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Apple releases MacBook Pro firmware update to fix battery issues
Apple has released the MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.7. The update addresses a very specific issue owners of the MacBook Pro (15- and 17-inch models, Early 2011) and MacBook Pro (15- and 17-inch models, Mid 2010) were having. Though rare, the issue would cause the laptops to unexpectedly shut down or stop functioning after more than 1,000 battery charge cycles. The firmware update can be downloaded through Software Update on the select models, or users can download it directly here. Last month Apple released the MacBook Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.6, which addressed a similar issue on other models.
Apple issues new AirPort and Time Capsule firmware, Airport Utility
It's a banner day for updates to all things AirPort. Apple has released version 7.6.3 of its AirPort Base Station and Time Capsule firmware, along with version 6.2 of the AirPort Utility for OS X 10.7.5 and later. The updated AirPort Base Station and Time Capsule firmware brings with it the ability to extend Guest WiFi on networks featuring multiple Base Station units. It also lets you add WPS-capable WiFi printers and adds support for additional countries. It's compatible with all 802.11n AirPort Extreme, AirPort Express and Time Capsule devices. Apple recommends having AirPort Utility 5.6 or later installed on your computer before performing the firmware update. Speaking of AirPort Utility, it's been bumped up to version 6.2 to add the necessary settings for configuring the aforementioned Guest WiFi and WPS printer capabilities. Hit Software Update to download both it and the new firmware. Hat tip to Wheat Williams!
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]
Rough hack converts an Optimus G to a Nexus 4, minus the constant sellouts
It's almost a truism to say that the Nexus 4 is near impossible to buy, at least for those who don't want to pay a carrier premium. G33k3r, Rohan32 and others at XDA-Developers may just save us from camping at the Google Play storefront through a new software hack. Their work converts an LG Optimus G's firmware to that of an 8GB Nexus 4 by swapping every LG-customized software element with a Nexus 4 parallel. The nearly identical hardware makes for a very close rendition, at least if you discount the unavoidable design differences. If anything, the work is almost too faithful: the current hack turns off LTE, caps the internal storage at 8GB and even requires using Nexus 4 firmware for future upgrades. It's possible to revert to LG's code if there's jitters, but it goes without saying that the overall procedure carries more than the usual share of risk when even familiar ROM flashers are warned to be careful. Anyone who throws caution (and the price of an Optimus G) to the wind can find their stock Android experience at the source. [Thanks, Greg]
Apple releases EFI Firmware Update 2.6 for mid-2012 MacBook Air
Apple has released an EFI Firmware Update 2.6 for mid-2012 MacBook Air models. The update fixes several annoying bugs that have been reported in Apple's online help discussion forums. From Apple's knowledge base article: About MacBook Air EFI Firmware Update 2.6 This update is recommended for MacBook Air (mid 2012) models. This update fixes a color issue with HDMI displays connected to MacBook Air, resolves an issue with Windows which can prevent MacBook Air from booting properly, and also resolves an issue where unplugging a Thunderbolt device may cause the system to freeze when waking from standby. As usual, the EFI firmware update weighs in at a tiny 4.76 MB. Be sure you have your MacBook Air plugged into its power supply when installing the update. Users can download the update via Software Update or by downloading it here.
Nokia to lock down access to Navifirm and early firmware images later this month
There's some potentially bad news for Nokia users who were willing to dabble in untamed firmware releases via the company's online repository. Navifirm, which has inadvertently offered several early glimpses of updates for Nokia hardware, will shutter open access to its firmware repository at the end of the month. Starting in February, the system will require a "Nokia Online" login for access to both application and device software downloads. The brief announcement doesn't detail whether this would involve a standard Nokia account or something else, but it might mean fewer previews -- and a slightly longer wait for subsequent (and official) Lumia updates.
Nintendo PSA: update the firmware for that gift Wii U
So you're the very definition of generosity and plan to put a Wii U under the tree for that special someone. Nintendo just provided a helpful tip to keep the kindness going beyond Christmas morning, if it's not too late: update that Wii U's firmware before you wrap the box. Unless the recipients are wired up with Google Fiber, they'll likely face a long wait as that 5GB patch arrives. The process will spoil the unboxing experience, to be sure -- but so does realizing that it's another two hours before anyone can use the eShop and Netflix. Trust us, they'll thank you for it later.
Apple releases 2012 MacBook and iMac firmware updates
Apple has released an EFI firmware update for 2012 iMac and 13-inch MacBook Pro models. The updates are available via Software Update or direct download at the links below. Here are the details: MacBook Pro Retina EFI Update v1.1 This update is recommended for all 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display (late 2012) models. This update improves sleep performance, enhances Thunderbolt router support, fixes an HDMI display issue and improves compatibility when using the 5GHz band in WiFi. Boot ROM or SMC Version Information: After Update is complete: Build version: 0106.03 ROM version: MBP102.88Z.0106.B03.1211161133 File Size: 4.76 MB System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.8.1 and greater, EFI version 0106.01 iMac EFI Update 2.0 This update is recommended for all iMac (late 2012) models. This update contains general performance fixes pertaining to sleep and Thunderbolt and improves compatibility when using the 5GHz band in WiFi. Boot ROM or SMC Version Information: After Update is complete: Build version: 010A.05 ROM version: IM131.88Z.010A.B05.1211151146 File Size: 4.32 MB System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.8.1 and greater, EFI version 010A
Nokia Lumia 920 camera fuzziness getting fixed in PR1.1 update
We're not going to lie. After spending some quality time with several Lumia 920 prototypes in Finland last September, we came away extremely impressed with the PureView-branded camera aboard Nokia's Windows Phone 8 flagship. It's the first handset to feature optical image stabilization -- the floating sensor and lens enable ultra-stable video recording and phenomenal low-light stills. Imagine our disappointment then, when upon receiving our Lumia 920 review units, the shooter failed to live up to our lofty expectations. While the OIS was performing as advertised, most photos we took suffered from an obvious lack of detail, an annoying fuzziness / softness. We reached out to Nokia and it exchanged one of our phones, but to no avail. Compounding matters, we also experienced problems with inconsistent white balance and exposure. The company never confirmed these issues, but hinted that the camera software was still being tweaked. We've been longing for an update ever since. It's time to rejoice, because it looks like something's in the works. This weekend we obtained an exclusive set of identical pictures taken with two Lumia 920 handsets -- one setup with the existing PR1.0 firmware, the other running the upcoming PR1.1 update . Here's the great news: looking at these sample shots (see crop above), it's abundantly clear that Nokia's fixed the camera's fuzziness problem. The not-so-great news is that we're still seeing some issues with white balance. Nokia US recently hinted on Twitter that an update is scheduled "this month" and our source confirms that it's indeed PR1.1. The new software also includes many stability, LTE and web browsing improvements, plus Microsoft's own tweaks (such as declining calls via SMS). We've compiled the images (labeled with the firmware version, ISO and shutter speed) plus some composites (including 1:1 crops) for comparison in the galleries below. The originals (stripped of EXIF data at the request of our source) are available for download right here. %Gallery-173550% %Gallery-173553%
Windows Phone 7.8 for the Nokia Lumia 510, 800 starts lurking on NaviFirm
The appearance of new Nokia firmware on NaviFirm is already enough to pique the interest of owners jonesing for an update, and this time there's especially strong reasons to get fired up: Windows Phone 7.8 upgrades for both the Lumia 510 and 800 have appeared on the servers. While their presence doesn't represent an official rollout, it supports notions that Nokia is edging closer to a deployment and gives those who live dangerously a chance to try 7.8 for themselves. We can't guarantee that phones will survive any unofficial transplants, but we'd love to hear from risk-takers who find something truly new in Microsoft's not-quite-8 release.
Apple fixes HDMI flickering issues with Mac mini EFI Firmware Update
Apple has released EFI Firmware Update 1.7 for the Mac mini, which addresses the frustrating flickering external HDMI monitors bug. From the release notes: About Mac mini EFI Firmware Update 1.7 This update addresses HDMI video flicker issues on Mac mini (Late 2012) computers and is recommended for all users. The Mac mini EFI Firmware Update will update the EFI firmware on your computer. Your computer's power cord must be connected and plugged into a working power source. When your Mac mini restarts, a gray screen will appear with a status bar to indicate the progress of the update. It will take several minutes for the update to complete. Do not disturb or shut off the power on your Mac mini during this update. Mac mini EFI will be updated to 0106.03 The update weighs in at a tiny 4.53 MB and can be downloaded directly from Apple's support pages here or via Software Update in OS X.
Wii U update available now, improves 'system stability'
Relive the thrill of Wii U's day one firmware update today! A new firmware update is available now. "Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience," Nintendo notes.Start downloading it now. "The new system update may take an extended amount of time to download," Nintendo says on its support site. "Depending on the speed of the Internet connection used, it could take an hour or more to download and install, even if you have already downloaded the previous update. Please be patient." We're looking at about 1:56 on our progress bar.Remember: don't unplug your Wii U while this is happening!
Vita 2.01 firmware is live, fixes automatic syncs of PS Plus saves
The 2.01 firmware for PlayStation Vita went live this morning, correcting an error with syncing of PS Plus game saves. According to Sony, 2.01 fixes issues that prevented players from automatically syncing saves of their PS Plus games with cloud storage.Sony introduced PS Plus to Vita with last month's 2.00 firmware update. The Vita games currently available via the North American service are Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Jet Set Radio, Wipeout 2048, Gravity Rush, and Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack!, as well as Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions from the PSP library.
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.
Linux Foundation vet explains setbacks in getting a Secure Boot key for Windows 8 PCs
Linux fans wondering why they still don't have a friendly UEFI Secure Boot option for Windows 8 PCs won't get a solution in hand this week, but they'll at least get an explanation. The Linux Foundation's primary backer for the alternative OS efforts, Parallels' server CTO James Bottomley, has revealed that Microsoft's requirements for signed, Secure Boot-ready code are tough if developers aren't entirely onboard its train of thought. The Redmond crew demands a paper contract signature (remember those?), agreements on work beyond the relevant software and a packaging process that complicates attempts to use open-source tools. Bottomley has already overcome most of these challenges, although he's still waiting for a Linux Foundation-specific key that should theoretically clear a major hurdle. Whether or not that leads to a remedy in days or weeks is up to Microsoft; in the meantime, we'll take comfort in knowing that a signature is so far a convenience for booting into Linux, rather than a necessity.
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.
Report: Wii U dies if power cut during massive firmware update
We'll get this out of the way first: Do not unplug or turn off any console when it is performing a firmware update.Unplugging the Wii U during the day-one firmware update might brick the console for good, LA Times film and video game industry journalist Ben Fritz reports on Twitter. Fritz says he unplugged his Wii U 15 minutes into the update, when the progress bar said it would take two hours to finish, and his console is now completely busted. There was no "cancel" option, Fritz says.A few people on Twitter have chimed in with their own update horror stories, with one saying the connection timed out during the update and another claiming Nintendo support told him to unplug the Wii U for 15 seconds, both scenarios ending with bricks. The Wii U's sizable update will take a while to process, of course expanding the chances of something going wrong. Nintendo has not confirmed the update's actual size.Nintendo of America warns Wii U owners, "please do not power down or unplug your system while downloading updates. Doing so may cause damage to your Wii U."In the spirit of Fritz's Twitter avatar, remember: If you unplug your Wii U during a firmware update, you're gonna have a bad time.
Vita firmware 2.00 makes web browser faster, usable in-game
Today's Vita firmware update is giving the system's web browser a speed boost, as well as making it usable in-game. We knew the browser's due enhancements in the 2.00 update, but Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida shed further light on Twitter today.The browser becomes a "small app," said Yoshida, meaning it can be used without quitting a game. That's vital for when you're stuck and need a walkthrough, not that we ever have of course, cough splutter. Yoshida also noted browsing is faster in 2.00 firmware.The biggest deal with 2.00 is the introduction of PlayStation Plus for Vita. The first batch of Instant Game Collection freebies arrives tomorrow, with six Vita games added including the likes of Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Jet Set Radio, Wipeout 2048, and Gravity Rush.
Vita firmware 2.00 includes new email app, wireless content transfer
November 19 doesn't just mark the arrival of PlayStation Plus – and Gravity Rush at no additional price – to the PlayStation Vita. It also means software update 2.00, which includes much more exciting content than the usual, ever-present Sony software updates.A new email app supports Gmail, Yahoo, and other unspecified email providers. You can now connect wirelessly to a PC to transfer Vita content (finally!). The browser and video apps have been updated as well, to enable playback of 1080p videos (but not in 1080p), tweeting of URLs from within the browser, and improved website display. Check out all the new additions in this video.
Sprint updates Samsung Galaxy Note II with Multi-Window feature
Multi-Window is a key feature for the Samsung Galaxy Note II because it adds split-screen functionality to the device's 5.5-inch display -- allowing you to run two apps at the same time -- but unfortunately it has been noticeably absent on the phone's US versions. Until today, the carriers have remained oddly silent about if or when their model would even receive it. Two weeks after its initial release, Sprint's Note II will receive an update (L900VPALJC) that enables the missing feature, in addition to some minor enhancements to GPS, email and SMS. We're expecting to see the rollout start today, but Sprint advises us that it may take up to five days before it hits your particular unit. It's about time -- and we can only hope that the other carriers will follow up with updates fairly quickly. Head to the source link to find out how to install the update, as well as full details on the other fixes in the new build.
