Hello,
I have a ConnectClip that I used with old devices purchased from Audika (French store). I changed devices, still for Oticon OPN Minirite T in another store.
I would like to use the Connectclip with these new devices but it is impossible to pair them.
It seems that the Conneclip can only be paired with devices purchased from Audika…
I would like to try updating the firmware to see if that would change anything.
I have the impression that with the Genie application this would be possible but I can’t download it.
Does anyone have a download link?
Thanks in advance
Jean-François
Nope. Marketing prohibits this. That’s why you need Audika branded gadgets.
That being said: It’s a programmable microcontroller. We should be able to read from and write to the microcontroller and effectively rebrand them.
From this hack it would be just a step of programming an ESP32 S3 to function as an TV adapter or ConnectClip.
Sounds interesting, seeing that I am again thinking about forking over another 120€ for a BTLE adapter gadget that effectively circumvents Oticon’s bad BT design.
Hello, thank you for your reply.
It’s really mean of them, it’s still planned obsolescence.
Good luck to all
Someone with the right skills could probably hack these devices to remove or expand the brand lock. Edu-mic is less brand restricted as an example.
Consumers can also contact Demant and EU regulators to complain and put pressure on Demant to offer firmware updates to open them to all the compatible brands. Demant’s approach costs consumers more, generates e-waste, and is anti-competitive.
Thanks for your feedback.
I contacted Oticon customer service again to report the problem. This is the second pair of devices I’ve purchased from them, so they owe me.
These are indeed anti-competitive practices and encourage planned obsolescence.
I hope they find a solution, otherwise I might look at another manufacturer next time.
Their Bluetooth connection with my phone is already very unstable, so I hope they’ll at least do something.
Complaining to Oticon is unlikely to get anywhere. EU regulators might care. It’s worth a try and would be more impactful if more consumers report Oticon and Demant for anti-consumer and anti-competitive conduct. Those EU penalties on worldwide revenues are significant.