Version 2.0 is a major firmware update with extensive changes across the Micro Journal product line.
This release introduces support for the new Rev.8 reflective LCD build, adds infinite scrolling to all revisions, improves performance and battery life, and establishes the foundation for Korean and other non-Latin language support.
Major Changes
Infinite Scrolling
Infinite scrolling is now available on all supported revisions.
Previously, the editor could only navigate within the active text buffer, which was limited to approximately 8,000 characters. Once the buffer refreshed, earlier sections of the document could no longer be viewed or edited.
You can now:
- Scroll through the entire document
- Navigate beyond the current text buffer
- Return to earlier sections of the text
- Edit the document without the previous buffer limitation
Korean Language Support
Version 2.0 introduces a new text and font foundation designed to support Korean and other non-Latin writing systems.
The current work includes:
- UTF-8 text file support
- Improved font configuration
- Hangul input support for Rev.7, Rev.8, Rev.5 (TBD), and Rev.6.x
- A foundation for future Cyrillic and other writing systems
Korean language support is currently in the alpha testing phase. The main features have been implemented, but further testing is required before it can be considered fully stable.
Performance Improvements
Previously, word-count information was written to a file every few seconds. This could temporarily block the display and interrupt keyboard input.
Word-count information is now updated in memory and written to storage only when the document is saved.
This change:
- Reduces storage operations
- Prevents keyboard input from being temporarily blocked
- Improves typing responsiveness
- Makes the overall writing experience smoother
Battery-Life Improvements
The ESP32 processor frequency has been reduced where possible to improve battery life.
Wi-Fi is also now completely disabled after synchronization. Previously, Wi-Fi could remain active after syncing, causing unnecessary battery drain.
These improvements are applied across the ESP32-based Micro Journal builds.
Revision-Specific Changes
Rev.8 Changes
- [0729] New RLCD display has been released from the suppliers, during the development of v.2.x so those who purchased the display before August 2026 should use "type1" firmware. Rest should use "type2" firmware.
- [0729] US International layout should be restored
- [0729] Long press ESC exits BLE keyboard session
- Added Hangul input support.
- Fixed the custom keyboard layout for the Bluetooth keyboard.
- Fixed an issue where custom keyboard configuration files were not recognized.
- Fixed an issue where the backslash key was not printed.
- Fixed an issue where
Alt + numberdid not switch between files. - Fixed an incorrect word count after the text buffer was reset.
- Added automatic detection when the drive is safely ejected from a computer.
- Rev.8 now resets gracefully after the USB drive is safely ejected.
- Improved battery life by reducing the ESP32 CPU frequency.
- Wi-Fi is now completely disabled after synchronization.
Rev.8 requires Web Flash method to get Firmware Update
Rev.7 Changes
- While navigating the text, screen end up freezing. Due to low refresh rate of the eink display, scrolling buffer updates were interrupted. Fixed by adding defense code while scrolling.
- While composing, entire line would be refreshed. It is updated to refresh the line only after composing is completed.
- Added Hangul input support.
- Added small text-rendering performance improvements.
- Added infinite scrolling.
- Added the Version 2.0 UTF-8 and font-management foundation.
Rev.7 can still be updated using the normal SD card firmware update method.
You will need to update Google Drive Sync script if you are updating from v.1.x
Rev.6.x Changes
- [0729] SD card is removed and uses Drive mode to extract file
- Hangul Support Added
- Added infinite scrolling.
- Added the Version 2.0 UTF-8 and font-management foundation.
Rev.6 requires Web Flash method to get Firmware Update.
You will need to update Google Drive Sync script if you are updating from v.1.x
Rev.5 Changes
- Hangul Support Added
- Added infinite scrolling.
- Added the Version 2.0 UTF-8 and font-management foundation.
Rev.5 requires Web Flash method to get Firmware Update.
You will need to update Google Drive Sync script if you are updating from v.1.x
Rev.4 Changes
- Hangul Support Added
- Replaced the previous USB library with TinyUSB.
- Improved USB drive compatibility across different computers and operating systems.
- Added automatic detection when the USB drive is ejected from the computer.
- Added graceful drive-mode recovery after ejection.
- Added infinite scrolling.
- Added the Version 2.0 UTF-8 and font-management foundation.
Rev.4 can still be updated using the "Firmware Update" menu.
Important Web Flash Update Instructions
These instructions apply only to Rev.5, 6, and 8
Before You Begin
The web flash process will erase all files stored on the device. Back up your files before continuing:
- Open Drive Mode on the Micro Journal.
- Connect the device to your computer.
- Rev.6 and Rev.6.1. use the port on the right-hand side when looking at the port
- Rev.8 use the port further from the keyboard when display is in open position
- Copy all documents and configuration files to a safe location.
- Confirm that the backup is complete before flashing.
Web Flash Procedure
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Open the web flash tool:
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Connect the ESP32 USB port to your computer.
When the screen is open, use the upper USB port.
-
Click Connect in the web flash tool.
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Select the Micro Journal device from the connection window.
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Upload the firmware to the web site
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Set the flash address to:
0x0 -
Click Program.
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Wait for the firmware installation to finish before disconnecting the device.
After flashing, restore your documents and configuration files from the backup.