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EVE Evolved: Temporarily fixing starbases
With its exploration-focused Odyssey expansion on the way, EVE Online is about to be hit with a deluge of players (new and old) venturing into the unknown. The expansion will introduce the yet-to-be-revealed Discovery Scanner and will add a ton of new exploration content all across New Eden. Odyssey aims to follow the lead of 2009's Apocrypha expansion, which saw hundreds of corporations lead lucrative expeditions into uncharted wormhole systems. We don't yet know whether the expansion will open new systems for exploration, but when Odyssey goes live, the race will be on to find and lay claim to all the goodies hidden in deep space. With no stations to dock at in wormhole space, corps currently have to store everything in destructible starbases that aren't really up to the task. Player-owned starbases were released in 2004 as sandbox-style tools for tech 2 industry and alliance territorial warfare. They were never intended to be the sole base of operations for an entire corporation, so they suffer from some pretty severe security and usability flaws as a result. Theft from ship and item hangars in wormhole space is commonplace, setting up corp roles for them is a nightmare, and living exclusively in a starbase provides a daily dose of frustration players could seriously do without. CCP has been planning to completely overhaul player-owned starbases for years, but some of today's issues can't afford to wait any longer. In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at some of the chronic problems faced by starbase-dwelling explorers and how CCP plans to temporarily fix some of them for Odyssey.
Defiance team prioritizing fixes for crashes, lag
The excitement, fun, chaos, and occasional frustration that swirls around every MMO launch is squarely on Defiance's shoulders this week, so Trion Worlds Executive Producer Nathan Richardsson is back with a follow-up to yesterday's post to discuss what the team is currently addressing. Richardsson says that the team has to be agile and that its priorities change on a daily basis. Because of this, today's critical issues are different from yesterday's; the team is working on game server crashes, lag, patching woes, and client crashes. He promised that yesterday's issues were still being worked on, just that these were more important for the time being. He did say that console account linking with the Arkhunter website should be resolved, and that the team's already put out a couple of patches in the last 24 hours with another one on the way to make the play experience more smooth.
Apple says iOS 6.1 Exchange bug will be zapped in 'upcoming release'
Apple's iOS and Microsoft Exchange Server have been cronies for quite awhile now, but since iOS 6 there's been some issues. The latest rift is a version 6.1 recurring calendar event bug that causes "excessive communication" if you respond to an exception error. Cupertino's identified the problem and says a fix is incoming, though it didn't specify exactly when -- and iOS 6.1.1 just hit devices to fix network connectivity issues, so it may not be imminent. Meanwhile, Apple advises that you not respond to the exception and to disable, then enable any Exchange calendars that run amok -- which should keep you BYOD-ing in the interim.
Oracle releases v11 fix for zero-day Java security flaw
Oracle has released an official fix for the Java security flaw that was reported by CERT (the Computer Emergency Readiness Team) on January 11. Shortly after the flagging by CERT, Apple took steps to disable the Java plug-in on all Macs running OS X 10.6 or later by amending the XProtect malware/minimum versions file. Users who want to re-enable a secure, working version of Java can download the update here. The update is recommended for users on all operating systems including Windows and Linux. Of course, if you don't need to be running a Java VM for a specific reason, your most secure path is to not have it installed. At a minimum, you might consider TJ's reasonable advice and reserve your browser-centric Java activities to a single-site browser like Fluid.app, or simply leave Java disabled for browser access most of the time and only turn it on when specifically required. From the release notes, Oracle states: "Due to the severity of these vulnerabilities, the public disclosure of technical details and the reported exploitation of CVE-2013-0422 'in the wild,' Oracle strongly recommends that customers apply the updates provided by this Security Alert as soon as possible." Apple no longer distributes its own version of Java for Macs running OS X 10.7 or higher. Oracle is now directly responsible for producing and updating the Mac JRE package, as it does for other mainstream operating systems.
Samsung working on fix for 'sudden death' bug affecting some Galaxy S III owners
If you own a Galaxy S III that appears to have suffered some form of cardiac arrest, failing suddenly for no apparent reason, Samsung is aware of the problem, and is working on a fix. The issue, being referred to in the forums as "sudden death," seems to be relatively rare: a Samsung spokesperson told Tweakers that the problem affects "only a very limited number" of devices. So far, we know the problem applies to users running the stock software, as well as custom ROMs. For whatever reason, too, these defective models are all 16GB variants, according to Samsung. In any case, Sammy says it will push out a firmware update to correct the problem, though the company hasn't said when that patch will be ready. [Thanks, Zhewei]
Former CCP exec aims to create a fitness MMO [Updated]
In probably one of the most ironic paradoxes of all time, someone is making an MMO to help people "reduce sedentary behavior and live more active, energetic lives." Actually, the idea isn't so far-fetched; it aims to integrate the powerful social aspect of staying fit with a game that lets you compete against others in a massively multiplayer environment. By completing certain "micro-physical challenges" throughout the day, a player can earn achievements while becoming healthier. Known as UtiliFIT, the game is an upcoming MMO created by former CCP North America president and former White Wolf CEO Mike Tinney, who has secured "one source of seed round funding" from BVM Capital and hopes to release an early playable beta version later this month. [Source: FIX press release] [Update: We've clarified the type of funding received by the developers.]
PSA: Microsoft says freezing issues associated with latest dash update have been fixed
Earlier today, Xbox Live's official status page noted that some users were reporting issues with their Xbox 360 consoles following the latest system update, claiming the platform would lock up when navigating to the dashboard. Xbox Support said the team would investigate the issue and release a fix soon. It appears that issue has been remedied.The Xbox Live Status page has been updated, removing a mention of the issue and Microsoft has told Joystiq that, while there was a little issue, it has now been completely fixed. Still having issues? Let us know in the comments below.[Thanks, Anthony!]
Google hustles Android 4.2.1 onto Nexus devices to give you December back
With the rollout of a major OS upgrade like Android 4.2, we can imagine it's easy to forget something, but Google's omission of the entire month of December in the People app was certainly a doozy. The beauty of the Nexus program is that Google can rectify little issues like that post-haste, however, and Mountain View has now rolled out Jelly Bean 4.2.1, a small update that adds back that all-too-important month. So far, Nexus 4 and 10 users have reported getting the update, according to XDA Developers, though there's no evidence yet of any other fixes. Check your Nexus device (or the source) to see if it's arrived in time for, you know. Update: Looks as if the Nexus 7 is a go, too!
Minecraft XBLA bug extermination adds Golden Apples, Pumpkin Seeds
Minecraft XBLA's Adventure Update 1.8.2 is live and kicking, probably because it's fending off nasty, blocky bugs. The 1.8.2 Bug Fix Title Update doesn't have a release date yet, but it contains dozens of fixes and adds recipes for Golden Apples and Golden Pumpkin Seeds. Fixes include chest lids not working correctly, glass panes and iron fence hitbox problems, tools taking damage in creative mode, and many more. Hit the break for the complete list.4J Studios provides more insight on its Twitter feed, adding that the Golden Apples and Pumpkin Seeds are crafted with gold ingot for now, but gold nuggets are on their way and the recipe will use those once they're in-game. Additionally, players will eventually be able to climb vines, and the next update will add villagers.In other mining news, sales of Minecraft XBLA's Halloween Skin Pack (again, that sounds pretty gross) raised more than $500,000 in under two weeks for the four charities chosen by Mojang, 4J Studios and Microsoft Studios: Block by Block, SANDS Lothians, Child's Play and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Google patches SVG and IPC exploits in Chrome, discoverer banks $60,000 in the process
Google revels in hacking contests as ways of testing Chrome's worth. Even if the browser is compromised, the failure provides a shot at fixing an exploit under much safer circumstances than an in-the-wild attack. No better example exists than the results of Google's Pwnium 2 challenge in Malaysia: the company has already patched vulnerabilities found in the contest that surround SVG images and IPC (inter-process communication) before they become real problems. Staying one step ahead of truly malicious hackers carries a price, however. Pwnium 2 winner Pinkie Pie -- yes, Pinkie Pie -- is being paid $60,000 in prize money for catching the exploits. That may be a small price to pay if it reassures a few more Internet Explorer users looking to hop the fence.
Microsoft confirms Flash vulnerability fix for Internet Explorer 10 coming soon
Microsoft has just announced that it will be providing security patches for the Windows 8 IE10-specific version of Flash, despite the software giant initially suggesting it wouldn't. The patch will be available "shortly," and hints at a return to the update cycles of old. More significantly, as ZDNet points out, unless Microsoft coordinates these releases with Adobe, there could be a constant cycle of IE10 being vulnerable in the future. On a positive note, the fix should be released before Windows 8 goes prime time, but for those who jumped on board early, you might want to keep one eye locked on the update page, and get it when it lands.
Fisker confirms Q&A outlining Karma woes and fixes, may establish council to talk issues in person
Fisker has had more than its fair share of teething troubles with the Karma, but it has to be given credit for going out of its way to listen to early adopters. The hybrid car builder has confirmed to Autoblog that a question and answer session making the rounds is the official result of town hall discussions that have both acknowledged problems and promised fixes where they're possible. The answers we've been given are a mix of sober realities and practical remedies. Drivers hoping for outright hardware upgrades to improve performance with existing Karmas will have to keep wishing; thankfully, a host of firmware fixes are on the way to improve at least the sedan's Command Center system and mirrors. PR lead Roger Ormisher even hints that there could be an in-person council that would tackle concerns more directly than the remote pep talks. We're mostly hoping for the day when Fisker stamps out the bugs and doesn't need the Q&A to put Karma owners' minds at ease.
Persona 4 Arena patched on 360, XBL problems eradicated
Good news, everyone! The exceedingly laggy network play pervasive in the Xbox 360 version of Persona 4 Arena has been corrected in record time. The corrective patch is currently live and players will be prompted to update the game as soon as they load P4A up on a Live-enabled Xbox.Joystiq's preliminary testing indicates that the issue has indeed been solved, as all matches played synchronized quickly and were virtually indistinguishable from the game's offline framerate and performance. Unfortunately, this also means that we can no longer blame our devastating losses on performance issues.
Apple TV software beta 4 released to developers, addresses Photo Stream and control issues
Right alongside iOS 6 beta 4, Apple has also pushed out beta 4 software for its Apple TV -- useful for "testing AirPlay for iOS apps," according to the company. Not surprising, actually, considering that a bit of the polish from the former relied on updates to the latter. It's available as we speak to registered developers, and it promises to fix a number of niggles involving restarts while using the Remote app, the wrong resolution being displayed on one's HDTV, and a Photo Stream quirk that prevented some images from loading. The bullet-point breakdown is hosted up after the break.
Nissan pins Leaf's WattStation charging woes on a software bug, works on a fix
GE and Nissan had previously ruled out GE's WattStation as the cause of a few Leaf charging failures, and that story of EV tragedy looks to be winding to a close with a more definitive explanation. As the two tell us, a bug in the Leaf's on-board charging software can damage the relevant hardware under a perfect storm of conditions: if a drivers uses a specific (but not necessarily GE) charger, an undervoltage or similar power crisis can bring the Leaf to its knees. Nissan says it's hurrying towards a remedy, although we're working to confirm just what that entails. In the meantime, the automaker is asking owners to be cautious and avoid plugging in when there's lightning or brownouts in the making.
Office for Mac 2011 and 2008 ready for OS X Mountain Lion, procrastinators groan
So you updated to OS X Mountain Lion and, gosh darn it, you're not sure that Office for Mac 2011 (or Office 2008 for Mac) will be in perfect harmony. Time to put off finishing that accounts receivable spreadsheet until IT sorts it all out, right? Unfortunately for anyone looking to catch a break, Microsoft just certified that the two most recent Mac versions of Office will purr with Apple's latest big cat. About the only hiccup remaining is the inability to manually download and install future updates as long as Gatekeeper is on full lockdown. If you've been spending all day making paper planes, it's time to knuckle down and get back to work.
Polytron bringing back Fez patch, won't fix save issues
After seeing major issues with a patch released for Fez on XBLA, Polytron and Microsoft decided to pull the patch from servers, returning the game to an earlier version. But now Polytron has posted that the patch is coming back, and it will not, repeat not, be fixing the issue where players may lose their save.Why's that? It's a numbers game, says Polytron. The patch fixes multiple issues with the game (including framerating and loading problems, death loops, and more), and the save corruption issue affects less than one percent of players overall. Because sending out another patch to fix the first patch would cost Polytron "tens of thousands of dollars" to get the game re-certified by Microsoft, the patch is coming back, and any players thus affected by the save issue will just have to deal with it.Polytron points to this as a major drawback with Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade service, in that the company charges exorbitant fees to developers to release even free updates and content. "Had Fez been released on Steam instead of XBLA," posts Polytron, "the game would have been fixed two weeks after release, at no cost to us." Does that mean a Steam version is in progress? "Only a few months left to our XBLA exclusivity!" says the company on Twitter.
Skype confirms fix rolling out for instant messaging bug
When one of your main services throws up a pretty embarrassing bug, you're going to want to squash that quick. Skype has stepped up and done just that, according to its blog. The hotfix will be rolling out for version 5.10 for Windows, 5.8 for Mac, 4.0 for Linux and 1.2 for Windows Phone. Skype was also quick to point out that not all clients (and therefore users) were affected. If you were on 5.9 for Windows, version 2.8 for Android or Skype 4.0 for iOS, then the firm assures you that you won't be affected. The official line is that the fix should start arriving in the next couple of days, so still best to keep a lid on those office gossip chats for now. Let us know if you start getting the update in the comments below.
Skype confirms 'rare' bug that sends messages to unintended contacts, promises fix soon
Only a handful of Skype users have reported this problem over at the support forum, but what they're complaining about is pretty hair-raising. They say that, following an update in June, instant messages have repeatedly and unintentionally been forwarded to random people in their contact lists. In other words, third-parties are seeing stuff they were never meant to see, which constitutes a serious breach of privacy. Skype now tells us it's aware of the issue and is working on a fix. Here's the official response in full: "We are aware that in rare circumstances IM's between two contacts could be sent to an unintended third contact. We are rolling out a fix for this issue in the next few days and will notify our users to download an updated version of Skype." [Thanks, Kuldar]
Canon updates 5D Mark III firmware, concedes it won't get continuous autofocus for video
Canon has released an updated firmware for the 5D Mark III that adds support for the forthcoming 40mm f/2.8 lens and fixes a variety of small power and auto-exposure issues. What was absent was the long-promised support for continuously autofocusing video, which the company confirmed to The Verge has now been ditched from the camera's spec sheet. It looks like if you were hoping to helm your own tense medical drama with one of these, you'd better start looking for the receipt.
