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Pebble update lets you pump up the jam from your wrist
The Pebble smartwatch nicely alerts you to most of your smartphone's activities, but it's pretty limited in controlling it -- there are just a few functions, like music track skipping. A new 2.2 firmware update finally gives a much-requested feature, however: changing the volume of your phone's music player. That, along with a new iOS-only track progress bar, will help you avoid reaching for your handset when you're grooving while running or biking. You can finally rearrange apps directly on the watch too, and will get longer alarm sounds and some bug fixes. You can grab it by going to "support" in your smartphone app, then choosing "check for updates." Apple users will first need to hit the App Store for an iOS update.
Get karting quicker with Wii U's new update, out now
The Wii U's summer system update is available now, headlined by quicker booting and auto-installs of further updates. When you turn on your Wii U the firmware's Quick Start menu lets you select recently played or installed games and boot into them in seconds. In other words, getting into Mario Kart 8 just got a triple mushroom boost. Nintendo already introduced auto-downloading of system updates in the powered-down Standby mode, and now the Wii U can install them in Standby too. Another new Standby feature is GamePad Alerts, namely optional "special notifications from Nintendo" that pop up on the tablet even when the system's turned off. Other additions include a revamp of the Users Settings screen, a Notifications icon on the Home menu, and the ever-faithful improvements to system stability. [Image: Nintendo]
Xbox One's June update adds your friends' real names and external drive support
Here are some hard facts: regardless of how proud you are of that Xbox Live handle combining your love for Halo, the Deftones and Arrested Development without subbing in numbers for letters, it's probably hard for online pals to tell you apart from xXC0rtanaSl4ve69Xx. With the June Xbox One update, though, you'll have the option to add a real name to your profile, and thus, friend notifications. Not entirely cool with the rest of your Titanfall squad knowing your given name? No sweat: you can cherry pick who sees the name your parents gave you from who doesn't. And yes, you're right: this is something that the PlayStation 4 has offered since it launched last November. This patch finally allows using external drives for storage too, so long as they're USB 3.0 and are at least 256GB. The update also implements an auto sign-in feature, which should especially come in handy if you pick up a Kinect-less console next month. Previously, you'd either have to manually select a profile and sign in or let Kinect scan you and activate your account.
PS4 1.70 firmware goes live, has a bunch of extra tweaks
The latest major firmware update for the PlayStation 4 is available to download now, adding SHAREfactory, HDCP disabling, Twitch and Ustream archiving, auto-downloading and pre-loading for pre-ordered games, and a few extras besides. A large chunk of the 1.70 update centers around video capture and streaming, headlined by the new SHAREfactory suite that lets players edit and customize their gameplay vids. The HDCP off option allows people to record with capture cards (external recording devices). On the streaming side, broadcast resolutions are upped to 720p and streams can be archived to watch later on Twitch and Ustream - that was originally expected in a separate update, so its inclusion in 1.70 is an early bonus. There's a bunch of smaller extras in the update too, including brightness settings for the DualShock 4 light bar, sorting trophies by rarity, PayPal support for the PS4 Store, and more voice commands for the PS Camera. The updates aren't limited to the PS4, either. A Vita update brings automatic detection of devices for Remote Play, while the PS App has one of the coolest little additions: being able to change your profile picture to a stored image or photo on your mobile. For the full list of updates, head over to the PlayStation Blog.
Next week's PS4 update adds video editor SHAREfactory, HDCP disabling
New PlayStation 4 firmware is set to arrive on April 30, bringing the SHAREfactory video editing suite to the system along with other extras, including "HDCP off." Sony Europe and Japan Asia confirmed the date today; PlayStation firmware is usually released worldwide simultaneously, so it's likely the 1.70 update will hit North America on the same day. Scorsese types can use SHAREfactory to splice gameplay clips together and add some personal pizazz through things like overlays, filters, and picture-in-picture commentary (if they've got the PS Camera.) The option to toggle HDCP off means they can also capture and save high-definition gameplay video to a USB drive. The 1.70 firmware also introduces auto-downloading, allowing eager beavers to pre-load games they've pre-ordered, so they unlock ASAP on release day. Update: The PlayStation Twitter account has confirmed that the 1.70 update will reach North America on April 30.
Sony details video editing suite included with PS4 1.70 update
A post on the PlayStation Blog has detailed the updated suite of editing tools coming to PlayStation 4 in the 1.70 hardware firmware. With the new SHAREfactory, budding video editors can splice together multiple clips and personalize them with special filters, transitions, and themes. PS4 users can also use their PlayStation Camera for picture-in-picture video commentary and import original music to give videos a custom soundtrack; though there's no word how that feature will work considering the PS4 still cannot read audio CDs or MP3s. When you're finished Spielberging your favorite gaming moments, the latest update allows players to save their creations to a USB key for easier sharing or online uploading. Also coming in the update is the option to disable HDCP; allowing for direct feed video capture as well as the ability to auto-download and pre-load games that have been pre-ordered; reducing the wait for downloaded games on release day. Although there's no official date for the firmware update's release, the blog post (and comments) promise it will be soon. [Image: Sony]
Apple CarPlay coming to Pioneer's in-dash systems this summer
Apple CarPlay in an aftermarket dash system? You bet! And you may not even need to spend a dime. Pioneer's NEX line of five in-dash head units, priced from $700 to a whopping $1,400, will score CarPlay compatibility through a firmware update in early summer. NEX owners with an iPhone 5, 5c or 5s will be able to use Apple Maps for navigation, listen to music and other iTunes content, and tap Siri to make phone calls and send text messages. Pioneer's devices already in stores will be able to take advantage, so there's no need to wait for CarPlay integration to go live before picking one up.
Xbox One April update rolling out shortly, features detailed
The Xbox One's long-teased April update rolls out in "a few hours," Microsoft spokesoldier Larry 'Major Nelson' Hyrb said tonight. Among other features, the system update adds notifications for when friends come online, improved quality for DVR capture, and tweaks to ensure Kinect better responds to voice and gesture control. You'll find a full breakdown of the update's features just below the break. Other additions include a progress bar for game saves, Blu-ray support for 50Hz content, controller and headset updates to reduce audio static and improve connectivity, and the option to have your system update automatically from the Instant On state when new firmware is available. [Image: Microsoft]
The Xbox One is getting another controller update (update: confirmed, plus other new features)
Really, Microsoft? You just asked gamers to go through the hassle of updating their Xbox One gamepads in March, yet there's word on NeoGAF that the next patch -- currently in testing -- will once again bundle "new controller firmware." Yes, the (hopefully optional) code should fix connection and headset quality issues that are even more of a pain, but it's doubtful that Xbox owners will relish plugging in peripherals a second time to get reliability that should have been present on day one. At least users can take comfort in new system features added to the list of coming updates, including a button to check for future software updates manually and redeeming codes directly from Xbox Live messages. Let's just hope that gamepad upgrades are less frequent from here on out. Update (4/7): Major Nelson has posted a list of features coming to the update preview confirming the ones mentioned above. He's also posted a pic of what that new system update check button looks like (hint: it's a button), and explains that now, the system will return to standby after new updates are installed. That "silent reboot" will mean the day after an update we can say "Xbox On" and boot up quickly, instead of having to actually press a physical button and endure the longer cold start process -- we're far too fancy to be stuck waiting around, you know?
Nvidia Shield slashed to $199 for April, getting remote game streaming
Nvidia's Android-based handheld game system, Shield, will receive a temporary price drop for April, cutting the system by $50 to $199 for the month. The price cut is accompanied by new features arriving in a software update for the system next week, including a new user interface for the Shield's button-mapping feature. The addition lets players use the Shield's physical buttons for touch-based games on the Google Play store. The hardware company will also add a beta version of its away-from-home game streaming support feature. Players will be able to remotely play PC games on their Shield, waking up and logging in to locked PCs while on the go. Additionally, the update will add bluetooth keyboard and mouse support for those that want to hook their Shields up to a TV to play on a bigger screen. Lastly, the Nvidia Shield will receive the latest version of the Android operating system, nicknamed KitKat (version 4.4.2). Nvidia also recently revealed that Valve's popular first-person puzzler Portal will receive a full PC port on Android with full Shield support. [Image: Nvidia]
PS Vita gets more apps on its home screen and a memory card manager
With the amount of rad digitally distributed games in the PlayStation Vita's library, your system's home screen could be getting a little crowded. Well, after downloading the handheld's latest firmware update, you'll have a lot more room for all of those high-res bubbles. Another 400 of them to be exact, as software version 3.10 allows a total of 500 apps and games on the touch-based UI. What's more, Joystiq noticed the patch adds a memory card management feature that separates saved data based on what type of content created it. Bizarrely enough, the portable PlayStation didn't have an auto setting for daylight savings time before this either. Sony has also included a calendar app that syncs with your Google account, as well as a voice messaging system for sending quick soundbites to your Vita or PS4 owning-pals. Just try keep 'em PG-rated, okay?
PS Vita software update makes room for more apps on home screen
A new system software update coming to the PlayStation Vita will add detailed memory card file management to the Content Manager, along with the ability to display up to 500 apps on the handheld's home screen, according to the PlayStation Blog. System Software 3.10 will also add the ability to send and receive voice messages between PSN users on the Vita and PlayStation 4, a calendar app that can be synced with Google Calendar, and tweaks to the Vita's parental controls. The update is scheduled to be available later today. [Image: SCEA]
Sony A7 and A7R firmware update brings boosted performance, improved image quality
Sony's flagship duo of mirrorless cameras scored a few improvements today. After updating to firmware version 1.2, A7 and A7R owners will be able to take advantage of boosted image quality, new applications and faster start-up times when the camera is turned on immediately after being powered off. On the IQ front, Sony's managed to reduce color noise in speed priority continuous mode. You may also notice reduced color artifacts at object edges in bright scenes while shooting video. As for the Play Memories Camera apps, firmware 1.2 adds in new Live-view Grading and Smooth Reflection tools. There's also better AE tracking in the Timelapse app. Finally, the update enables compatibility with the new 70-200mm full-frame lens.
Sony's upcoming Alpha 7 and 7R updates will speed up your photo shoots
Sony's Alpha 7 cameras shook up the photography world by offering full-frame shooting in a small body, but they also have their fair share of quirks, such as slow startup times and subpar JPEG images. Some of those problems may vanish very soon, though, as Sony plans to roll out big firmware updates for both the Alpha 7 and 7R on March 19th. The two cameras should start faster, and they'll also get a nebulous "image quality improvement" -- hopefully, that means better JPEG output. The upgrade will also unlock more features when using the PlayMemories Mobile app to control either camera, and there's better support for a recent 70-200mm telephoto lens. We're not seeing any attempts to speed up the Alphas' sometimes pokey autofocusing, but the updates should still help early adopters who've had to live with some noticeable flaws for the past few months.
Daily Roundup: the travels of Myspace Tom, a business card that plays Tetris, and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
'Next-gen' means gamepad updates: a guide to the first for Xbox One
The March Xbox One update is live; your friends list is now slightly more organized; and game broadcasting is mere days away. In reading through the laundry list of tweaks in last night's refresh, perhaps you noticed a handful of gamepad notes? Something to the effect of, "firmware update to the Xbox One controller"? That's secret code for, "You have to update your gamepad firmware." The next generation! We are in it! Head below for a step-by-step guide on entering this brave new world.
Here's a look at March's Xbox One update
Microsoft has released a preview video detailing the new features and enhancements coming in next month's Xbox One firmware update, including improved party chat functionality and friends list features. Starting next month, Xbox One player parties will have party chat enabled by default -- a change spurred by frequent user requests. The Xbox One's improved interface will clearly differentiate between in-game competing players and cross-game chat within parties, and party invitations will specify player requests for chat, gameplay, or both. Players will also be able to check up on what their friends are doing more quickly starting in next month's update, as friend status can now be accessed with three button presses or a single voice command. The update additionally introduces a message shortcut menu, and friends may now be identified as "favorites," giving them priority and list placement over followers and acquaintances. If you're looking to maintain a tidy friends list, you might want to start mentally ranking your friends by how much you like them. Friendship quotient, incidentally, is determined by frequency of real-world interaction divided by cheap Titanfall kills. Judge your friends harshly. [Image: Microsoft]
Sailfish to invade Android devices first by launcher, then full firmware assault
There's a certain glamor to new mobile platforms that offer something different from established players, but nobody wants to spend hundreds on a new device just for a dabble. For those intrigued by the MeeGo-derived Sailfish OS specifically, Jolla hopes to lead you into temptation soon with a launcher for Android that mimics the Sailfish UI. Also during the first half of this year, Jolla plans to offer full firmware downloads for your handsets if you want to end it with Android altogether. The community around open-source Sailfish has successfully ported the OS to a number of devices, but we believe a formal and user-friendly method of distribution is what's being suggested here. We can picture the Jerry Springer episode already. The launcher was just a "friend," you see, until the firmware moved in and Android became but a homeless ROM. But... who's the father?
Xbox One February update rolling out through the weekend
The February firmware upgrade for Xbox One is reaching consoles starting today. If you're using "Instant On," the low-power state that allows you to verbally boot up your Xbox One, the update will automatically download the next time you power down your console – during off-peak hours for your given time zone, that is. Xbox Live's Major Nelson says the patch should reach the entire Xbox One community over the course of this weekend. This latest update introduces greater storage space management options for your Xbox One and makes controller battery levels visible by adding an icon to the bottom-right corner of the home screen. Xbox One owners should also find their controllers are now more precise. Another major update beyond February's revision is already in the works for Xbox One and due in early March, prior to the launch of TItanfall. The focus of March's renovation is to revise how friends lists and party chats work, reverting both to a state similar to their Xbox 360 counterparts. Microsoft has also announced a free Xbox Live Gold weekend for the US and Canada. Xbox Live Silver users on Xbox 360 can enjoy free multiplayer gaming and access to premium apps like Netflix until 11:59PM PT on Sunday, February 16. [Image: Microsoft]
Report: Xbox One controller precision being tuned for Titanfall [update]
Update: A Microsoft representative has confirmed the planned update, which will arrive sometime this month. "Yes. The February update will increase the sensitivity of the outer boundaries of the thumbsticks on the Xbox One controller. The update will happen automatically when your controller syncs with your console." Microsoft and Respawn Entertainment have been working together to improve the Xbox One controller's performance prior to the launch of Titanfall next month. At a recent preview session for Titanfall, a Respawn representative told Game Informer the "analog sticks are more precise, and we worked very closely with [Microsoft]" to make that happen. The special edition Titanfall controllers will ship with the firmware enhancements, but all Xbox One consoles will receive the update prior to Titanfall's launch. We're checking with Microsoft about how this will occur, exactly, and whether players will be notified or prompted by the system. Last we saw, the controller firmware update process is no simple matter. Titanfall will kick-off a closed beta test starting on Friday, February 14. You can sign up for the beta on PC or Xbox One right now, though a valid Origin account is required to access the PC beta. [Image: Microsoft]
