What is B2B firmware?

[Michael Morrison]

This seems to be mentioned a lot, but what is it?

I currently do not have a Sonos set up, which I gather requires this but what exactly is it and are there other advantages to installing it?

I had assumed the B was for 'beta', no?

Thanks,

Michael

[john.h...@gmail.com]

B2b is a new version with improved Bluetooth abilities requires a new SD card to install 

[Daniel Taylor]

I just did a search for an explanation of B2B on the Brennan website.  I was surprised that it is never really stated as to what it is.

So I recommend that the question "What is B2B firmware?" and it's answer be added to the B2 Q&A page.

[Peter Lowham]

Hi Michael,

The 'B' stands for 'Bluetooth' and this software is a new version which has a much improved version of Bluetooth which was needed for the handling of the many versions of Bluetooth speakers and other devices that have appeared in more recent times.  It also is a newer version of Linux (the Operating system that drives the B2 hardware), so 'B2B' should be regarded as the mainstream version now.

Those are the main changes between 'B2' and 'B2B' versions.

You can re-flash your existing 'B2' SD card with the 'B2B' software, although I would recommend that you keep the B2 SD card and flash the software onto another SD card.  Alternatively you can purchase the 'B2B' SD card from the Brennan web shop at £10 inc P&P.

Here is a link to the Brennan web site instructions if you wish to do  the re-flash yourself.  Scroll down the page till you see 'New SD card' on the left hand side.

https://www.brennan.co.uk/itemcontent.php/content/Techy

Regards,

Peter.

On Wednesday, 3 March 2021 at 12:05:51 UTC michael.c...@gmail.com wrote:

[Rik]

Peter, Although I knew what it was I hadn’t realised that the B2B is now considered the mainstream version. There is only one SD card to buy on the website. Is this B2B?

Is it a good idea to change to this version, though I don’t need the Bluetooth capability? My card sticks out and so is easy enough to swap though I’m unclear whether B2B can be updated via Settings or if it needs a download to a stick.

I haven’t paired my 2 Sonos One SL speakers because of the difficulty some experienced but I see it seems to be easier with the B2B software.

I don’t have any tech expertise but am hugely interested in knowing and prepared to have a bit of a go. 

[Peter Lowham]

Hi Rik,

I use both versions for doing some (unofficial) testing.  On balance I would recommend going to the 'B2B' version as this is the version that Brennan has supplied as 'standard' since late 2019.

Yes, the Brennan suppied (micro)SD cards are all preconfigured with 'B2B' which are 'ready to go'.  Just remove the original SD card from the slot, replace it with the new one and power the B2 up.  You will be pleasantly surprised to find that all of your original settings have been preserved including Wifi networks and passphrases, as these are stored on the internal HDD, and not on the SD card.

You should do an immediate 'Web Upgrade' as the new SD card will be a few versions behind the latest release.

With regard to your query on the Sonos speakers, if you are not using Blutooth then there probably isn't much difference between 'B2' and 'B2B'.  However, the fixes sometimes come out first on the 'B2B' then the 'B2' version follows on a bit later.  So the 'B2B' users will sometimes get the fixes earlier, as happened with the latest release when the 'B2B' Sonos fixes and updates were available on 14/02/2021 but the B2 equivalent was not issued until 01/03/2021.

I hope thiat this helps.

Regards,

Peter.

[Rik]

Thanks very much, Peter. Yes, this is very helpful. 

[Davywhizz]

Unless there's been a very recent B2 upgrade I've missed,  B2B is also needed to get librespot software (via the menu) and so play Spotify through the B2. The B2 is then  recognised as a device in its own right in the Spotify app. Assuming you have a paid Spotify account of course.

[Tim]

I have an older side slot SD card.  If I buy a new one from the Brennan shop will that be B2B and can I then just power down, replace, power up?

Many thanks

Tim

[Tim]

How do you actually tell if you are on the B2 or B2B systems?

[Daniel Taylor]

When you view the software version in the Settings box on the WebUI, it will say either B2 xxxxxxx, or B2B xxxxxxx (where the x's are the date).

[Peter Lowham]

Hi Tim,

There are two methods of finding this out.

1.  From the B2 front panel, using the B2 remote control; from the B2's top menu (the time is being displayed) , press the 'Info' button twice and you will see a line in the display starting 'Version .....'

2.  Using the WebUI, go into the 'Settings & Status' window (click on the litte 'Cog Wheel' in the left hand window, at top right).  This window will display 'Software Version .........'

Regards,

Peter.

[Peter Lowham]

Hi Tim,

Sorry I missed your query above about the B2/B2B versions compatibility.  The answer is 'yes' you can purchase the 'B2B' SD card from Brennan, and just swap it in to your B2 and power back up.  The B2 & B2B card versions are 100% compatible in your B2.  I swap them back and forth on a regular basis for testing purposes without any problems.

The only thing to do, after swapping the new SD card in and booting up, is to run the 'Settings' --> 'Web Upgrade' function.  This is because the new SD card software will not be totally up to date, and this function will sort that out.

Regards,

Peter.

[fred.w....@gmail.com]

Hi Tim

In answer to your question "If I buy a new one from the Brennan shop will that be B2B and can I then just power down, replace, power up?"

The answer is yes it will be B2B - but remember to tel them it is to be side inserted or they may send a mini one. You simply power off, pull out the old one, insert the new one - wait for it to boot then run a "Settings > Web Upgrade" to make sure you have the very latest version of B2B.

I too have and old side slot B2.

Fred

[PMB]

Hi Tim,

When ordering the SD Card please state 'external' for your version - which means the SD Card can be accessed externally.

Paul

Brennan Support.

[Tim]

Thank you all.  I shall be making my purchase shortly.

Best
Tim