FirmwareUpdate
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Surface Pro 3 battery issues disappear in today's update
The Surface Pro 3 has been plagued with a software problem that causes some tablets to quickly lose power once unplugged from a charger, but a firmware update released today squashes the battery bug. Microsoft first acknowledged the problem in July and confirmed it was a software issue, rather than a flaw in the tablet's hardware, earlier in August.
You are now free to buy Xbox 360 games on your Xbox One
Yes, the Xbox 360 is officially old-school. Today's Xbox One system update adds direct access to Xbox 360 games, making it easier to actually use the console's backward compatibility function. Before the update, it was unnecessarily difficult to locate and download Xbox 360 titles, but now they'll be available on the console just like current-generation games.
Android 5.0 Lollipop review: Google's biggest mobile update in years
There's something magical about the idea that, in the space of a few minutes, your smartphone or tablet can look dramatically different and do some cool new things, to boot. That's why operating system updates can be oddly exciting, and Android's latest upgrade -- known as version 5.0 or Lollipop -- is the firmware equivalent of opening a stack of presents on your birthday. The upcoming release, which is now available on the Nexus 9 and heading to dozens of mobile devices in the coming months, brings a fresh design and no shortage of new features. Join me as I unwrap Google's latest gift to the wireless community.
Windows Phone 8.1 review: Microsoft's mobile OS finally feels whole
Android, iOS, Windows Phone. Each of these mobile platforms had to start somewhere, and none were anywhere near perfect on the first try. Fortunately, each OS gets better with every iteration until, at some point, it all just clicks. Arguably, Windows Phone just came of age with its latest update, version 8.1. Even before today, Windows Phone only had a few big holes remaining and indeed, 8.1 appears to fill those gaps. In particular, the OS now has a fancy notification center in addition to those signature Live Tiles; the keyboard now allows for swipe gestures; and last but not least, it now has Cortana, a virtual assistant to take on Siri, Google Now and Samsung's S Voice. The 8.1 update is a fairly significant one, and I got the opportunity to take it for a spin ahead of the official developer preview's launch. It may not be perfect yet, but it's clear Windows Phone has finally grown up.
Apple releases iOS 7.1 with CarPlay support
After pushing out several betas, Apple's finally ready to roll out its latest firmware update to the masses. iOS 7.1 is now available as a free download, and as expected, it adds a few new features to the mix. The new update should be heading your direction if you own an iPhone 4 or newer, iPad 2 or newer, either iPad mini or a fifth-generation iPod touch. Among the usual smattering of tweaks to the iOS UI and bug fixes, the most notable feature improvement is the inclusion of CarPlay support and fixes for the random reboot problem many iOS 7 users have been experiencing.
Moto X camera fix finally rolling out to Verizon variants
You don't have to keep hanging on, Verizon subscribers: that critical Moto X camera fix is rolling out now. Though we've yet to see it on our own handset, Phandroid is reporting that Motorola's over-the-air update has finally passed Verizon's rigorous testing and should be hitting all handsets soon. The update includes a slew of tweaks to refine the accuracy of features like Touchless Controls and Motorola Assist's text-to-speech. But the main improvement most are anticipating concerns the camera. As a refresher, the update (which has already hit T-mobile, Sprint and AT&T variants) should see users enjoying faster focus times, more balanced color representation and better exposure for outdoor shooting. And with that, we can finally put the Moto X's camera foibles to rest.
Google Glass firmware teardown hints at a slew of intriguing new features
Google Glass wearers were treated to some new features with this month's XE10 update, but what's hiding under the hood might be even more promising. Android Police posted their APK teardown earlier today, and their findings are nothing if not intriguing. Among the features that may be on the horizon are a handful of new commands hidden in the GlassVoice APK, like the ability to succinctly ask Glass to call you a car, schedule an event, create a 3D model, translate phrases and start a round of golf. Even more interesting are the possibilities presented by potential music playback and gaze integration. Indeed, the files buried in the Gaze folder -- which include double blink detection -- may signal that eye control is one step closer to becoming a reality. You can find the full teardown at the source link below.
Moto X camera fix begins rolling out to AT&T-branded devices
It only took two weeks, but Motorola's firmware fix for the Moto X has passed AT&T's scrutiny and, as of today, has begun rolling out to handsets. Owners of that particular variant should see an over-the-air update arrive that brings with it the very same imaging improvements we first saw hit T-Mobile's unbranded variant. Things like low light performance and color accuracy are all getting a much-needed boost, in addition to tweaks for a faster touch-to-focus response time and better exposure for outdoor shots. But the Moto X's camera software isn't the only area getting patched -- Touchless Controls have also been adjusted to deliver users better voice recognition and more immediate results, while setup for the "Ok Google Now" feature has been simplified. So, has this firmware update hit your handset yet? Let us know in the comments below.
Apple issues day-one EFI update for new iMacs to address Boot Camp issue
No sooner had Apple announced the 2013 iMacs than they also issued a day-one EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) update for the speedy new all-in-ones. The update is targeted at an issue that sometimes occurs when installing a Boot Camp partition with Windows 7 or Windows 8. The issue appears when an external optical drive (the devices have no internal optical drive) and a USB thumb drive are connected at the same time, causing the screen to go black. The update also ensures that the default boot drive for the system will be OS X after Windows 8 is installed. iMac (late 2013) EFI Update 2.1 can be downloaded from Apple's support pages, and requires that the Mac be running OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.4 or later.
T-Mobile Moto X gets updated with significant camera enhancements
In our review of the Moto X, we determined that while its ClearPixel camera was decent, its performance was hit or miss. Fortunately, Motorola has taken a lot of feedback and has cranked out a software update with improvements to the camera's performance, specifically in the areas of exposure, color accuracy and focus speed. The refresh, which is so far getting pushed out to T-Mobile phones -- we expect it to roll out to other carriers as soon as each one is done testing the new firmware, though nothing is currently confirmed -- appears to make a rather substantial difference in several scenarios, such as reducing noise in low-light and eliminating haze in outdoor shots. Anandtech's Brian Klug had the opportunity to take the updated shooter for a test run and declared it to be "nothing short of the biggest [improvement] I've ever seen come across in an OTA update." In addition to the camera improvements, Motorola also threw in a few other enhancements as well. Users who have downloaded the update should expect increased Touchless Control accuracy, a fix for the choppy audio issue some have experienced in voice calls and an improvement to Moto Assist as well.
HTC confirms Android 4.2 is still coming to the One, despite rumors to the contrary
HTC has been relatively quiet with its plans to push Android 4.2 to the One (aside from a few unofficial leaks), but Three UK is hoping to start the conversation. In a recent tweet, the mobile operator answered a customer's query regarding the update, stating that HTC pulled the firmware, with no specific details on when (or if) the new version of Android will arrive. We reached out to HTC and received confirmation that Android 4.2 is in fact still coming, although users may need to wait a little longer before it becomes available. We'll continue to update as soon as we hear more official news from the manufacturer, but at least we know it's still in the plans. [Thanks, Josh]
Netgear PTV3000 updated, supports Miracast-ready Android devices
Interested in Miracast-ing from an Andoid phone via your Netgear Push2TV PTV3000 adapter? Want to know what all that meant? It's understandable -- Miracast is a very recent open standard that lets you echo the display from an enabled device like a smartphone or tablet onto your TV (think Apple's AirPlay Mirroring). You'll now be able to officially do that with the PTV3000 from the few Android devices that support Miracast: Samsung's Galaxy S III, Note II and Note 10.1, LG's Optimus G, the Google / LG Nexus 4, and various Sony Xperia models -- all with Android 4.04 or higher. The PTV3000 also supports Intel's WiDi standard, and actually brought Miracast support in an earlier beta firmware upgrade, though testers saw significant bugginess at the time. Many of those nags have been squelched with the new update, though, and you'll also see a single interface for Intel WiDi and Miracast, both PIN and PBC support, 5GHz Miracast operation and faster bootup times, too. So, if you've been looking to get all those pixels crammed into your smartphone over to a bigger medium, hit the source or check the details after the break.
Apple rolls out firmware update to revive old, troubled batteries
Yesterday, Apple rolled out a trio of firmware updates for MacBook users to help address a rare issue that can cause the batteries to malfunction. The update targets the System Management Controller in the MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, which can run into issues as the computer ages. As Apple explains, "This update addresses a rare issue on some Apple notebooks where a battery that has accumulated more than 1,000 charge cycles may unexpectedly shut down or stop functioning." You can download the fix for your computer of choice straight from Apple's support page, or click the links above. [Via Macworld]
Samsung working on fix for 'sudden death' bug affecting some Galaxy S III owners
If you own a Galaxy S III that appears to have suffered some form of cardiac arrest, failing suddenly for no apparent reason, Samsung is aware of the problem, and is working on a fix. The issue, being referred to in the forums as "sudden death," seems to be relatively rare: a Samsung spokesperson told Tweakers that the problem affects "only a very limited number" of devices. So far, we know the problem applies to users running the stock software, as well as custom ROMs. For whatever reason, too, these defective models are all 16GB variants, according to Samsung. In any case, Sammy says it will push out a firmware update to correct the problem, though the company hasn't said when that patch will be ready. [Thanks, Zhewei]
Firmware updates for Pioneer AV receivers add HTC Connect music streaming compatibility
Pioneer flirted with HTC Connect earlier in the year, and now the relationship is getting more serious with firmware upgrades to Pioneer's AV receivers adding compatibility for the DLNA streaming tech. Fresh firmware is available now for the majority of 2012-model standard and Elite receivers, so if you've got a One series handset, an EVO 4G LTE, a Droid Incredible 4G LTE or a brand new Droid DNA, wireless streaming is just an update away. To see if your receiver has been granted HTC Connect-certification, head to the source below, where you'll also find links to download the relevant firmware.
PS Vita's 2.0 firmware update arrives with PlayStation Plus, speedier browser and more
Version 2.0 of the PlayStation Vita's firmware has just gone live, bringing with it PS Plus and a handful of new features. Thanks to the fresh update, the handheld's browser can be used without quitting games and has been sped up and overhauled with a revamped rendering engine and optimized GPU performance. In addition, the video application on Sony's portable has been bolstered to play 1080p video, and a brand-new email app has arrived with notifications and support for up to five accounts in tow. If gamers have the itch to transfer content from their PC to their Vita, the "two-dot-oh" release allows the mobile rig to connect wirelessly to computers and pull down content. For additional details, hit the more coverage links below.
Canon's upcoming 5D Mark III firmware update brings uncompressed HDMI output support, enhanced AF functionality
Proud owners of that sleek and relatively powerful Mark III will be happy to know Canon has just announced a firmware update for its flagship 5D model. The Japanese camera maker is touting this upcoming release as one that will bring clean HDMI-out support to the EOS shooter, which should be great for folks who would like to monitor their recordings in real time. Additionally, Canon's improved the Mark III's AF functionalities yet again; this time out by enabling the unit's auto focus system to adequately adjust to the type of lens that it is paired with. Unfortunately, it looks like users will have to wait a little while to install the new firmware, as the company won't be making it available until April of next year -- at which point it can be grabbed from the soon-to-be bookmarked source link below.
Droid Bionic finally gets an ICS update as everyone else moves on to Jelly Bean
After nearly a year of suffering with Gingerbread, Droid Bionic owners who haven't given up on their phone will finally be rewarded with that long-awaited ICS update; the rollout starts October 19th, according to Verizon. Those who get it will receive a new customizable launch bar, a direct access lock screen, enhanced notifications, Motorola's SmartActions app, Face Unlock, easier multitasking, and many other goodies most Android owners have enjoyed for awhile now. It looks like Motorola Mobility actually made good on some of its promises to fix the handset that has suffered a number of different problems since its launch (which itself took almost nine months from the initial announce date). However, now that Jelly Bean has taken over as the firmware of choice with no word yet if that'll come to the Droid Bionic, we wonder if it's too little, too late. Update: We've learned from the comments, Motorola's owner support forum and its own Facebook page that the company is planning on rolling out Jelly Bean to the Droid Bionic "in the coming months" so don't lose hope just yet, Bionic faithful. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Canon EOS-1D X updates autofocus capabilities, will benefit low-light and wildlife photographers
Canon USA has just released a new firmware update for its professional EOS-1D X camera that expands the capabilities of its autofocus point illumination. It will now support AI Servo AF as well as cross-type AF at apertures as small as f/8. The former is especially welcome in low-light situations like weddings and theatrical performances, while the latter would benefit those who use EF super-telephoto lenses with extenders, like wildlife photographers for example. In fact, you can check out the now-wider range of compatible EF lens/extender combinations at the source. Those interested in the update can download it now for free from Canon's website.
Sony Alpha firmware updates bring record button disabling on NEX-7, DSLR lens improvements
Sony's NEX-7 may be fast approaching its first birthday, but that doesn't mean the company's ready to give up on pushing out updates. The camera's first new firmware version, 1.01, should be hitting today, bringing with it the ability to disable the Movie Record button to avoid accidental taps (finally!), boosted image quality with a wide-angle lens, improved audio playback and expanded EV bracketing. An option to disable the EVF eye sensor doesn't appear to be included with this revision, unfortunately. Other updates hitting at the same time include E-mount lens firmware v.01 that'll enable NEX-5R/NEX-6 Hybrid AF functionality with older lenses, A65/A77 firmware v1.06 and A37/A57 firmware v1.03, both of which deliver the ability to enable/disable the movie record button while also adding a variety of lens compensation options for select Alpha optics. All of these updates should now be live -- head over to the source link below for the hook-up.
