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HP will make some server operators pay extra to get firmware updates
Many PC users are used to getting free firmware updates, even after the warranty runs out. HP won't be quite so generous with its server customers in the near future, though. Starting February 19th, the company will only dish out system-level firmware updates to ProLiant server owners if they're either under warranty or have bought extra support. Those who don't qualify will still get some peripheral updates and urgent patches, but nothing else. HP contends that the move helps it invest in future upgrades, and that it isn't pushing companies into support contracts. However, customers aren't buying the claims. They note that other server makers (including Dell and IBM) aren't cutting off firmware updates, and they'll still have to go through administrative hassles just to get bug fixes for older machines. The policy won't affect those with regular PCs, but there's concern that it sets a bad precedent -- few want to pay extra just to get a computer that works as promised.
PS4 firmware version 1.60 available now
The PlayStation 4's 1.6 firmware is available now. The main features of the update include DVD playback quality improvements, wireless headset support and, OH SWEET MERCY, YES - it is now possible to mute the microphone for the PlayStation Camera. Yes, we've been listening to all your spousal spats during Battlefield 4 matches. In fairness, you really should take out the trash more often. There are numerous ways to download the update. Head to the Sony site for the details. [Image: Sony]
Researchers find a way into MacBook cameras
A few years ago, while on Skype, I asked a friend why his camera was dark. He replied that he had put tape over the camera light so that no one could spy on him. I wrote it off to paranoid silliness and told him that wasn't possible. Well, turns out I was wrong. Jeff Gamet at The MacObserver tells us in a piece titled Researchers Hacked into MacBook Camera, but that Doesn't Mean They're Spying on You that two researchers have found a way to disable that little green light, which lets you know that your camera is on. Don't despair though; this only works on older Macs. Plus, it requires a firmware hack. Matthew Brocker and Stephen Checkoway from Johns Hopkins University recently published a technical paper, ıSeeYou: Disabling the MacBook Webcam Indicator LED. The paper details their tests in disabling an iSight camera's green LED light in some versions of MacBooks, iMacs and the iMac G5 circa 2008 and before. The 13-page paper gives you all the details on the internal iSight architecture, modifying the various Mac's firmware and defending the iSight against attacks. Our results in this paper demonstrate that, at least in some cases, people have been correct to worry about malware covertly capturing images and video. We show a vulnerability in the iSight webcam that affects a particular range of Apple computers ... that can be exploited to turn on the camera and capture images and video without the indicator illuminating. Newer Macs are not susceptible to this firmware hack, but this does give you food for thought. While no one has published a hack for newer Mac FaceTime HD cameras, one never knows what basement hackers are working on presently. Gamet points out that, "Giving anyone unsupervised access to your Mac ... is a good way to end up with apps you don't want and settings changes that reduce your overall security." If you want to dredge up one of your older Macs, you can add trying out the iSight firmware hack to our list of Twelve things to do with an old Apple computer. If your current Mac in use is from 2008 and before, may we recommend decorative tape from Scotch Products?
PS4 system update 1.52 out now, improves system software stability
Sony released the latest PlayStation 4 system update this morning, and apparently it's a rather minor one. Habitual followers of the firmware scene will be au fait with the words "system software stability," which the 1.52 firmware is said to improve. We'll be looking see if there's any more to it than that, but in the meantime you can check out the update for yourself: You can manually download it via the PS4's Settings menu, or grab it and future updates automatically by enabling Automatic Uploads and Downloads.
Nikon camera users say third-party batteries don't work after firmware update
Nikon released a firmware update for its D3100, D3200, D5100, D5200 and Coolpix P7700 cameras during November, which only seemed to change how battery life was measured for a specific pack (the EN-EL14a, if you were wondering). Well, that's what the patch notes would have us believe, anyway, but according to some owners who've updated, the new version also stops those cameras working with third-party batteries. This isn't the first time a camera maker has used code to block unofficial power packs, and it'll no doubt irritate those who've passed on Nikon's $41 (EN-EL14) or $60 (EN-EL14a) spares in favor of cheaper options missing a logo. There doesn't appear to be any way to roll back the firmware version, so if you hadn't gotten round to updating yet, you might want to reconsider. We've reached out to Nikon for comment, and if we find out exactly what's buried within the unassuming update, we'll fill you in right here.
PSA: PS4 firmware out early in Europe
PlayStation Europe has already rolled out the PS4 1.51 firmware update, so continental PS4 owners-to-be can prepared extra early for the console's launch on November 29. As per the 1.5 update that arrived ahead of the North American launch, Europeans can download the 308MB update and store it on a USB stick. When their PS4s (hopefully) arrive on Friday, it's just a matter of copying the file from the USB stick across to the console - and given the strain the PlayStation Network endured last time and the features conferred by the update, it's probably the wise thing to do.
Microsoft pulls offline USB updating instructions for Xbox One [Update: Microsoft responds]
Microsoft pulled its support page that instructed users how to update their Xbox One systems offline using a USB drive. We've included an image of the cached support page above, which is no longer available to view. The Xbox Support page instructed Xbox One owners with a two gigabyte USB stick to download one of two compressed update files to their computers, then unzip them to the root of the USB drive. The process then had owners holding the bind and eject buttons while turning their consoles on, releasing the two buttons once they hear two start-up tones. According to the now-unavailable support page, that last step told the Xbox One to search for an update from a USB drive, a procedure that isn't part of the system's initial booting process. We've contacted Microsoft for comment. Update: A Microsoft spokesperson tells Joystiq that "the site was not an alternative way to take the Day One update and customers still need to connect to Xbox Live for the update. Because of the complexity of this customer support process we've actually removed the page and we will work with customers directly to make sure they have a smooth experience."
Updating an Xbox One with a USB stick is a three-step process
Much like the PS4, prospective Xbox One owners can download the system's day-one update early to a USB stick. The process is listed on Microsoft's support page as an "emergency offline update" procedure, and boils down to a few simple steps. Those looking to update their systems offline will need a USB stick with at least two gigabytes of space on it, and will need to format it as NTFS on their computers. After checking their OS version on their Xbox One consoles, they can then download one of two compressed files to their computer from the Xbox support page, unzip them and copy the contents to the root of the USB stick. Given that the system isn't out yet and players can't check for their OS version, those looking to get a head start on the process will need to account for that missing nugget of information. After setting up their USB stick, the next step is to power off and unplug your Xbox One, plug the power cord back in after 30 seconds then hold the bind and eject buttons while turning the system on. The console will emit two power-up tones after 10-15 seconds, at which point owners can release the two buttons and wait for the system to automatically restart, completing the update process. Microsoft says the button combination forces the console to search for a USB drive update, which isn't the default chain of operations when the Xbox One normally boots up. Check out our living review of the Xbox One for more about the console ahead of its launch on Friday. [Thanks, Dylan!]
PlayStation 4's 1.51 firmware update is live
The PlayStation 4's second firmware update is live and ready to download now, and it looks to be much less significant than the Day 1 update. According to the PS Blog it includes that old (next-gen) chestnut of improved system software stability, as well as minor touch-ups to the user interface that include "clearly indicating when a user downloads a game and a game patch at the same time." We successfully downloaded and installed it this morning, and we'll be looking into any other noticeable refinements or improvements that the update brings.
PS4's first post-launch firmware update brings minor interface tweaks
If you're not keen on downloading more PlayStation 4 firmware in the wake of that giant Day One patch, we have bad news: Sony is already rolling out its first post-launch upgrade this evening. Thankfully, it's a much smaller release this time around. The 1.51 update will both fix a few minor bugs and refine the interface, making it clearer when you're downloading both a game and a patch at the same time. It's not an exciting upgrade, then, but the PS4's automatic downloads at least mean that you won't have to lift a finger to run the latest software.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema camera now supports RAW video for better dynamic range
After releasing its $995 Pocket Cinema Camera last summer with ProRes422 support only as it warned, Blackmagic Design has finally unleashed RAW CinemaDNG video recording with a firmware update. The format losslessly compresses each frame like a .zip file to capture 1080p video from the Super 16mm sensor -- unlike ProRes422, which is a reasonably high quality but more compressed format. That'll preserve the full fidelity of the video stream, letting cinematographers save files with more dynamic range for increased flexibility during color correction. That's not to say that ProRes422 is shabby, as we saw from earlier footage -- but shooters who want RAW in a small form factor now have a way without hacking (and possibly bricking) a Canon DSLR.
Vita 3.00 update goes live, adds PS4 Link
Vita's 3.00 firmware update, which preps the handheld for the PS4's arrival later this month, is live and available to download. The update's major addition is PS4 Link, an app that adds Remote Play and Second Screen connectivity between console and handheld. Similar to the PS3-based feature, Remote Play will let you play "most" PS4 games on your Vita via Wi-Fi. As detailed by Social Media Manager Sid Shuman, it'll work best when the PS4 is connected via ethernet, and when the Vita is in "close proximity" to the Wi-Fi access point. As for testing that out for yourself, without the console the PS4 Link app is just a dirty little tease on the Vita home screen - hold tight until November 15. The other aspect of PS4 Link is the Second Screen feature, which sounds similar but is significantly different. Second Screen lets you access additional content on the Vita screen, maybe a map or some weapon info. It's specifically for games that support it, much like Microsoft's SmartGlass tech for the Xbox 360. Second Screen will also be available on iOS and Android devices via the upcoming PlayStation app.
Nike bringing new features to original Fuelband on November 6th
Worried that your first generation Nike Fuelband would be left in the cold in favor of the revamped model? The sportswear company has announced that early adopters will get a firmware upgrade that'll provide better tracking algorithms, double-tap for the time and sessions support. Of course, since the SE now comes with Bluetooth LE, you won't have total feature parity, but at least it'll save you $150 while you wait for the next one.
Apple releases firmware fix for Toshiba SSDs in 2012 MacBook Airs
Apple has released MacBook Air Flash Storage Firmware Update 1.1. The update can be downloaded by running Software Update on compatible MacBook Airs. The update is for mid-2012 MacBook Airs and will, in most cases, install the new firmware. But the update also checks the reliability of the MacBook Air's drive to save data and if it is found to be faulty, Apple will replace the drive. From the update's release notes: This firmware update is recommended for MacBook Air (mid 2012) models. Apple has discovered that a small percentage of flash storage drives in these MacBook Air models have an issue that may result in data loss. This update tests your drive and, in the majority of cases, installs new firmware to resolve the issue. If your drive cannot be updated, Apple will replace it, free of charge. If your drive is found to be faulty, Apple has detailed how to claim a replacement on the MacBook Air Flash Storage Drive Replacement Program page.
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.
PS3 4.50 firmware update live, auto-downloads available to all users
The latest PS3 firmware update is live, expanding formerly Plus-restricted auto-download features to all PSN users. With this update, you don't need a Plus subscription to toggle on automatic downloads of firmware updates or store purchases. 4.50 firmware also adds the ability to transfer data between a PS3 and Vita via Wi-Fi and ethernet connections - the was previously limited to USB cables. The update also lets you set which group of players (anyone, friends of friends, just friends, or no-one) can see your trophies, and which trophies to show.
Wii U 4.0 firmware update live, puts Wii games on GamePad screen
Nintendo's latest Wii U firmware update is stuffed with additions, including the ability to play Wii games on the GamePad screen - although Wiimotes are still required to control them. The 4.0.0 U update is live, so you can download and install it right now. Standing out among the various features and tweaks is the ability to plug a headset directly into the GamePad for Wii U Chat, and being able to take screenshots and upload them through the Internet browser during gameplay. The 4.0 update also adds USB keyboard support, Surround Sound support for Wii games, the option to automatically download recommended software and demos via SpotPass, and even the ability to view PDF files in the browser, and more besides. Check out the full update notes here.
Cyanogen is now a company, aims to be third major mobile ecosystem
CyanogenMod has grown unusually quickly in the past several months, polishing its custom Android firmware and introducing new services. We now know why the team has been so busy -- it's quietly been operating as a full-fledged company since April. The newly announced Cyanogen Inc., led by Boost Mobile co-founder Kirt McMaster, is devoted solely to building CyanogenMod as a platform. Some of the project's veteran developers are now full-time staff, including Steve Kondik (CTO) and Koushik Dutta (VP of Engineering). Read on to learn what the company has in store, including its hopes of eventually competing on the same level as heavy-hitters like Apple and Google.
CyanogenMod 10.2 nightlies arrive, offer an unofficial taste of Android 4.3
Official Android 4.3 upgrades are currently few and far between, but you won't have to wait for one if you're willing to experiment -- the first CyanogenMod 10.2 nightly builds have arrived. As of this writing, those with Samsung's Captivate, Galaxy S Relay 4G or AT&T Galaxy S III can install the unofficial firmware to take advantage of 4.3's new features. Just be aware that you're taking more risks than usually exist with such firmware; this is an early release of unsanctioned code, after all. If that's no deterrent, the first releases of CyanogenMod 10.2 await at the source link.
