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Galaxy S III Android 4.2.2 firmware leaked, adds several S 4 features (video) (update: international model)
Samsung didn't stray far from its comfort zone when designing the Galaxy S 4, and now a leaked build of Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean for the S III makes it even harder to distinguish the older flagship from the newer one. The folks at SamMobile got their mitts on a test firmware build and, better yet, have combed through it to see what's new. As you may know, the S 4 ships with 4.2.2 under a TouchWiz layer, so it's not surprising to hear most of the features new to this S III build are on the S 4 already: an updated version of S Voice, more lock screen options / unlock effects, new display modes, a redesigned settings interface, voice control, and more. SamMobile has put together a video walkthrough of the build (embedded below), and you'll find an expanded changelog and software screenshots at the source link. Apparently, the firmware "works perfectly," so if you'd rather not wait through the (often lengthy) carrier approval process, you can download it for your S III right now (flashing required, of course). Update: This is for the international model of the GS III (i9300).
Canon 5D Mark III now captures 24 fps RAW video thanks to Magic Lantern firmware add-on (update: Mark II also)
It's no secret that Canon's 5D Mark III is the go-to DSLR for videographers the world over, but things are about to become a whole lot more interesting. The people behind Magic Lantern have successfully coaxed the 5D Mark III into shooting 24 fps RAW video at resolutions up to 1,920 x 820 pixels using 1000x speed cards. If you're not familiar with Magic Lantern, it's an open source firmware add-on that brings additional functionality to Canon EOS cameras. The ability to capture RAW video at 24 fps improves dynamic range and resolution -- it also provides extra flexibility during post-production. According to the team at Magic Lantern, more work is required before the feature is ready to be deployed. So until then, you're invited to follow the via link below and watch the RAW vs. H.264 videos after the break, or if you're feeling brave, check the source for download locations. Update: We just received news from Magic Lantern that Canon's Mark II is now also a go for 24 fps with the new firmware. Nic from the development team said "After some further testing it is clear the older, cheaper Mark II should be able to record at least resolutions of 1880x840 in full-frame mode (with line skipping)."
Apple issues stability fix firmware update v1.2 for Thunderbolt
Have a Mac equipped with Thunderbolt? Then head on over to your friendly neighborhood Mac App Store this morning, click on Updates and get yourself a nice firmware update. Firmware update v1.2 for Thunderbolt "provides stability fixes for Thunderbolt and Target Disk Mode" and requires a machine restart. If the update hasn't made it to the Mac App Store yet, you can also download it from the Apple Support Pages.
Canon 5D Mark III firmware update enables improved AF, uncompressed HDMI output
If your camera arsenal includes a 5D Mark III, prepare to get your download on. Earlier today, Canon released a major firmware update for the hit DSLR -- version 1.2.1 enables clean, uncompressed HDMI output with simultaneous LCD display and recording to CF or SD cards, along with cross-type autofocus for apertures as small as f/8, bringing that aspect of AF capability in line with the EOS-1D X. You'll be able to take advantage of improved autofocus performance even when using an f/5.6 lens with a 1.4x extender, or an f/4 lens with a 2x extender. On the video front, version 1.2.1 will let you boot an uncompressed YCbCr 4:2:2 feed to an external recorder, enabling your pick of codecs and frame rates, while also eliminating arbitrary limits on record time. The free download, available for recent versions of Mac OS and Windows, is yours for the taking at the source link below.
Wii U system update 3.0 released, adds automatic background installing and more
Nintendo has launched a system software update for the Wii U, adding a new standby function to "download and install software while the system is powered off" and automatic background installation of eShop downloads. The new software – bringing the Wii U to version 3.0 – also makes system setting changes, which include the ability to "transfer and/or copy between two USB storage devices" and "to select multiple software titles when transferring, copying, or deleting data." The Miiverse channel now supports the Wii Remote, Wii U Pro Controller and the Wii Classic Controller. The complete list of changes, some of which improve "stability and usability," can be found after the break.
PS3 4.4.1 minor firmware update out today
Just a quick heads-up the PS3's rolling out an apparently petite firmware update today. According to Sony, the 4.4.1 update, which we've just downloaded, improves that age-old matter of system stability. We did think our PS3 was looking a bit unhinged this morning.
OUYA firmware update lets gamers change their payment info
OUYA vowed a steady stream of updates to its inaugural console on the road to a June retail launch, and it just released one of the more important examples. Among other fixes, the inconspicuously titled 1.0.193 firmware upgrade lets customers change their credit card info after they've created an account -- rather vital to anyone who has to swap cards in the wake of identity theft, or who just wants to gift an account to a friend. While few owners beyond the earliest adopters will fully appreciate the change, it's good to know that there shouldn't be a payment panic when OUYA units arrive in force.
Sony Xperia Tablet S Jelly Bean update starts tomorrow afternoon
After months of treading water with Ice Cream Sandwich, the Xperia Tablet S is finally being blessed with a taste of Jelly Bean. Starting tomorrow between the hours of 9AM - 10AM PT, Sony will begin rolling out Android 4.1.1 to its second-gen slate in the US, Canada and Latin America. While release details are scarce, the company stated that it will issue a changelog alongside the update. Though Jelly Bean is likely on its way to becoming yesterday's news, at least Sony is keeping its promise and that's gotta count for something, right?
Ouya firmware update allows credit card changes
Good news for Ouya Kickstarter backers (and anyone planning to buy a retail unit in June), a new firmware update will let you change your payment options. Previously, credit card information was locked into the associated Ouya account once it was entered. Now, users may change their credit card information at any time under account settings in the Manage menu.The Ouya recently began shipping to Kickstarter backers as part of a public preview period, and today's update irons out one of the kinks cited in our review of the console's current state.
Wii U Spring System Update coming next week
Nintendo's Wii U will receive its Spring System Update sometime next week, president Satoru Iwata announced during this morning's Nintendo Direct event. The firmware update adds several quality of life improvements to the system, including improved load times when changing between software, or returning to the main Wii U menu. Also included is the Wii U Virtual Console.Additionally, users will now be able to transfer data between USB drives and install background-downloaded software while playing other games. Installed software also has the ability to automatically download and install updates, without requiring the user to run the software first. Furthermore, the Wii U will now continue to download and install software while the system is powered down. You'll also be able to hold "B" at start-up to boot directly into Wii mode, if you're into that sort of thing.
PebbleOS 1.10 supports third-party watch faces, sorts out iOS issues
Pebble has been on a rapid cadence with smartwatch updates to justify those crowdfunded dollars, and it's not letting up just because watch shipments are well underway. PebbleOS 1.10 has arrived with support for custom watch faces built using the matching (and newly available) SDK. The revamp will be especially helpful for iOS users -- we see several fixes for crashes, permissions and power in store. Everyone gets options to disable backlighting and vibrations in certain conditions, too. As such, there's every reason to fire up the Pebble app for an upgrade, even if it's just for some visual variety. [Thanks, Uday]
Nokia outs firmware for Lumia 620, 820 and 920 for better touch, camera action
Owners of Nokia's Lumia 620, 820 and 920 are getting some firmware joy as the Swedish Finnish firm just released a new update for the Windows Phone 8 handsets. It'll bring improved auto screen brightness / touch screen functionality, camera fixes, enhanced Bluetooth headset functionality and numerous performance and stability enhancements, according to Nokia. You can expect to see it rollout "over the coming weeks," but may able to force the issue by selecting "phone update" from the settings. Check the source for more. Update: Nokia's Scandinavian Nordic but it sure ain't Swedish. Thanks to all who pointed it out.
PS Vita v2.1 system update cleans up the home screen
PS Vita owners will find a new firmware update awaiting them tonight, rolling over the system to version 2.1. Chief among changes is the ability to add and drop shortcuts into folders, for obsessed organizers looking to clear the clutter on their home screen. Your customized layout can then be saved to the memory card.Some videos can be viewed in the browser with v2.1, though a memory card is required for this feature – only certain videos supported. Email has been tweaked too, and PS Plus members can update PlayStation Mobile software and upload game save data automatically to the cloud through 3G. Finally, a new mute feature in v2.1 lets you automatically silence your PS Vita speakers and pause your music when a headset isn't in use.
PlayStation Vita's firmware update 2.10 adding folders, enhanced video playback
Tired of all those messy icons cluttering up your PlayStation Vita's home screen? Sony's providing a solution in its next update, firmware version 2.10, which enables folders of up to 10 items to be organized on the screen. That means you could potentially take those 100 max applications allowed and stuff them all into folders on the home screen, effectively condensing your various home screens from 10 to one. The rest of the update isn't so thrilling -- namely, being able to identify which memory card you've got in the device, some email app enhancements, and video support which "allows you to play video within the browser." There're a few more minor tweaks, which we've included in the list past the jump -- a complete list of updates in gritty detail will show up here when the update goes live at some point "later this evening."
Google posts Android 4.2.x factory images for Sprint and Verizon Galaxy Nexus models
Many would call the HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus the only true Nexus of its era. Still, Google is willing to treat the CDMA versions as equals, and it just posted factory images with the latest available Jelly Bean builds for those devices. Anyone with a Verizon model can now flash with Android 4.2.2 if their existing OS install ever goes awry; Sprint users aren't quite on an equal plane, but do get a 4.2.1 image to work from. Relevant driver binaries are also available. Whether you're a custom ROM creator looking for a starting point or just want a fallback for any risky experiments, the relevant source links should have what you need.
Pebble 1.9.1 firmware update arrives to resolve shutdown woes
Some Pebble owners were understandably perturbed when their smartwatches seemingly went dead after a shutdown -- that's not the best first impression of an emerging technology. Some credit is due for a rapid turnaround, however, as the Pebble team just delivered a 1.9.1 firmware upgrade that should tackle the problem. It fixes a bug that occasionally prevented the microcontroller from reconfiguring itself before the watch went dark, leaving the buttons unresponsive on wake and the Pebble more of a paperweight. You'll still have to swap out for a replacement if your watch has already fallen ill and won't recover, but the experience should be more reliable for already functional watches from here on out. Let fellow owners know how well the upgrade worked in the comments. [Thanks, Daniel]
Nintendo 3DS update moves your saves from retail games to downloads
Let's say you bought a pair of cartridge-based games to go with your Nintendo 3DS, but you're embracing our all-digital future and want to replace them with downloadable copies. You won't have to toss all your game progress at the same time: a newly available 3DS firmware update includes a tool to move save files from a retail copy to its downloadable version. The transfer is strictly one-way, though, so there's no falling back for gaming Luddites. Nintendo offers a bonus if you're fully in step with the online world, though -- background downloads can now start just by closing the lid while the eShop is running. Both elements of the update are simple on the surface, but they could go a long way in helping us ditch a legacy of plastic game libraries.
PS3 4.40 firmware goes live, improves system stability
A PS3 firmware update rolled out this morning, very much out of the blue. It's maybe not surprising, then, the update is apparently minor, at least based on PS Japan's synopsis.According to that, the 4.40 firmware's main features are improvements to system stability, and updates relating to the Sony RC-S380 card reader device and its compatibility with the PS3. As soon as we have full details on the update, we'll let you know.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Apple issues SMC update to MacBook Pro with Retina display, fixes fan issue
In addition to the OS X 10.8.3 update, Apple has also issued an update for the Retina MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro Retina SMC Update v1.1 update addresses two major issues owners have been complaining about, including a rare issue where users may experience slow frame rates when playing graphics-intensive games on the 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display. Perhaps most importantly Apple says the update addresses the fan speed issue we reported on earlier this week. It also includes bug fixes for Power Nap and wake from sleep. MacBook Pro users can access the update via Software Update.
Wii U system update improves overall stability, big feature update coming in April
The Wii U received another firmware update this week, albeit an apparently minor one ahead of a larger feature update, which Nintendo says is coming in April. This update, for firmware version 2.1.3 U, brings "further improvements to overall system stability."The larger feature update, which Nintendo previously announced for this spring, will bring Virtual Console support to the console, launching with a selection of NES and SNES games.
