This latest MeshOS release brings one of the biggest updates yet, including the new Unified Companion firmware, the new MeshOS app, AirLink bridging for supported companion devices, T-Deck and T-Pager goodies, and an upgrade to the latest MeshCore v1.16 base across the entire firmware lineup.
Our focus has been simple: make MeshCore easier to use, easier to deploy, and more accessible to both existing users and newcomers alike. MeshOS continues to evolve, helping make that possible.
Introducing the Unified Companion
Until now, setting up a companion radio meant deciding how you wanted to connect before flashing your device.
Bluetooth?
USB?
WiFi?
Not anymore.
The new MeshOS Unified Companion combines Bluetooth, USB and WiFi connectivity into a single firmware image, allowing you to switch connection methods directly from the device itself.
A new Connection Mode screen allows you to switch between Bluetooth, USB and WiFi directly on the device. The MeshOS app can also change connection modes remotely and even transfer WiFi credentials automatically.
For supported hardware, connecting over WiFi is now easier than ever, with network configuration handled directly from the app and device IP information displayed on-screen.
The Unified Companion is now available for around 30 supported devices in the MeshCore Configurator.
Every device also boots with a clean new MeshOS splash screen, making it immediately clear which firmware you're running.
Profile Pictures Come to the MeshOS App
Yes, the time has finally come. Profile pictures are landing in MeshOS.
AirLink makes them effortless. Bluetooth has more than enough bandwidth to share your picture with everyone nearby, so when you and your friends are all on AirLink, you'll see each other's profile pictures automatically (as long as you've set one).
LoRa is a different story. Sending full profile pictures over the wider MeshCore network isn't practical at LoRa bandwidths, but MeshOS handles that in two ways. Any profile picture you've already picked up over AirLink stays with that user across the whole network, and you can manually assign a picture to anyone, even someone you've never been in AirLink range with.
For meetups and group activities, it's another small touch that makes MeshCore feel more personal, and more fun.
AirLink Bridging Arrives
This release also marks an important milestone for the future of MeshOS.
With the latest MeshOS Unified Companion firmware, any supported companion device can now act as an AirLink Bridge, connecting local Bluetooth mesh users directly into the wider MeshCore network.
AirLink allows nearby phones running MeshOS to communicate using Bluetooth mesh, with no internet connection, mobile signal, WiFi or external radio required.
When an AirLink Bridge is present, messages can flow between the local AirLink mesh and the wider MeshCore LoRa network.
This opens up some exciting possibilities.
A family spread across two locations can communicate using their phones, bridged through the MeshCore network using AirLink bridges. AirLink user data is hidden from the public MeshCore network for maximum privacy.
It's finally time to introduce family members to MeshCore.
Two hiking groups can operate as separate AirLink networks and remain connected through LoRa links.
Events, campsites, boats, coaches and remote locations can create local communications networks without requiring every participant to carry a dedicated radio.
AirLink is still in its early stages, but it represents an important step towards making mesh communications more accessible, while retaining the long-range capabilities that make MeshCore so powerful.
T-Deck & T-Pager Goodies
MeshOS 1.3.8 also introduces a range of improvements for our flagship handheld devices.
Per-channel regions
Channels can now have their own default region settings. Messages are automatically scoped to the correct region and the compose screen clearly shows the active region.
Users screen
A new Users view displays everyone who has participated in a channel, complete with colour-coded avatars and participant counts.
Global user blocking
Blocking a user now applies across all channels, hiding messages and silencing notifications throughout the device.
Bluetooth status indicator
A new Bluetooth indicator appears in the status bar alongside mesh signal and battery information.
New device support
MeshOS now supports the LilyGo T-Display S3 Pro with an internal SX1262 added. It's a bit of a geeky project as you have to add a radio module inside, but it's definitely the most compact fully featured MeshCore device on the planet! Hopefully one of the big manufacturers could do something like this properly.
Built on MeshCore v1.16
All companion, repeater and room-server firmware available through the MeshCore Configurator is now built on the latest MeshCore v1.16 release.
This brings support for additional hardware, improved power management, extended ACK handling and a range of stability improvements and bug fixes.
Available Now
All updates are available today through the MeshCore Configurator.
Whether you are using AirLink to connect friends and family or you are part of the community effort in expanding the MeshCore LoRa network, this release delivers more flexibility and more ways to connect than ever before.
We're excited to see what you build with it.