Update -- Engadget

update posts

New Cradlepoint firmware turns MiFi into -- wait for it -- a 3G WiFi router

by Chris Ziegler, posted Jul 10th 2009 at 1:34PM

You might imagine that Cradlepoint's feeling a bit of heat since Novatel released its fantastic MiFi series, since the whole idea behind Cradlepoint's gear is to turn 3G modems into WiFi access points. It's cool, though, Cradlepoint managed to find a tricky angle: you can't charge the MiFi, use it as a USB modem, and have WiFi enabled at the same time! We still think we'd stare, point, and laugh if we were walking through an airport and saw some dude with these two cute little boxes tethered to one another, but we've got to admit that this is a pretty big Achilles' heel that Cradlepoint's managed to solve here; all it takes is a firmware update for your Cradlepoint, and voilà, you've now got MiFi compatibility.

Garmin issues patch to exorcise brick from 7x5 series GPS

by Ross Miller, posted Jun 24th 2009 at 10:04PM

It didn't take long for Garmin to get into gear, once it acknowledged the firmware update had ultimately brought ruin to its nüvi 7x5 series GPS units. The company's released a new software update that should provide a fix -- it should be available now via its WebUpdater. If you're one of those whose device won't even turn on anymore, there's also a support section online for requesting a return authorization to have it repaired under warranty. Garmin acknowledged a few other devices that may be affected, including 800 series, 8x5 series, zūmo 660, and GPSMAP 620 / 640. Those will all be getting updates "in the near future."

Continue reading Garmin issues patch to exorcise brick from 7x5 series GPS

MacBook Pro update rights the wrong, enables 3Gbps SATA transfers

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 22nd 2009 at 5:53PM

We've seriously no idea why Apple didn't just ship all of the June 2009 MacBook Pro units with the SATA 3Gbps specification enabled, but at least it caved to the chorus of complaints and enabled it today via a firmware update. MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.7, as it's called in Software Update, weighs in at just 3.35MB and requires OS X 10.5.7 to be installed. According to Apple, the update "addresses an issue reported by a small number of customers using drives based on the SATA 3Gbps specification with the June 2009 MacBook Pro." Of course, it goes on to say that it still doesn't support the use of drives that can take advantage of such speeds, but at least you have the option now of taking matters into your own hands and upgrading to a non-hamstrung SSD should you choose.

[Via MacRumors]

Palm webOS 1.0.3 update now available

by Nilay Patel, posted Jun 19th 2009 at 4:32PM

Looks like the first post-Pre-launch webOS update is now being pushed out -- Pre owners, get ready for 13MB of 1.0.3 awesome. We're getting a full list, but Palm just told us some of what's new includes better Exchange email support, faster Google calendar syncing, and a bunch of app improvements.

Update: Palm's posted the full release notes here.

Stop hitting F5, iPhone OS 3.0 release still hours away?

by Thomas Ricker, posted Jun 17th 2009 at 5:24AM

You can refresh all you want but that won't make the 3.0 update for your iPhone appear any faster. In fact, you might want to give your trigger finger a rest for a few hours -- Engadget bud, Richard Lai, noted in a tweet that Apple's Singapore site says that the iPhone OS 3.0 update will release on the 18th while Apple India says the 17th, the date announced by Apple -- the difference presumably accounting for the 2.5-hour timezone offset between the two countries. That would peg an OS 3.0 release anytime between 1700 and 1930 in London or between noon and 2:30pm in New York. But don't let a little knowledge ruin your obsessive behavior, where's the fun in that?

Update: The theory is supported by reports that carrier 3 in Hong Kong sent a network-wide SMS notifying iPhone owners that OS 3.0 will be available on June 18th, 01:00 local time. That's 1pm on the 17th in New York, 6pm in London, and 1900 in central Europe.

[Via Pocket-Lint and Richard Lai]

Read -- Singapore launch
Read -- India launch

Google updates Maps through the Android Market

by Chris Ziegler, posted Jun 15th 2009 at 10:15PM

Google has updated its Maps app for Android -- perhaps the most vital, central app in the platform outside of the dialer itself -- and fortunately for G1, Dream, and Magic users around the world, they've made the update available through the Android Market. That's a really big deal and a major departure from basically every other mobile platform, because it means that folks won't be waiting for carriers and manufacturers to get off their rumps and release firmware updates -- instead, integrated components of the operating system can be pushed out through the Market just like any other app you'd install. The new version's a doozy, too, featuring voice search, more comprehensive support for Latitude, detailed business information, and pedestrian / mass transit navigation, arguably making the Android version of Maps the most robust on any phone. Seeing how Android is Google's own, seems fitting, doesn't it?

[Thanks, Justin]

Verizon finally releasing BlackBerry Storm update this weekend

by Chris Ziegler, posted May 29th 2009 at 3:25PM

An incredible way to start the weekend, Storm owners: Verizon is finally pulling the trigger on a firmware update, which will be available to all comers starting on Sunday at 3PM Eastern time. If that's too much trouble, you'll alternatively be able to sit back, chill, and wait for the over-the-air version to hit, which should follow on at 10PM. Verizon tells us that it'll be releasing 4.7.0.148, as rumored -- just a tiny bump from the failed build 141 that had been rumored before that, but all told, far, far too long since the last official update was rolled out. We can only assume this has been tested better than a NASA launch at this point, so you're on notice, guys.

Google Chrome celebrates version 2 release with autofill, fast-paced video

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted May 22nd 2009 at 10:51AM

We know you've been avoiding Chrome because it puts your most visited sites on a display the size of the JumboTron in Times Square, and we don't blame you. You don't need the folks in Accounts Receivable knowing every detail of your life (including all the time you spend in the Cat Fancy online forums). Well, you're in luck! Google's infamous browser is now officially out of beta, and has been designated version two -- and among the improvements is a feature that allows you to remove those pesky thumbnails from the browser home screen. Also in store for faithful users are such key features as Form Autofill and Full Screen Mode. Sadly, neither Linux or Mac users get to join the party just yet -- but we'll let you know as soon as that changes. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Google Chrome celebrates version 2 release with autofill, fast-paced video

Android 1.5 coming to T-Mobile UK now, USA next week

by Chris Ziegler, posted May 6th 2009 at 4:19PM

And so it's finally confirmed: no consumers on un-hacked T-Mobile G1s in the US have this yet, but Android 1.5 and all its gooey, chocolatey Cupcake goodness will finally be hitting American units come late next week. Of course, you know how Android updates go -- they "roll" -- and not everyone is expected to get hooked up until the end of the month. Meanwhile, British G1 owners are getting updated as we speak -- so you might say they're getting back their American counterparts for launching the hardware afterwards. You know, what goes around, comes around.

[Thanks, Shawn and David]

Update: The 1.5 update includes Picasa and YouTube uploads (you didn't forget about video capability, did you?) straight from your device, which is pretty cool.

Read - T-Mobile USA announcement
Read - Android 1.5 now available in UK

T-Mobile neither confirms nor denies Android 1.5 availability for G1

by Chris Ziegler, posted Apr 30th 2009 at 1:28PM

Ready for some totally prototypical corporate non-answers regarding the alleged release of Android 1.5 on T-Mobile USA's G1s? Good. Here you go:

"T-Mobile USA will confirm details of Android 1.5 availability for our T-Mobile G1 customers in the near future."

Doesn't mean much to us -- and it's hard to tell from that alone whether 1.5's actually begun over-the-air distribution -- but at any rate, it seems like they're not ready to talk about it yet. Don't keep us waiting long, guys.

Android Dev Phones get early shot at Cupcake

by Paul Miller, posted Apr 27th 2009 at 12:36PM

While mere mortals will most likely have to wait until May to get at Cupcake (probably even stooping so low as to refer to it as Android 1.5, those commoners), the proud, good-looking possessors of Android Dev Phones can get at the update right this instant from HTC's website. Naturally, we'd assume somebody's going to figure out how to get these images onto rooted G1s before long, but we wouldn't want to over estimate the intelligence or temerity of the proletariat.

[Via Talk Android]

Firmware update brings file conversion, iPhone access to HP's MediaSmart ex485 / ex487

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 13th 2009 at 12:01AM

HP's MediaSmart Server ex487 (1.5TB) and ex485 (750GB) both received copious amounts of praise when launched late last year, but considering just how many issues the original two had (the ex470 and ex475), it wouldn't take much to best 'em. Today, HP is issuing its second firmware update of the year for the series, but the first ever for the newest duo -- and make no mistake, it's a big one. The v2.5 update adds in loads of new features, far too many to cover in this space, in fact. If you're interested in hearing more, follow us past the break for all the details.

Gallery: Firmware update brings file conversion, iPhone access to HP's MediaSmart ex485 / ex487

Continue reading Firmware update brings file conversion, iPhone access to HP's MediaSmart ex485 / ex487

Archos 5 firmware adds GPS car holder support, new file browser

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 11th 2009 at 12:28PM

We tell ya, the Archos 5 is becoming more inviting by the week. Late last month we saw a much-wanted high-def video plug-in come to light, and now an even newer firmware is adding a few more fantastic amenities. For starters, the v1.6.53 software adds GPS car holder support -- something the Archos 605 acquired last April. Essentially, it enables the device to comprehend map and routing data piped in via the hardware mount, and we should point out that it arrives with TeleAtlas maps for eight regions of Europe, North America and Russia. Additionally, users will definitely spot an all new file browser with drag-and-drop and multi-selection functionality, not to mention the TV Snap-on app that enables the unit to store several different channel lists. For the full changelog and to get that download rolling, give the links below some lovin'.

[Thanks, Christopher]

Read - Firmware v1.6.53 changelog
Read - Firmware download page

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic software update available: faster, better, updater

by Thomas Ricker, posted Mar 30th 2009 at 4:38AM

Nokia's hot selling 5800 XpressMusic handset just got a little bit better. Available now, the free update promises faster Internet data, built-in dictionary with text-to-speech support, an improved overall UI and eMail experience, and better in-device search. Nokia's also tweaked the cameras adding still image support to the front-facing video-call camera and a burst mode for capturing multiple snaps while holding the shutter button. There's also a new Application Update feature that identifies and downloads updates to your installed applications automatically. Giddy up.

Intel to officially refresh laptop chips next week?

by Darren Murph, posted Mar 27th 2009 at 9:51PM

We had a hunch this refresh was coming, and according to information gathered by CNET, it's all going down on Monday. The 2.53GHz SP9600, complete with its 6MB of cache memory and $316 sticker, will reportedly be revealed alongside the 1.6GHz SU9600, which will be pegged at $289. Furthermore, we should see a single-core 1.4GHz SU3500 ($262) with a thermal envelope of only 5.5 watts, which will obviously cater to those really, really low-power applications where horsepower isn't a concern. Interestingly, these newfangled pieces of silicon won't be those rumored CULV chips we heard about in January, as those won't be good and ready 'til summertime. There's also a slight chance that we'll hear a bit more on Intel's reemergence in the GPU field, but we're not holding our breath quite so much on that. Dig in below for lots more, or just be patience and wait for the 30th. Totally your call.

Read - Intel CPU details
Read - Intel GPU details