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The OBSBOT Tail 2 has two distinct control surfaces: a network API using HTTP and WebSocket, and USB modes for file transfer or UVC webcam use. On Linux, a reported UVC driver issue can make pan, tilt, and zoom reads show stale host-side values even though the camera can return current values. A proposed device-specific kernel fix addresses that readback behavior, but the cited mailing-list status does not establish that the complete fix is included in any released distribution kernel.
How Tail 2 control works over the network and USB
The network API and USB/UVC are separate routes, with different controls and feedback. A third-party protocol report describes HTTP REST requests for camera actions and a WebSocket status feed at /ws/. The report says the feed pushes a status block at roughly one-second intervals and covers items including zoom, gimbal, presets, streaming output, recording, focus, and tracking. Its reported status block does not include live yaw, pitch, or roll, so it should not be treated as a continuous feed of absolute gimbal position.
The same report describes USB-C MTP mode for transferring footage and a switchable UVC mode for webcam use. In UVC mode, it reports standard UVC controls as well as a vendor Extension Unit (XU). The Linux media discussion independently identifies the Tail 2 by USB vendor/product ID 3564:fefc and discusses its Camera Terminal controls.
| Route | Transport and controls | Feedback and software implications |
|---|---|---|
| Network | HTTP REST requests and a WebSocket status push; reported controls include gimbal, zoom, presets, recording, focus, tracking, and streaming output. | The reported status block arrives at roughly one-second intervals but does not include live yaw/pitch/roll. The described control surface is the camera’s network API. |
| USB in MTP mode | USB-C file-transfer mode for footage offload. | The protocol report describes this as a transfer mode, not as the UVC webcam control path. |
| USB in UVC mode | UVC webcam mode with standard controls and a vendor Extension Unit, as described by the protocol report. | On Linux, the reported pan/tilt/zoom readback defect is in the uvcvideo driver path; the proposed change is a device-specific kernel control-flag fixup. |
The protocol report distinguishes observed behavior from inference drawn from the camera’s bundled web application. Its author says the report was exercised on one Tail 2 running firmware 7.2.13.1 on 2026-09-26; “measured” findings refer to that unit, while “inferred” details are not the same as a vendor guarantee. Treat endpoint behavior as specific to the documented unit and firmware rather than assuming every detail is official or universal.
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- 【New Tail, New Tale】Revolutionizing live production with OBSBOT Tail 2's innovative PTZR lens design, offering seamless portrait/landscape switching. Experience cinematic image quality through our 12-piece optics system, featuring a 1/1.5" CMOS sensor and versatile 12x Hybrid Zoom. Powered by AI Tracking 2.0, capture subjects with remarkable precision at extended distances. From SDI to NDI, HDMI to UVC, Tail 2 PTZR camera delivers professional-grade connectivity for every production need.
- 【Capture Cinematic Shots】Featuring a 1/1.5'' CMOS sensor capable of capturing 50MP frames, the Tail 2 streaming camera delivers cinematic 4K@60FPS livestreaming and 1080P@120FPS slow-motion capture. Elevate your visual storytelling with professional-grade dynamic range.
- 【Optical Zoom Breaks Distance Barriers】Boasting 12-layer optics (3 aspherical), the 4K camera achieves 5x lossless optical zoom for raw detail and 12x hybrid zoom for extended reach. Even distant objects appear sharp and detailed, as if they were right in front of you.
- 【Mind-blowing AI Tracking 2.0】Tail 2 AI tracking camera pioneers Group Tracking for multi-person scenario and "Only Me" mode for locking onto a single target. Activate instant AI tracking for human/animal/object via a double click. Plus, the upgraded single-axis tracking and AI framing with auto zoom, cater to niche demands and take tracking to the next level.
Why Linux can show stale pan, tilt, or zoom values
The Linux media patch author, Michael Jordan, reports that the Tail 2’s UVC GET_INFO response does not mark several controls with the AUTOUPDATE bit: absolute pan/tilt, relative pan/tilt, and absolute zoom. The reported consequence is that uvcvideo may return its last host-written value from a cache instead of asking the camera for its current value.
According to the patch report, the camera can return live values through GET_CUR, including while it is moving under a command or tracking a subject. The report also says the camera does not send control-change events on its interrupt endpoint. The mismatch is therefore about how the driver decides when to refresh a read, not evidence that the camera is incapable of providing a current value.
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- ✓【1/1.5”Image CMOS, Capture Cinematic Tales in Perfect Detail】 — Tail 2 is ready for next-level cinematic live production with its integrated 1/1.5'' CMOS sensor that can capture 50MP resolution video frames. Supporting up to 4K 60fps and 1080P 120fps video capture, every unforgettable detail of your tale will be preserved clearly and stunningly, without any complex preparation needed.
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What the proposed kernel fix changes
The device-specific fixup targets USB ID 3564:fefc and adds UVC_CTRL_FLAG_AUTO_UPDATE for the affected controls. The patch also shows the relevant SET_CUR, GET_RANGE, and restore flags. The broader patch series describes marking auto-update controls volatile and changing how fixup flags are applied.
In practical terms, the intended effect is to have reads of those controls reflect the camera’s current state rather than a stale value retained by the host. That is a driver behavior change for UVC control readback; it is not a change to the separate HTTP/WebSocket API.
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- 【New Tail, New Tale】Revolutionizing live production with OBSBOT Tail 2's innovative PTZR lens design, offering seamless portrait/landscape switching. Experience cinematic image quality through our 12-piece optics system, featuring a 1/1.5" CMOS sensor and versatile 12x Hybrid Zoom. Powered by AI Tracking 2.0, capture subjects with remarkable precision at extended distances. From SDI to NDI, HDMI to UVC, Tail 2 PTZR camera delivers professional-grade connectivity for every production need.
- 【Capture Cinematic Shots】Featuring a 1/1.5'' CMOS sensor capable of capturing 50MP frames, the Tail 2 streaming camera delivers cinematic 4K@60FPS livestreaming and 1080P@120FPS slow-motion capture. Elevate your visual storytelling with professional-grade dynamic range.
- 【Optical Zoom Breaks Distance Barriers】Boasting 12-layer optics (3 aspherical), the 4K camera achieves 5x lossless optical zoom for raw detail and 12x hybrid zoom for extended reach. Even distant objects appear sharp and detailed, as if they were right in front of you.
- 【Mind-blowing AI Tracking 2.0】Tail 2 AI tracking camera pioneers Group Tracking for multi-person scenario and "Only Me" mode for locking onto a single target. Activate instant AI tracking for human/animal/object via a double click. Plus, the upgraded single-axis tracking and AI framing with auto zoom, cater to niche demands and take tracking to the next level.
- 【Three-Axis PTZR Sets the Benchmark】Thanks to Exclusive PTZR gimbal structure that rotates 90°, Tail 2 professional camera enables a seamless one-button transition to vertical shooting. Its remarkable anti-shake prowess (down to ±0.003°) and Auto Levelling system guarantee consistently level and stable footage.
Has the Tail 2 UVC fix shipped in Linux?
Not on the evidence of the cited status update alone. In a 2026-09-29 reply, Linux media maintainer Hans de Goede said patches 2–4 had entered the for-next development tree, while patch 1 was waiting for a new version and further review. That is a partial development-tree merge status at that date, not confirmation that the complete series is in a released upstream kernel or any particular distribution kernel.
For a specific Linux installation, verify the exact kernel package and its source or changelog rather than relying on the mailing-list reply. Also confirm that the camera is detected as 3564:fefc and is operating in UVC mode. A development-tree status does not establish what a vendor has backported, omitted, or released in a packaged kernel.
Rank #4
- One-Click Portrait/Landscape Switching with 3-Axis PTZR Gimbal: Featuring an exclusive PTZR gimbal that rotates 90°, seamlessly switch between horizontal and vertical shooting with a single button. Combined with powerful anti-shake (±0.003°) and Auto Leveling, it delivers consistently steady, professional footage.
- Cinematic 4K/60fps Live Video & 12× Hybrid Zoom: Equipped with a 1/1.5" CMOS sensor, it supports 4K@60FPS live streaming and 1080P@120FPS slow motion. With 12-layer optics (including 3 aspherical lenses), enjoy 5× lossless optical zoom and 12× hybrid zoom for crisp details even at a distance.
- AI Tracking 2.0 – Automatically Follows People, Animals & Objects: Introducing Group Tracking for multi-person scenes and "Only Me" mode for single subjects. Double-tap to activate instant tracking of people, animals, or objects. Upgraded single-axis tracking and AI framing with auto-zoom take automated shooting to the next level.
- Multi-Interface & Protocol Support – No Converter Needed: Offers HDMI, SDI, USB-C, and Ethernet outputs, and supports SRT, RTMP, NDI, VISCA, and Free-D protocols (NDI license sold separately). Easily integrate into your existing setup without extra hardware or software bridges.
- Cross-Platform Control Software for an Integrated Ecosystem: Includes five interoperable software platforms (OBSBOT Start/Live/Center/WebUI/Talent) for seamless multi-device management and control, helping creators build a unified, efficient production workflow.
- Identify the running kernel package and version, then check its upstream source or distribution changelog for the applicable Tail 2 fixup.
- Confirm the USB ID and UVC mode match the device and connection being investigated.
- Test the affected reads while the camera is moving or tracking: the issue described is that driver reads may reflect the previous host-written value rather than live device state.
Firmware and documentation to check
OBSBOT’s support materials list Tail 2 firmware v7.2.13.1, with the support listing updated 2026-06-08. The vendor page also lists device-permission settings and VISCA over IP additions for starting or stopping recording and switching landscape or portrait orientation. Its protocol and download materials include VISCA over IP, VISCA over UART, Pelco, OSC, manuals, and quick-start documentation.
The official download page lists a Tail 2 user manual updated 2025-06-11 and a quick-start guide updated 2025-03-20. Check OBSBOT’s current support and download pages for the firmware and protocol documents applicable to the camera before relying on a specific setup detail; firmware, driver, and distribution versions can differ from those described in the protocol report and patch discussion.
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