Release Channels 🔄

Kunobi offers different release channels so you can choose when and how you receive new features and improvements. Release channels determine which versions are available to you and how frequently you receive updates.

Available Channels

Stable (Recommended)

Best for: Production use, mission-critical workflows

The Stable channel receives thoroughly tested releases that have been validated in the Unstable channel. These releases prioritize reliability and stability over having the latest features.

Characteristics:

• Fully tested releases only
• Less frequent updates
• Minimal risk of bugs or breaking changes
• Recommended for most users

Version format: 1.2.3 (e.g., 1.0.0, 1.5.2)

Unstable (Early Access)

Best for: Early adopters, testing new features

The Unstable channel provides early access to new features before they reach the Stable channel. It receives both RC/Beta/Alpha builds AND all stable releases.

Characteristics:

• Receives RC, Beta, and Alpha releases for early testing
• Also receives all stable releases (since they're newer than pre-releases)
• More frequent updates
• Help shape features with feedback
• May contain minor bugs in pre-release versions

Version formats:

• Pre-release: 1.2.3-rc1, 1.2.3-beta, 1.2.3-alpha
• Stable: 1.2.3

Choosing Your Channel

Via Settings

To change your update channel, go to Settings → Update Channel. For detailed instructions, see the Release Channel setting.

The setting takes effect immediately. Kunobi will check the selected channel on the next update check.

Auto-Detection

Kunobi automatically detects your update channel based on the version you installed:

• Stable versions (e.g., 1.0.0) → Stable channel by default
• RC/Beta/Alpha versions (e.g., 1.0.0-rc1) → Unstable channel by default

You can override the auto-detected channel at any time in Settings.

How Updates Work

Automatic Checking

Kunobi periodically checks for updates in the background:

• Checks occur when you launch the app
• Checks happen every few hours while the app is running
• No personal data is sent during update checks

Update Notifications

When an update is available, you may see a dialog prompting you to update immediately:

You can also check for updates by looking at the status bar. When an update is available, hover over the version warning icon to see the notification:

Click on the version button in the status bar to see the update details:

Click Check for Updates to see full release details and install:

Update flow:

1. A notification appears in the app
2. You can view release notes before updating
3. Choose to install immediately or later
4. Updates download in the background
5. The app restarts automatically to complete installation

Manual Update Check

To manually check for updates:

1. Look at the bottom right corner of the application window

2. Click on the version number (e.g., "1.0.0")

   

3. In the popup that appears, click Check for Updates

   

4. If an update is available, you can download and install it immediately

Switching Channels

You can switch between channels at any time:

Stable → Unstable

Switching to Unstable gives you access to RC/Beta releases as they become available. You'll receive early access to new features before they reach the Stable channel.

Important: The Unstable channel also receives all Stable releases. When a stable version is published, it's made available to both channels since it's newer than any RC/Beta version. This ensures Unstable users always get the latest updates, whether they're RC builds or stable releases.

Unstable → Stable

Switching to Stable means you'll only receive fully tested stable releases going forward.

If you want to switch immediately: You'll need to reinstall Kunobi with a stable version from the website. The updater cannot downgrade versions, so changing the channel setting will only affect future updates.

If you can wait: If you're currently on an RC version (e.g., 1.5.0-rc1), you'll automatically receive the stable version (1.5.0) once it's released, which will effectively move you to stable releases.

Note: You cannot downgrade to an older version by switching channels. The updater only installs newer versions.

Privacy

Update checks are privacy-focused:

• No personal information is transmitted
• Only version and platform information is sent
• No tracking or analytics in update checks
• All update manifests are served over HTTPS

Troubleshooting

Updates Not Appearing

If you're not seeing available updates:

1. Check your internet connection
2. Verify your update channel setting in Settings
3. Manually trigger an update check
4. Check if your version is already the latest for your channel

Update Failed

If an update fails to install:

1. Check you have sufficient disk space
2. Ensure Kunobi has permission to write to its installation directory
3. Try restarting Kunobi and checking for updates again
4. If the problem persists, download the latest version manually from the website

Can't Switch Channels

The Release Channel setting is available on all builds. If you can't change it:

1. Ensure you're in the Settings page
2. Check that Kunobi has permission to write to its configuration directory
3. Try restarting the application

Best Practices

For Production Use:

• Stay on the Stable channel
• Wait a few days after a stable release before updating
• Read release notes before updating
• Test updates in a non-production environment first

For Testing and Feedback:

• Use the Unstable channel
• Report issues you encounter via the Feedback button
• Share your experience with new features
• Help us improve Kunobi before stable releases

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Your choice of update channel helps us deliver the best experience for your needs. Whether you want rock-solid stability or early access to new features, Kunobi has you covered!