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Apple pulls watchOS update that was bricking some Watches (updated)
There's another reason to be disappointed with the latest Apple watchOS 5.1 release besides the missing ECG feature. Some users have reported that the update has bricked their Apple Watches, according to a Reddit thread and 9to5 Mac. After the update, it gets stuck on the Apple logo, and rebooting the paired iPhone and Watch doesn't fix the problem. "Turns your Apple Watch into a nice, modern paperweight," noted one Reddit user.
UK Samsung TVs bricked after firmware update (updated)
Remember the days when you could unbox your new TV, turn it on, and just watch it? Clearly that time is long in the rearview, thanks to everything needing to be "smart" and requiring loads of updates right out of the box these days. In the UK, customers have inundated The Guardian with word that their new displays, some bought as recently as a week ago, have been bricked by a firmware update.
PSA: Nintendo investigating Wii U error code issues
After reports rolled in yesterday about Super Smash Bros. and other Wii U games being met with error codes that resulted in a loss of system functionality, Nintendo acknowledged that it is investigating the problems. Error codes 160-0103 and 160-1710 "could affect the ability of the system to function properly" for a "small percentage of consumers playing Wii U," Nintendo of America told Joystiq. The reported issues varied from a loss of data to games on the system being unplayable entirely, issues that persisted within the data management menu on the Wii U for some. The error messages note that "there is a problem with the system memory." Nintendo encourages anyone experiencing the errors codes to call the Nintendo contact center at 1-800-255-3700 for help, until a solution is available. [Image: Nintendo]
Report: Super Smash Bros. Wii U error code bricking systems
A memory-corrupting error reportedly stemming from Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is rendering some Wii U consoles unusuable, multiple sources claim. Users experiencing Error Code 160-0103 report a number of related issues, ranging from data deletion to unplayable games. In some cases, a related error message (160-1710) persists even in the Wii U's Data Management menu, requiring the console to be shipped to Nintendo for repair. "There is a problem with the system memory," the error message reads. "For help, make a note of the error code and visit support.nintendo.com." A specific cause has not been determined, but many users report experiencing the issue after turning the system off and back on again after a Super Smash Bros. for Wii U session. Issues related to Error Code 160-0103 were infrequently reported prior to the release of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and a reliable solution is not yet known. Joystiq has reached out to Nintendo regarding the error message, but has not received a response. [Update: A Reddit post clarifies that the problem is not exclusively caused by Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, citing previous user experiences with Hyrule Warriors, Mario Kart 8, and other Wii U games. Faulty flash memory chips are suspected to be at fault, though a consistent, proven cause remains unknown.] [Image: Trippy12345ify]
Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II now open to pleasures of the rooted kind
Shame you can't do anything about that obnoxious home button branding, but thanks to the folks over at XDA you can now squeeze some root juice onto your VZW Samsung Galaxy Note II. As per usual with Sammy's Android devices, the process involves the use of Odin to flash an image before you can enjoy the perks. Do note however, the hackery only gives you superuser access -- there's no way to cram in a custom ROM just yet. Early users have reported a few issues, including busted mics, broken signal strength indicators and general slow-coach behavior, but it sounds like updates have now plugged most of those holes. You'll find the payload and instructions waiting at the source link -- just be careful not to orphan that S Pen.
Apple TV users report issues after updating
The latest Apple TV Update (version 5.1) is causing headaches for some users. According to a report on Apple Insider citing a thread on the Apple Support Communities website, many of the popular small iOS-based Apple TVs are getting bricked after running the updater. Once the software update has been run on the Apple TV, users are greeted with a blinking light on the unit and a black screen on their HDTV. One possible fix noted in the Apple Insider post is to manually downgrade the Apple TV software by downloading an IPSW file from Apple, tethering the Apple TV to a Mac or PC using a micro-USB cable and then restoring the software through iTunes. Apple TV 5.1 appeared on September 24, 2012, but the support discussion has been growing steadily since that time as owners take the time to upgrade their devices.
Galaxy Note 10.1 just hitting shelves, already said to be rooted
Only two days after Samsung announced the availability of the Galaxy Note 10.1 (and its source code), it appears to already have been rooted. An XDA user named Zedomax claims to have pulled off the feat by injecting root into the stock European firmware, then installing the superuser'd version in conventional ODIN fashion. With the usual bricking caveats, that'll let you start installing unsanctioned apps to the pen-enabled beast, while apparently still getting OTA updates from the mother company. We'd love to verify it ourselves with our own GT-N8000, but we don't have one yet -- and neither does hardly anyone else, so you may want to wait for some other brave soul to confirm it before going ahead.
Samsung halts Galaxy Tab 10.1 TouchWiz UX updates to prevent bricking issues?
Are you a Galaxy Tab 10.1 owner still waiting to upgrade your slate to TouchWiz UX? Well, prepare to be disappointed -- Samsung has pulled the update. It's remaining tight-lipped on the subject but it looks to be in response to some users experiencing lagging graphics or bricked devices. When Android Police tweeted Samsung's Carla Saavedra she said "(the update) has been temporarily halted to assess progress & ensure it's a positive experience for customers" and said regular service would "resume shortly" but "no specifics were given." We'll keep our eyes on this one, but in the meantime you can read the torrid exchange after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Intel pulls SSD Toolbox for killing drives under Windows 7
Well, that was a short honeymoon -- Intel's now pulled its SSD Toolbox and associated TRIM firmware update amid reports that it was bricking drives under Windows 7. We haven't heard more than anecdotal evidence about this, but we'd definitely pick having a functional drive over the promised 40 percent speed boost from the code, so you should probably hold off if you've downloaded but haven't updated yet. We're looking into things, we'll let you know -- but man, the X-25M just hasn't had an easy life, has it? Update: Intel just gave us its official statement on the matter: Yes, we have been contacted by users with issues with the firmware upgrade for our 34nm SSDs and we are investigating. We take all sightings and issues seriously and are working toward resolution. We have temporarily taken down the firmware link while we investigate. [Thanks, Joseph and Ty] Read - Former SSD Toolbox download page Read - Intel support forum page
Sony releasing PS3 firmware 2.41 'midweek' say reps
If you've been stuck waiting on Sony to get its act together concerning firmware 2.40, you might not have to hang back much longer. According to ComputerAndVideoGames, reps from the console-maker say that an update to the broken, PS3-bricking system software will be headed out to users "midweek." The company hasn't made an official announcement yet, but it certainly is looking like 2.41 will become a reality sooner rather than later, which should be music to the ears of a lot of deeply annoyed gamers.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Apple hit with class-action antitrust lawsuit over bricked iPhones
Apple has obviously made some enemies over this whole iPhone firmware situation, and clearly not everyone wants to follow the straight-and-narrow when it comes to the company's factory-limited and locked device. Now, at least one California resident named Timothy Smith has decided to bring the fight to the Cupertino monolith's doorstep -- and he showed up with lawyers. According to papers filed last week, the angry iPhone owner is suing Apple in hopes of barring the company from selling locked phones, and forcing the Mac-maker to provide warranty service for customers even if they've bricked their phones via third-party software -- though there seems to be no definitive evidence that Apple's update is the source of the brickings. The suit claims that, "Apple forced plaintiff and the class members to pay substantially more for the iPhone and cell phone service than they would have paid in a competitive marketplace either for the iPhone or for AT&T's cell phone service," and that the company, "Acted in defiance and without sufficient consideration of consumers' rights to unlock their iPhones because it knew that the probable result of its update would be to render unlocked iPhones inoperable." The lawyers in the case have set up a website where owners can join in on the suit -- so if you're feeling slighted, maybe they can help.
Man to sue over 1.1.1 iBricking
ComputerWorld reports that Timothy Smith, an iPhone owner in California, plans to sue Apple for violating antitrust law. His claim rests on the fact that Apple forces consumers to use AT&T as their sole wireless carrier and that the 1.1.1 update bricked phones that were unlocked for other carriers. This sole agreement with AT&T is, according to his suit, anticompetitive, forcing customers to pay more for their phones and for the cell phone service than they would in a competitive market. The suit goes on to add that Apple knew that the probable result of the update would brick unlocked iPhones. If you're feeling in a litigious mood or if you just want to rubberneck to see what the fuss is about, check out this website set up by the Law Offices of Van Smith and Fernandez. It's got some spiffy photos at the top with a guy on a phone (it's probably not an iPhone) and a couple of lawyers talking (probably neither Van Smith or Fernandez).
Schiller on unlocked iPhones
The Associated Press managed to talk to Phil Schiller, Apple's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, about Apple's recent announcement that hacked or unlocked iPhones might become expensive paperweights after an upcoming software update is applied to them. (The AP also quoted our very own Erica Sadun on the topic.)Phil says that this isn't about punishing people for unlocking their iPhones, but rather that the various iPhone unlocking apps have 'caused damage to the iPhone software' and that Apple can't be help responsible for what happens to a hacked iPhone.I'm willing to believe that Apple isn't maliciously trying to brick iPhones that have been unlocked. It is far more probable that the update might, under certain circumstances, break your hacked iPhone and Apple doesn't want to spend the time fixing the update to play nice, and they don't want to have to pay for all the broken iPhones that may result.That's my thought, but what say you, dear TUAW readers?
Xbox 360 update bricking consoles?
Apparently yesterday's update for the Xbox 360 has been a bit too harsh for some of the masses. Our compatriots at Xbox 360 Fanboy are telling us that this new update is bricking various 360s, modded and unmodded alike. That being said, X360F hasn't been able to replicate the problem on the in-house 360, so your mileage may vary. Furthermore, CrunchGear is pointing out that this update has also caused problems with Sony's XBR2 / XBR3 series, which now won't display at 1080p via component or VGA. However, our friends in Redmond have apparently been alerted to the problems, so just sit tight and we'll keep you updated.Read - Xbox 360 FanboyRead - CrunchGearUpdate: Jake wrote in to point us to the Sony manual [PDF link] which has some words regarding the TV problem: "If you look on pages 16 and 17 of the manual for the TVs you'll not that it only lists up to 1080i over component. I knew that when I bought it but this no 1080p over VGA is for the birds. Maybe it has to do with the frequency that the picture is displayed at. The manual says for best picture viewing at 1080p you should set the PC or in this case the Xbox to horizontal 67.5 kHz and vertical to 60 Hz."