if not already set
3. Long-press the uMyo button for ~5 seconds until LED blinks blue slowly — device is now in bootloader mode
4. Press the button once briefly — this switches bootloader from base to BLE mode (no LED change, this is expected)
5. Tap Start OTA (asset) in the app
6. The upload takes approximately 4–5 minutes. You’ll see packet progress in the app as it runs. Do not close the app or turn off uMyo during upload.

What’s coming next

• Multi-device BLE support
• Raspberry Pi support (next platform priority)
• In-app firmware file picker for OTA
• Viewer mode in Android app
• Direct BLE support on Windows / Linux / Mac
• iOS support
• F-Droid release, then Play Store

Questions?

Join our Discord — we’re active there and most questions get answered the same day.