Orbit Player 2.0 Public beta 1

Thank you for choosing to participate in the public beta program for our upcoming Orbit Player 2.0 software.

This program will give you the opportunity to test and provide feedback on the major update for Orbit Player to version 2.0 before its general availability.

We strongly recommend that you review all the information provided on this page before installing the public beta.

Important notes about the public beta

  • This is beta (pre-release) software, which means that it contains bugs and is still a work in progress. While most of the features are already fully functional, there are still some things that need our attention before the final release.
  • The transition to version 2.0 requires 2 steps. Please carefully read the “how to install the public beta” section on this page before starting the process.
  • This is a major system release that contains lots of architectural changes, as well as new features and enhancements. We kindly ask that you read the “What’s new in Orbit Player 2.0 public beta 1” document provided later on this page to get the full list of features, changes, and known limitations.
  • Due to the completely new architecture, some application data will be lost during migration. Here is the list of the data which will be lost:
    Bookmarks and downloaded books in the book reader.
    b. Favorites and saved radio stations in the internet radio application.
    c. Bookmarks in the voice recorder.
    d. Contacts from the address book.
    e. Calendar events and alarms.
    Note: all physically copied files, such as books, voice recordings, etc., will remain in place.
  • The user guide is still a work in progress. Please see the release notes for the full details.
  • Important note: it is not possible to easily go back from the Orbit Player 2.0 public beta to 1.x software versions. If there is a reason due to which you would want to go back, please contact our technical support team for assistance.

What’s new in the public beta

This section contains links to Word and PDF versions of the full what’s new document that explains all that is new in the public beta. Please review this document in detail before installation. Orbit Player 2.0- Release Notes

Installing the public beta

Installing the Orbit Player 2.0 public beta is a 2-step process:

  • Step 1: downloading a special 1.x software build, version 1.9.6, which enabled the ability to transition to Orbit Player 2.0.
  • Step 2: performing the actual migration process.

Step 1: Downloading the 1.9.6 update

To get started, you have to first download the 1.9.6 update which installs the components and introduces all the logic for migration to version 2.0. You can use the following link to download the package offline and copy it to a root of a SD card: Download Orbit Player (Global) Software Version 1.9.6.0

After downloading, proceed with the installation process as follows:

  1. First, check that you are running the correct build number to properly support updating to 1.9.6. To check this, open the “help” item from the home menu, and activate the “about” option. After the about screen opens, use the arrow keys to look for the build number value. Here are the minimum required values:
    Global market: OP_GL_179 or higher.
    b. Indian market: OP_IN_184 or higher.
    If you have a lower value, this means that you are not running version 1.8 or higher of the software, probably due to the issues with the legacy software updater. Please make sure you first install these builds before proceeding. Contact our technical support team in case of needed assistance.
  2. Install the 1.9.6 update as usual through the software updater, and by using the “install from SD card” option for an offline installation.
    Note: installation time will be longer than usual, since the update installs lots of 2.0 related applications and is very large.
  3. After successful installation, the device will restart, and you will find yourself again at the home screen of version 1.x.

Step 2: Migration to the actual 2.0 public beta

After successfully installing the 1.9.6 update, here is what to do to migrate to the public beta:

  1. From the home screen, go to the “utilities menu”.
  2. Find the new “upgrade to Orbit Player 2.0” option and activate it.
  3. you will be presented with a confirmation dialog asking you if you want to perform the migration. Press yes to start the process.
  4. The migration process will start. Please do not touch the device until it is completed.
  5. If all goes successfully, the device will restart after giving a notification about it, indicating that the process has completed.
  6. After the device successfully restarts, the new 2.0 software will start speaking. You will hear an announcement: “welcome to Orbit Player” from the new screen reader application, after which you will be able to use the device.

Note: after the first restart into version 2.0, the load time might be longer than usual. Please do not touch the device until hearing the welcome announcement.

If the installation fails, or the device is not operational for some reason, please contact our technical support team.

Feedback and technical support during the public beta

Any feedback during the public beta, or technical support questions, should be sent to: techsupport@orbitresearch.com

When reporting a problem, please give as many details as you can, all the steps that caused you to reach the issue about which you want to report.

User Documentation for Version 2.0

Orbit Player User Guide for 2.0 v.7 (Word) – Manual in Doc Format (Released on 24-Feb-2026)

Orbit Player User Guide for 2.0 v.7 (Pdf) – Manual in Doc Format (Released on 24-Feb-2026)

 

What’s New in Orbit Player Public Beta 2.0 – Release Notes

Please find the below document which indicates What’s new in Orbit Player Public Beta 2.0

Orbit Player 2.0- Release Notes (Word) – This document provides detailed information about the version 2.0

Orbit Player 2.0- Release Notes (PDF) – This document provides detailed information about the version 2.0