FirmwareUpdate
Latest
PSA: Nintendo 3DS firmware update now live in North America
If your 3DS' home screen is looking a little too cluttered, then today's your lucky day. Nintendo is rolling out the firmware update that adds folders to your folder. (You've gotta fold the console closed, geddit?) The only other change evident so far is a redesigned eShop interface that makes better use of the screen's real estate, but pssh, who cares? It's all about the folders for us.
3DS firmware update promises folders, less cluttered home screens on April 25th
Are all those ambassador games crowding your 3DS' home screen? Sit tight, Nintendo's got a fix. During the outfit's Nintendo Direct conference livestream, head honcho Satoru Iwata announced that folder organization is coming to the 3DS. Fastidiously organized gamers can expect the firmware update to land on April 25th, bringing with it the joy of creating directories, stuffing them with up to 60 items and ascribing them fitting names. Iwata also detailed a handful of upcoming titles, including New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori (or, "Leap out Animal Crossing") for the 3DS and a Kirby compilation for the Wii. Follow the source link below for a full playback of Iwata's spiel, or check out Joystiq's coverage of the event for more details.
Pulled PSP titles restored to the Vita, security holes covered with tape
Seething about the removal of Everybody's Tennis or Motorstorm: Arctic Edge from the PlayStation Store? Relax, Sony's restored both PSP-titles in time for you to play 'em all through the weekend. Of course, both are now neutered (along with the Vita's firmware) so they can't be used to load arch-hacker Wololo's Vita Half-Byte Loader -- but it hardly matters, they've already got another top-secret exploit ready to launch on an unsuspecting world.
Droid 4 gets first official update, better battery life and sluggishness fixes in tow
A promised upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich this is not, but who are we to scoff at fresh software that improves battery life? Per Droid-Life that's exactly what Motorola has in store for the Droid 4 with its first official update -- née 6.13.219. Hitting the airwaves in the coming week, there's more than just longevity tweaks, with a new MotoCast widget, improved WiFi connectivity and fixes pertaining to "sluggishness and blank screen lockups." Time will tell if that'll tide you over until Motorola unleashes Google's latest, but until then, placate yourself by reading more at the source link below.
Canon firmware update for XF camcorders incoming, brings broadcast friendly format along
Still loving your XF video shooter from Canon, but lamenting the lack of 1440 x 1080, 35 mbps HD? Better sit down on your director's chair then, as it looks like a forthcoming firmware update for the series adds exactly this (at both 50i and 60i.) The format is popular with broadcast and news, and no doubt Canon is hoping to broaden the appeal of the XF line by bundling it in -- or smoothing the workflow of existing owners. The update will be available to all four cameras in the range (XF100, XF105, XF300, and XF305,) and you'll be able to start shooting with it from end of May.
PS Vita gets (another) firmware update, free-to-play Montezuma Blitz available now
It's been barely a week since the last one, but Sony's now begun rolling out firmware version 1.67. It's another meaty download, weighing in at just under 100MB, although there's no detail on what it changes -- we're still exploring the update. Following the refresh, you can also pick up the PS Vita's latest free game, Montezuma Blitz, a Bejewelled-style puzzle game. However, it's not the first game to be offered up free on the Vita and some pesky in-game purchases taint that freebie status a little. Both the update and game are available to download on your Vita now.
PlayStation Vita 1.66 firmware update rolling out now, minor UI tweaks in tow
Shortly after unleashing (and quickly pulling back) the PS Vita's v1.65 firmware update, Sony's rapidly rolling out a followup release. Version 1.66 brings with it a few UI tweaks, including tidbits such as the addition of a progress bar during app installs, notification alerts now only popping up for three seconds, plus the option to tap Retry / Cancel when running into troubles during location search. Games like Unit 13 and Gravity Daze will also see "functional improvements," while the Near app is getting a direct link to the PlayStation Store, making it easier to grab apps that other folks are toying with. The refresh is up for grabs now, so be sure to hit that System Software on your quad-core beast, or head over to the source below if you're in need of some guidance.
Android 4.0.4 leaked for Nexus S 4G, lets Sprint users join ICS party
Well, that didn't take long. Sprint may not have opened its own icebox just yet, but thanks to a BriefMobile source, Nexus S 4G owners can snag themselves Ice Cream Sandwich anyway. While there have been previous efforts, BriefMobile says the leak contains the full, official ICS update, which will be delivered to handsets OTA shortly. Of course, if you can't wait the site has full installation instructions. Hit the source link below to get started.
ASUS rolls out firmware update to UK Transformer Primes (update: US, too)
Less than 48 hours after teasing us with promises of upcoming "awesome new features," ASUS is now delivering the refresh to Transformer Primes in the UK. Via its Euro Facebook page, the Taiwanese outfit has announced that all TF201 owners in the United Kingdom can expect to see the OTA update anytime now. With the fresh ICS version, you'll be able to tinker with notifications in the lockscreen, connect to Ethernet via USB (adapter not included) as well as get support for wireless ad hoc mode. Unfortunately, TF101 owners will have to exercise some patience, as ASUS says the update for the elder Transformer is still in the works. Update: According to folks in the comments (and our own Transformer Prime's notification pop-ups) the update is now rolling out stateside. [Thanks, Noah]
Android 4.0.4 rolls out to HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus and GSM Nexus S
Let's just say you have an HSPA+ Samsung Galaxy Nexus (I9250) or a UMTS / GSM Nexus S (I9020). It may behoove you, then, to begin frantically checking your phone to see if any updates are available, because Google has taken to its favorite social network to announce that Android 4.0.4 is rolling out to these devices as well as the Motorola Xoom WiFi, as we reported earlier. This news comes nearly two weeks after we learned from our sources that the Nexus S update was nigh at hand, and only hours after the AOSP became available. This is incredibly exciting for anyone who wasn't able to download ICS on their Nexus S before the update was pulled, and equally thrilling for owners that have been using the version Google disowned since this past December. Heck, it's jubilant enough to make any fan of firmware updates shout with glee. Ready for the asterisk? It's not rolling out to the CDMA counterparts... at least, not yet. It's hard to say what that really means. Are the Verizon Galaxy Nexus and Sprint Nexus S 4G being considered second-class citizens, demoted to as lengthy a wait as the droves of other Gingerbread devices? We're reaching out for word on when (or if) we can expect the refresh to hit these handsets, but Mountain View's lips are shut in the meantime. [image courtesy Mirzet Kadic]
Motorola Xoom WiFi gets first official dibs on Android 4.0.4
Tales of leaked Android 4.0.4 builds have been told for months, and we've even heard whispers of 4.0.5 coming to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus in the very near future. We still haven't seen any official firmware rollouts of either version, until now. Owners of the Motorola Xoom WiFi should be getting their hands on an update to 4.0.4 -- also known as build IMM76 -- any time now. According to an email from Moto announcing the update, the latest refresh offers improved stability, quicker screen rotation, better phone number recognition, camera and image quality improvements, enhancements to Microsoft Exchange and even a new setting that lets you choose whether you want the power button to lock the device immediately or not. If you aren't seeing the update hit yet, Droid-Life has reported that the file is available for download thanks to XDA, but it appears that some users have experienced errors when attempting it. So if you're feeling adventurous and don't want to wait for the OTA download, feel free to give it a shot. You'll need to drag the file into a USB stick, plug it in using a USB host cable and boot your Xoom into stock recovery.
Seagate releases GoFlex Satellite firmware update: improved battery life, WiFi passthrough
There's nothing quite like under-promising and over-delivering, and it seems that we've got just that scenario in the case of this here rumor-turned-reality. After hearing that Seagate was planning to update the firmware on its GoFlex Satellite streaming hard drive, the company has indeed released version 1.3.5.015 today, a 51MB file that makes quite a few succulent changes. For one, it improves battery life (from five hours to seven), and it also "lifts the restriction on the number of devices that can connect to the drive at one time." Lastly (and perhaps most importantly), it provides a pass-through for internet access when connected to the drive. As you'd expect, the new bits and bytes are available gratis, and they can be downloaded there in the source link.
HTC Sense 3.6 preview
It's been nearly four months since the Samsung Galaxy Nexus arrived, bearing the latest version of Google's mobile OS, known to most of us as Android 4.0 or Ice Cream Sandwich. In this span of time, only a handful of smartphones and tablets have been blessed with an upgrade to this iteration. Why? One word: differentiation. The majority of mobile manufacturers are determined to come up with their own brands and tweak the open-source OS to their whimsy as a means of standing out from the rest of the crowd. But doing so involves several months of designing, programming and testing -- for each individual device. Sadly, this means we're left waiting impatiently for most outfits to come out with their own customized skin. Sense 3.6 rolls out to Nordics Stock Android 4.0 review HTC Sensation XE review Since the latest iteration of Android meant a considerable adjustment to the OS' design -- as well as an endless list of new features, bug fixes and other improvements -- the lengthy wait has left us only able to speculate and theorize what types of adjustments HTC will make to its own adaptation of Android's user interface, nicknamed Sense. What's more, it was recently revealed that there would actually be not one but two versions of the UI running on ICS: Sense 4.0, the skin of choice for the One lineup, and 3.6, the option for whichever legacy HTC devices are lucky enough to be on the upgrade list. Even though both run Android 4.0, the two builds look drastically different. We only had a very limited amount of time to spend with the former at MWC, but we were given the opportunity to experience the latter on a Sensation XE. Now we can finally have our questions answered at long last: how will HTC integrate ICS into its Sense UI? How different will it look and feel? What features will the company dish up or throw in the trash? Uncover the mysteries with us as we offer an extensive preview of Sense 3.6 after the break.
Samsung Galaxy S II (GT-I9100) to get ICS on March 10th (update: recalled)
Two days. That's the amount of time remaining for you, dear Samsung Galaxy S II owner, before the long-awaited upgrade to Android 4.0 -- the dessert known as Ice Cream Sandwich -- becomes readily available for your device through Kies. Naturally, this is going to be adorned with Sammy's TouchWiz UI, and it's only going to be ready on the GT-I9100 (global version) for now. According to the notes, we can expect to see Face Unlock, Android Beam and data usage included, and multitasking and some apps will be improved. We're sure this is just the tip of the feature iceberg, however. Curiously, the site specifies that because of "ICS OS feature," Flash and Bluetooth 3.0 HS won't be supported. The update will come to individual carriers and their own GSII variants eventually, after a hefty amount of testing on their end, but at least this -- combined with HTC's rollout of Sense 3.6 to the Nordic countries today -- means the ICS ball is officially rolling for custom skins. Let's just hope it's going down a steep hill. If you happen to be packing a GT-I9100, be sure to check the links below for the full set of instructions, and let us know what you find. [Thanks, Argel and Roger] Update: Samsung's just tweeted that March 10th date is (sadly) wrong. It added that once the upgrade schedule is concrete, it'll confirm through its dedicated Twitter account.
HTC rolls out Sense 3.6 to the Nordics, Sensation users get first crack at ICS
That's right, folks, HTC is finally rolling out Sense 3.6 -- Ice Cream Sandwich for HTC's "legacy devices" -- in a limited campaign. Who are the lucky folks to be among the first to enjoy the upgrade? Owners of the Sensation and Sensation XE in the Nordic countries, it turns out. We first heard about the rollout on XDA, but have now received the official confirmation directly from HTC headquarters; according to the Taiwanese manufacturer, "broader availability will come later this month." That definitely lines up with what the company's told us before, but we're glad to see it reaching out to users earlier -- even if it's in limited quantities. We hope the rollout goes smoothly and prompts HTC to begin pushing it out to the rest of the world. Fingers crossed.Note: As always, if you meet the criteria listed above and haven't seen the update arrive yet, don't panic -- these things take time to get to everyone.
Motorola's MOTOACTV gets software update March 9th, brings 40 new fitness activities into the fold
Late last year, Motorola announced its MOTOACTV device for fitness fanatics. Since then, the wrist-mounted gadget got a firmware update for better battery life, and on March 9th it's getting another fresh dose of code that brings even more functionality. The update adds 40 new custom activities including yoga, handball, skiing and dancing, so you can track all your fitness endeavors individually. The new code also allows users to activate the display with a flick of the wrist (instead of pressing the power button) and configure WiFi connections right on the device. Not a moment too soon, Moto, summer's closing in and this should help us get that beach (as opposed to blogger) body we've always wanted.
Apple addresses issue with iPhone 4S on China Mobile
Here's a strange story for you: Apple has worked with China Mobile to resolve issues with the iPhone 4S on the Chinese carrier's network. What's strange about that? China Mobile doesn't officially carry the iPhone 4S... Electronista is reporting that some 4S users cannot activate SIM cards or make calls with a full signal. The issues appear to be due to the iPhone 4S only supporting the GSM P band (885 - 915 MHz) and not the E band (880 - 890 MHz), both of which are in use by China Mobile. The P band is primarily used for outdoor use, while E is designed for indoor areas -- train stations, conventions centers, and the like. When China Mobile users move into an area without P coverage, they still see full signal strength, but the connection is dropped. According to China Mobile, Apple has updated all iPhone 4S devices built after February 8th, 2012 to work properly with their network. China Mobile is also saying that Apple is planning to issue a firmware update for earlier 4S devices in the next few weeks. Penn-Olson reported that there are some 15 million unofficial iPhone users on the China Mobile network at this point -- people who love their carrier so much that they're willing to run the iPhones on a system that doesn't give them 3G service. China Mobile expects to become China's third iPhone carrier soon, and is hoping to build a 4G LTE network that may be useful with the next generation of iPhone.
Apple releases EFI firmware updates for 2011 Macs, crushes bugs
If you're anything like us, your inner-geek revels in hearing rare system beeps while holding down obscure key combos that only occur while updating low-level firmware. While much of those theatrics have since disappeared in the modern era, those of you with 2011 iMacs, Mac Minis, MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs can at least relive some of that nostalgia as you update them to their latest respective EFI firmwares. There's four versions (one for each machine, naturally), yet Apple tells us they all address the same underlying problems, including improving "the reliability of booting from the network" in addition to addressing "an issue that can prevent HDCP authentication" after reboots. Finally, there's improvements pertaining to "boot device selection when a USB storage device is hot-plugged." Direct links to the respective support pages are below, or those seeking to avoid guesswork can simply go on ahead and fire up Software Update. Your call.
ICS update for Eee Pad Transformer delayed (again) until March
Promises, promises. That's what ASUS has been feeding those of you who choose to brazenly call the OG Transformer your slate of preference. In the past couple of months we were told to expect the ICS refresh in "early February," before quickly slipping a couple of weeks. Needless to say, that time has passed and although the update was said to be under the G-Men microscope waiting for approval, ASUS is bearing bad news again. Via its Singapore Facebook page, the outfit now says the TF101 tab will be ready to taste the latest Android goodie "within the Feb / March 2012 period." Naturally, customers aren't taking the news lightly and have taken the likes complaints to the status update. You can feel free to join 'em by hitting up the source link below.
ASUS delays Ice Cream Sandwich for Transformer, aims for 'Feb / March 2012' release
Looks like that Google approval's taking a little longer than expected. ASUS just announced that the Android 4.0 update for its first Transformer tablet now likely to land between now and next month. We've just inched over the mid-February deadline last offered up by the company and this new, vaguer release date arrives from ASUS's Singapore arm. The Ice Cream Sandwich-flavored refresh will be sent over-the-air; that is, when it finally arrives on the keyboard-courting slab.
