Developments

Now on Debian 12 + New Interface, Boot Animation & More

Upgraded to Debian 12 "Bookworm"

Redkey now runs on Debian 12, the latest stable release. This update includes support for both x86 and x64 PCs, featuring a rare custom-built x86 edition specifically tailored for legacy systems.

Sleek GNOME Desktop Environment

We've integrated the modern GNOME interface, offering a cleaner, more responsive user experience. This change enhances display compatibility and usability across a wide range of hardware.

Improved Display and Scaling Options

The resolution menu returns with added support for display scaling. Redkey now intelligently detects your setup and adjusts screen settings for optimal appearance.

Enhanced Multi-Monitor Support

Windows now open more reliably in multi-display environments, ensuring a smoother workflow when using multiple monitors.

New Boot Animation

A fresh new boot animation shows system startup progress. Press [Esc] at any time during boot to view detailed system messages.

Screensaver and Wipe Animation Fixes

We fixed issues affecting the screensaver and resolved a graphical glitch that previously caused white squares to appear during the final wipe animation.

New Report Format, USB-C Support, and Foundation for ITAD Edition

Redesigned Report Format

All editions now feature a fully refreshed report layout for improved clarity, organization, and functionality. As before, Professional and Ultimate users can save reports to the Redkey or an external USB device.

Version History for Reports

Each finalized version of a report is now stored as a separate, unalterable revision. This enhances audit compliance and data authenticity.

New Splash Screen with Clock & Date

The splash screen now includes a real-time clock and date settings, offering a more polished startup experience.

USB-C to LAN Adapter Support

We’ve added support for USB-C to Ethernet adapters, expanding connectivity options during setup.

Updated Voice Support

Improvements to voice functionality enhance accessibility and system interaction.

Refined Settings Menu

The settings menu has been reorganized for easier navigation and a cleaner interface.

Secure Bootloader Fix

A fix has been applied to improve secure bootloader compatibility on affected systems.

Foundation for ITAD Edition

Core support has been added in preparation for the upcoming ITAD-focused edition of Redkey.

Other Enhancements & Fixes

This update includes several backend improvements and minor bug fixes to enhance overall stability.

Improved Disk Detection, App Stability, and Report Reliability

Faster Disk Detection

We improved detection logic to reduce lag and speed up system performance during initial disk scans.

Accurate Drive Listings

An issue where phantom drives were temporarily displayed has been corrected. Redkey now only shows connected disks.

Remote App Auto-Restart

The local copy of the remote app now auto-restarts if it crashes, fixing a problem that previously caused a blue error icon to appear.

Partition Crash Fix

We resolved a crash that occasionally occurred during the partitioning or formatting process.

Mobile Connection Stability

Mobile devices are now handled more reliably thanks to improved background synchronization and display updates.

Clearer Protected Disk Notifications

Notifications now more clearly indicate when disks are write-protected or otherwise restricted.

Fixed Empty Reports Bug

Reports now display correctly and are only generated after a successful wipe, eliminating blank report issues.

Improved Shutdown Handling

Redkey now shuts down cleanly even when external USB disks are connected, fixing an issue where shutdowns would hang.

License Checks, Disk Handling Improvements, and New Internet Setup Wizard

Smarter License Verification

We refined the license check system for greater reliability and smoother activation during setup.

Improved Disk Handling

Better handling for internal disks with unusual SCSI responses ensures more accurate detection and interaction.

New Internet Connection Wizard

A guided setup wizard now helps users connect to the internet more easily when needed.

Looking Ahead: Multi-Device Features

Behind the scenes, we’re preparing new tools designed to streamline management of multiple devices. More details coming soon.

Updated Hardware Version Display and Formatting Enhancements

Adjusted Hardware Version Ranges

We refined the way hardware version ranges are presented, improving accuracy and alignment with updated product batches.

Top Bar Format Update

Formatting for version information in the application's top bar has been updated for clearer identification and consistency.

Pro Report Editing, Hardware Info Updates, and Enhanced Language Support

Report Editing in Pro Edition

Professional users can now edit report fields directly, offering greater flexibility and customization during documentation.

Updated Hardware Version Format

We’ve refined how hardware version ranges appear in the top bar, improving clarity and consistency.

Live Language Updates

Language tables are now sourced in real time from the translations server, ensuring more accurate and diverse language support.

New Serial Port Mode

Serial Port Mode is now available for both local boot and remote sessions. Update files include all necessary EFI and BIOS support files, along with batch files for manual switching in the ‘Mode_Switch’ subfolder. A warning and confirmation prompt is shown when enabling this mode.

Android Detection Fix for Latest OS Versions

Improved Android Device Detection

Resolved an issue in the Ultimate edition that affected recognition of Android devices running the latest operating systems. Redkey now detects and processes these devices more reliably.

More Reliable Android Detection

Android Device Detection Enhancements

We’ve made improvements to the Android detection process in the Ultimate edition, ensuring better consistency and performance when identifying connected devices.

Remote Shutdown, Screenshot Tools, and Enhanced Connectivity Settings

Remote Shutdown Feature

You can now shut down a computer remotely after a data wipe using a new toggle on the “wipe in progress” screen.

Hex Viewer Navigation Improvements

Navigation in both GUI and TUI modes has been improved with keyboard shortcuts and smoother scrolling for a better analysis experience.

Enhanced Screenshot Function

You can now capture pop-up messages in both interfaces using a dedicated screenshot button.

Online/Offline Toggle in Main Settings

A new switch in the settings menu lets you control the internet connection status manually, with helpful prompts for reconnecting when needed.

RAID Detection Enhancements and Splash Screen Fixes

Improved RAID and Logical Disk Detection

Redkey now detects RAID controllers and logical disks more effectively, with new alerts and detailed system insights to assist during the wipe process.

Splash Screen Bug Fix

We fixed an issue where the splash screen failed to load correctly if no sound device was present, ensuring a smoother startup experience.

Better System Clock Accuracy

We’ve refined how the system clock is checked and adjusted, helping correct large time variances automatically.

Smarter Device Detection, Mobile Erasure Upgrades, and UI Enhancements

Simplified Device Selection

When only one device is detected, the “This one” button now glows green, making it quicker to begin the wipe process.

Guided Apple Device Erasure

Added automated online erasure support for older Apple devices, including IPSW firmware reinstallation guidance.

Language and Menu Updates

Descriptions for IPSW restore and internet setup menus have been added for better clarity.

Visual Status Indicators

Status icons and highlights are now visible in cache file locations, excluding FAT32-formatted partitions.

Refined Mobile Wipe Interface

The mobile wipe layout has been redesigned with intuitive icons, borders, and improved navigation.

Improved Restore Logic

Better logic for restore/manual options, including new prompts for auto-lock and a refreshed layout for step-by-step guidance.

Modernized Progress Display

Includes a new step indicator, scanning animation, and detailed wipe progress information.

Expanded Device Compatibility

Tested extensively on various iPhone and iPad models, with improved detection of edge cases and failure scenarios.

Step-by-Step Prep Screens and Improved Error Handling

Mobile Prep Guide for Apple Devices

New preparation screens walk users through charging, updating software, backing up data, logging out of iCloud, and removing SIM cards before wiping.

Mobile Prep Guide for Android Devices

Android users are guided through essential pre-wipe steps, including enabling Developer Mode and USB Debugging.

Enhanced Disk Error Prompts

Improved error messages help users address issues with SATA disks and specific RAID configurations, particularly on Dell systems.

NVMe Suspend Handling

New logic improves compatibility with problematic NVMe drives, especially Samsung models and Lenovo ThinkPads, to prevent system hangs during wipes.

Japanese Keyboard Settings and Language Support Updates

Anthy Keyboard Configuration

A new option in the menu settings allows users to configure the Anthy keyboard, primarily used in the Japanese language pack.

Advanced Japanese Keyboard Enhancements

Improved Japanese Input Options

We introduced advanced settings for the Japanese keyboard system, making it easier to type and create reports in Japanese.

Enhanced Japanese Support and New Screenshot Feature

Better Japanese Text Handling

Support for Japanese text has been improved, ensuring more reliable entry and display across the system.

Screenshot on Wipe Completion

A new screenshot feature has been added to the final “Data Wiped” screen, making it easy to capture a record of the completed process.

Expanded Language Input for Asian Scripts

Text Entry Improvements

We enhanced support for Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Hindi input. New sub-modes and key combinations make it easier to enter complex characters.

Localized Text Input and General Bug Fixes

Localized Text Entry Support

Redkey now supports localized text input across more languages, making the system more accessible to a global audience.

General Bug Fixes

This update also includes several minor fixes to improve stability and user experience.

Mobile Device Reconnection Fix

Improved Reconnection After Reset

We resolved an issue where mobile devices had trouble reconnecting after a factory reset, improving reliability during repeated wipes.

Report Formatting and Multilingual Display Improvements

Refined Report Date Formatting

Dates in reports now follow a clearer, more consistent format for improved readability.

Multilingual Font Support

Enhanced support for various fonts ensures better display across multiple languages.

Improved English Language Table

Updates to the English language table provide clearer communication throughout the interface.

Speech Fixes, Auto-Save Reports, and Script Controls

Speech Playback Fixes

We corrected issues affecting speech playback to improve audio performance and accessibility.

Automatic Report Saving

Reports now save automatically after a wipe, helping ensure that no data is lost unintentionally.

Script Control Features

New script control options provide more flexibility for advanced users customizing the wipe process.

User Settings Updates

Settings files now retain user preferences more reliably across sessions.

Bootloader Enhancements and Remote Mode Updates

Upgraded Linux Bootloader Files

We improved the bootloader for better compatibility and performance during system startup.

Remote Mode Boot Support

Updates to remote mode boot files ensure smoother operation in remote data wiping scenarios.

Various Bug Fixes

This version includes multiple backend fixes to enhance overall system stability.

Automated Mobile Erasure and Language Updates

Automatic Wipe for iOS and Android

Added automated erasure support for iOS 9+ and Android 10+ devices, streamlining the mobile wipe process.

Updated English Language Pack

Improvements to the English language pack enhance clarity and consistency throughout the interface.

Modern Interface, Custom Screensavers, and Wipe Wizard

GUI and Notification Bar Updates

We introduced a cleaner, more modern graphical interface, complete with a top-bar notification feature for key system alerts.

Linux Subsystem Upgrade

Redkey now runs on the upgraded Linux Bullseye base, improving stability and hardware compatibility.

Custom Screensavers and Audio Enhancements

New screensavers and improved audio support offer a more refined user experience.

Wipe Wizard Introduction

A guided Wipe Wizard is now available, helping users navigate the wipe process with ease.

Boot Menu Tweaks and Screenshot Integration

Boot Menu and Loader Updates

Refinements to the boot menus and loaders provide a smoother and more reliable startup experience.

Secure Screenshot Feature

New functionality allows secure screenshot capture, useful for record-keeping and support scenarios.

Screensaver Improvements

Enhancements to the screensaver system deliver a more polished idle-state experience.

Improved SED Detection for High-End Systems

Better SED Compatibility

Enhanced support for Self-Encrypting Drives (SEDs) on high-end systems ensures more accurate detection and secure wiping.

Stability Enhancements on High-End Devices

Improved System Reliability

This update focuses on improving performance and stability when running Redkey on high-end hardware setups.

Partition Wipe Feature and NVMe Fixes

Wipe by Partition Option

A new feature allows users to target specific partitions for data wiping, offering more control over the process.

Improved NVMe Compatibility

We addressed compatibility issues with NVMe drives and fixed a system hang that occurred with empty card readers.

Crash Fix After Language Selection

Post-Language Menu Crash Resolved

We fixed a bug that caused the system to crash after selecting a language on certain machines, improving reliability during startup.

New Help Screen and Language Enhancements

Help Screen Feature Added

A new help screen has been introduced to assist users during the wipe process, offering quick access to key information.

Asian Language Support Improvements

Better support for Asian languages in the TUI ensures improved readability and input handling.

Expanded Multi-Language Support

Integrated Translations

This update introduces actual translations for supported languages, enhancing the multilingual user experience throughout the interface.

Suspend Feature Update and GUI Troubleshooting Tools

Improved Suspend Functionality

We enhanced the Suspend feature for better reliability during low-power states or pauses in the wipe process.

New GUI Troubleshooting Options

Troubleshooting tools have been added to the graphical interface, helping users diagnose and resolve common issues more easily.

Better USB Card Reader Handling

USB card readers are now managed more reliably, improving compatibility and stability.