On Saturday September 22, 2012 I found that OBi had release a new firmware update to the OBi100. The release is version 1.3.0 with build version 2721. Click here for the official release and information on previous firmware updates. Per the release issued by Obi version 1.3.0 build version 2721 addresses the following:
There is also an update for the OBi202. Since I do not own the OBi202 I had to be careful not to download the wrong update. Please the see official release noted above for notes on the Obi202 update and the separate download.
Just like the updates preformed in February, March, and May, and posted about here on this blog, I will update using the web interface. There are multiple options for applying firmware updates to the Obi100 but I prefer the web interface because it gives me a sense of control over the process. The steps for applying the update this way are provided by OBi in the link provided above. I'll provide them here for future reference:
Firmware Update Instructions:
1. Download the file to your computer.
2. Access the web page of the OBi device:
- From a phone attached to the PHONE port of the OBi dial * * * 1
- The IP address of the OBi will be read to you.
- Open a new browser window on your PC and enter the IP address of the OBi. (E.g. 192.168.1.110)
- When prompted, enter "admin" for username and "admin" for password.
If you have previously changed the password, use that instead of "admin."
3. Now that you have accessed the OBi web page, go to the "System Management" - "Device Update" page. From there, "Browse" to the firmware file you just downloaded above and click Update.
4. Wait for the OBi to restart (approx. 30 seconds) and you will be good to go.
For those who don't know, Obi100 is a VoIP Telephone adapter that allows you to use a traditional landline phone with Google Voice, SIP and other telephone interfaces. I use Google Voice on this device and highly recommend it. I have not paid for a landline phone for about 16 months. Based on my last landline phone bill (~$40/month) I figure that I have saved $600 (16 months times $40 less $40 for OBi100). Not bad for alternative to the traditional landline options out there. Also don't pay for Vonage (rip off if you ask me).
The calls and voice quality are very clear. There are two things to seriously consider about using an Obi100. First there are no emergency services provided with the phone. Meaning that 911 calls and other emergency service calls are not allowed. If you have a cell phone this should not be an issue in most cases. The second item to consider is the device is attached to your network and an internet connection must be available to work. If you have a power outage or your network goes down for any of a variety of reasons you will be without phone service. A battery backup power supply would help eliminate the power outage issue.
The device is extremely easy to use and setup. Before one of the last firmware updates posted about on this blog, I had some issues with having to reset the device. Over the course of about 3 months I had to reset the device about once a week. This has not happened since the firmware was updated. For the price and savings you can realize I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to cut their landline phone costs.
The information you shared is really great. I hope that in future you share more information. Thank you so much.
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