What’s new in Solvia firmware V1.2.5?

Solvia firmware V1.2.5 brings region-based bird identification, burst shooting, and GPS photo records with a compatible Field Kit. It also adds more flexible sleep settings and a quick mute shortcut. Here’s how those changes fit into an ordinary birdwatching walk, from checking a bird’s name to looking through your photos at home.

A bird may turn its head just as you press the shutter, or you might forget which stretch of a trail a photo came from. These updates give you a few more ways to keep that moment and its context together on your Solvia 8x32.

Region-based AI bird identification

If you usually watch birds near home, you’ll probably want to keep using the same region. When you travel, you may want to change it. The updated AI bird identification lets you make that choice directly on Solvia, alongside the photo you’re checking.

The first time you access the feature, you can select your region manually. Solvia remembers your selection, and you can switch regions and refresh the results whenever you need to. This selection is separate from GPS, so you choose the region yourself rather than having it set automatically from your location.

The change is useful when you’re looking back through earlier sightings, too. Saved identification records support changing the region and running identification again. If you realize a photo from a trip was checked using your usual home region, you can revisit that record with the appropriate selection.

Identification results also include IUCN conservation status labels, adding another detail to explore after finding a bird’s name. These describe conservation status, rather than how unusual a sighting is in your local area. The IUCN Red List’s explanation of its categories is a helpful starting point if the labels are new to you. You can also report an inaccurate identification result from the device.

If you’re still getting familiar with the basic photo-to-ID process, our first bird identification guide walks through it.

Burst shooting for moving birds

A bird turning its head or stretching its wings can give you several different moments to photograph. Burst shooting lets you keep a sequence of images, so you have more frames to look through afterward.

To begin, press and hold the shutter button for approximately 1.5 seconds. Release it when you want to stop. Burst shooting supports both JPEG and RAW, displays the number of photos captured, and saves the images with sequential filenames to help you follow the sequence later.

There may be a slight delay when the burst stops and the photo counter updates. Allow a moment for the count to catch up before checking your sequence. The feature gives you more moments to choose from; focus, light, and how steadily you hold Solvia still matter for the result.

GPS location recording with the Field Kit

When you’ve stopped at several places during a walk, it can be difficult to remember exactly where each photo came from. With a compatible Solvia Field Kit connected, V1.2.5 can embed GPS coordinates in photo and video metadata once positioning succeeds. That keeps the location information with the file for later reference.

You can also view GPS information on the device and use its digital compass to check direction. Connection and disconnection notifications let you know when the expansion module has been attached or removed.

GPS and compass functions require the compatible Field Kit hardware. The manually selected region used for AI identification is a separate setting, so it’s worth checking that selection when you move between regions.

Smart Sleep Mode between sightings

There are often quiet stretches between birds, whether you’re waiting beside a pond or moving to another viewpoint. Smart Sleep Mode gives you more control over how Solvia rests during those gaps.

You can put it to sleep manually or choose an automatic interval of 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes. There’s also a Never option if you prefer to leave auto-sleep off.

When you’re ready again, the power, shutter, or recording button can wake the device. A short press of the shutter button wakes it and takes a photo; pressing the recording button wakes it and starts recording. That gives you a direct way back to capturing what you’re watching.

One-Tap Mute for notification sounds

If you’re settling into a bird hide or simply prefer fewer device sounds, the main screen now has a mute shortcut. One tap turns notification sounds on or off, and Solvia remembers your preference after a restart.

The shortcut leaves video playback audio unaffected, so it doesn’t silence the sound when you review a recording.

Other Solvia firmware improvements

Some of the smaller changes are easiest to appreciate while you’re using the controls. Alongside the new shooting and identification options, this Solvia firmware release includes:

• Focus Peaking audio feedback: its sounds are now limited to the live preview screen.
• Visual photo feedback: an added on-screen response when you take a picture helps you follow the capture.
• A video recording timer: the display shows recording duration while you film.
• A simpler way to close exposure settings: swipe down to dismiss the panel and return to the view.
• Updated onboarding: revised introductory instructions help you get familiar with the controls.
• Improved multilingual support: corrected translations and display improvements make the interface easier to follow in supported languages.
• Installation and bug fixes: the update addresses firmware flashing issues found in V1.2.4 and other issues identified during testing.

How to update your Solvia firmware

Before you begin, check that your MatataXplore app is up to date. The updated device connection process requires app version V1.2.0 or later on both iOS and Android.

When V1.2.5 is offered in the app, follow the update prompts. Our Solvia firmware update walkthrough shows the process: download the firmware to your phone, connect Solvia, and start the update. Keep the app on the update page and your phone’s screen awake during the process. Once the update finishes, reconnect and check the installed version. The supplied settings screen shows Camera Version V1.2.5 and System Version V1.0.18.

If you’d like help with the process, the Product Support Center brings the firmware guide and other Solvia tutorials together. After updating your Solvia firmware, choosing your region and trying a short burst are two simple ways to get familiar with the changes before your next outing.

Solvia firmware questions

Does region-based identification use GPS automatically?

No. You select the region manually, and Solvia remembers your choice. You can change it and refresh identification results, including those in previously saved records.

Do I need the Field Kit for every new feature?

The compatible Field Kit is required for GPS and compass functionality. Region selection, burst shooting, Smart Sleep Mode, and the mute shortcut are device features that do not require that module.

Can I use RAW when shooting a burst?

Yes. Burst shooting supports JPEG and RAW. Press and hold the shutter for approximately 1.5 seconds to start, then release it to stop.