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Sony Ericsson's XPERIA X1 gets firmware update
XDA-Developers forum member PavelX1 has posted up info on a pile of XPERIA X1 updates he glimpsed on EMMA (Sony Ericsson's official service software). ROM version has migrated from 1.02.936.3 to 1.03.936.6 and is labeled as R2A. Of course, there's no word on what the official changes are but first reports say the X1 now boots quicker and attaches to network faster. Apparently the SEUS (Sony Ericsson Update Service) isn't quite telling the truth when users are attempting to grab at the update, but proceeding through and updating anyway seems to be doing the trick. Usual cautionary advice from us is to read before attacking this as an ounce of precaution is worth a pound of cure.[Thanks, Deniz]
HTC's CDMA devices invited to Windows Mobile 6.5 cookout
The doors are blowing wide open in the world of Windows Mobile 6.5 tweaking with today's celebration centering around HTC's CDMA sets. This is all still a work in progress, as finishing touches like the new UI aren't in yet, but PPCGeeks conflipper has hope that with work they'll get that sorted. The list of good and bad is long, so follow the read link to learn everything you need to know on getting your Touch, Touch Pro, or what have you up and running with Microsoft's sparkliest new mobile OS.[Via WMExperts]
Verizon's XV6900 sees official Windows Mobile 6.1 ROM upgrade
It's rather difficult to believe that Verizon's version of the HTC Touch -- less affectionately known as the XV6900 -- is just now seeing an official update to Windows Mobile 6.1, but yeah, that's exactly what's happening here. Just a few short months after the WinMo 6.1 update was leaked, we're now seeing the official ROM update rolled out to the people. The upgrade also provides much needed EV-DO Rev. A support, an updated MMS client, Microsoft Remote Desktop, VZNavigator and compatibility with 16GB microSD cards. Not like we really need to twist your arm here, but if you skipped out on the leaked version, now would be an awesome time to get with the program.[Via Mobile Burn]
Windows Mobile 6.5 gets cooked onto HTC Raphael / Fuze
OK, Da-G over at XDA-Developers (as always, they really rock the custom world) has shared a simple ROM of Windows Mobile 6.5 for your HTC Fuze or Raphael. Apparently this is a work in progress on new hardware -- we've already seen on ancient stuff -- with bugs galore or "BUGNASTYBUGLYBUGGEROONEYBUGMEGALOPOLIS" as he puts it, so users beware. Features absent / broken include: the volume control not working properly, AutoRun doesn't start on first boot, the OS' sliding panels are not there yet, and unlock doesn't work -- so if you've locked your set, reboot time. We're waiting on -- and hoping for -- some real honest-to-goodness shots of this in action, but until then, feast your eyes on all the details by following the link.[Thanks, Joel P. and Da_G for the pics]
Accessing the Runes of Magic Item Shop
With the official launch date still about 2 months away, Runes of Magic seems to be ahead of schedule with their features. While the open beta is sailing along nicely, we get word of the game's Item Shop opening to the masses.According to the official press release, the Runes of Magic Item Shop is now open for those players who want to "achieve their goals in the game world faster." They've compiled a handy guide to the Item Shop and the Diamond currency system, which should help any players who are new to the game, or new to RMT in general. You can also keep an eye on the latest items added to the shop, which usually include items such as special potions, jewels, pets and mounts. Check out the complete press release after the cut below.
Sprint's HTC Touch Diamond firmware update leaks, definitely brings joy
It seems that early '09 has been the time of firmware updates for all kinds, and now Sprint's Touch Diamond has had its moment. At a quick glance, this isn't just a few bug fixes to keep the squeaky wheels smiling, but rather some major reworking of what's going on under the hood. Changes are rumored to include Internet Explorer 6 --and we thought they weren't going to do this -- new Radio, Opera, YouTube, and a pile of other treats. If you're inspired and can't wait for the inevitable, we're sure with some diligent searching you'll get your mitts on, for the rest of you, we're sure it'll pop up soon enough.[Thanks, Malatesta]
A guide to the Runes of Magic dual-class system
Runes of Magic is launching in March, and the information we're getting from current players in beta is overwhelmingly positive. To highlight one of the most predominant features in the game, a dual-class system, MMORPG has written a guide for choosing your second class.This guide is extremely helpful as it describes the step-by-step procedure for not only the "whens" and the "wheres" of completing your second-class quests, but the "hows" as well. Once you reach level 10, you can begin the quest for a second class, and the decision is permanent. Although the six current classes (with more to come!) in RoM are pretty straightforward, it's helpful to know how the combinations of classes can be advantageous to your play style.
IE Mobile 6 cooked into custom ROM for HTC Touch HD
While Microsoft won't be handing it out as an update for your WinMo 6 device, ROM cookers are making Internet Explorer Mobile 6 available now. Paul over at MoDaCo has built a custom ROM for the HTC Touch HD that includes IE Mobile 6 -- that's "6 on 6" as they say. Unfortunately, it's only available as a ROM update, not as an invdividual application installer. If you recall, Microsoft said that IE Mobile 6 won't be offered for download, because "the rich media experiences that IE Mobile 6 enables require more powerful, advanced devices." Perhaps in salty salute, Paul's ROM also sets the default explorer search engine to Google. Instructions and tales of caution just beyond the read link. [Via GadgetMix]
Verizon's Palm Centro receives ROM update, minor improvements promised
Don't cancel your election party to get to this or anything, but Verizon Wireless' Palm Centro has just received a teeny, tiny update. The newly released v1.03 ROM update is dubbed "a minor tune-up that may improve device usability in certain situations." That's about as indistinct as it could possibly get, but you know you're still going to pull the trigger. It's ready to be installed right now via Hotsync or SD card, and as always, we'd recommend backing up your interoffice love letters just in case something goes awry.[Via Palm InfoCenter]
ASUS' P527 joins the update fray, Windows Mobile 6.1 anyone?
Nice to see more updates rolling our across WinMob land, and now ASUS has thrown its offering out there for all you ASUS P527 owners. So what's new aside from the .1 increment? Well, it seems they're just sorting bugs and tweaking things a bit such as default time / date, improved multimedia playback, and a few other minor changes. Follow the read link to get to the update, though, make sure you follow the instruction to the letter or you'll break it, and we hate crying.[Via Mobileburn]
Palm looses 700p / 700wx ROM updates for Verizon / Alltel
Funny story -- these guys will be one in the same here in just a few months, but until then, you'll have to pretend there's absolutely no relationship between Palm's 700p (Verizon) and 700wx (Alltel). Jibber-jabber aside, those still rockin' either Treo may be interested in sucking down what's apt to be the final ROM update for both handsets on these carriers. As predicted, Palm didn't go into great detail about what all the respective Radio Patches were, um, patching up, but you know you can't walk around without the latest and greatest on your phone. That being said, tap the links below (choose carefully!) to get your download on.[Via PalmInfocenter]Read - Palm 700p (Verizon) updateRead - Palm 700wx (Alltel) update
HTC's 1.93 ROM now available for Touch Diamond
Folks never satisfied with ROMs as they are (we see those hands) can celebrate jovially, as version 1.93 for HTC's Touch Diamond has officially emerged. Said ROM was already available on the intarwebz, but this time it's ready for downloading at the handset maker's actual website for UK / Europe-based users. Reported improvements include "camera navigation, text alert speed, tab-switching speed and a new city selector in the weather tab to make it easier and quicker to choose your location." Give it a go and let us know how it turns out, would you?[Via coolsmartphone]
First official HTC Touch Diamond ROM with GSM 850 support released
Not a huge fan of cooked WinMo ROMs, but desperately want in on that 850MHz action for your Touch Diamond? Well, first of all, anyone who isn't a fan of cooked ROMs is just a little loony as far as we're concerned (but we still love you); secondly, HTC's made it possible to have your cake and eat it too with a new firmware update posted to its Asian site that proclaims the addition of GSM 850 support among several other changes and fixes -- some ten in total. After working through some confusion over the appearance (or lack thereof) of 850 in the band selection screen after updating, it looks like this does actually work for a variety of Touch Diamonds floating around out there, so let us know how you fare if you decide to give it a shot.[Via xda-developers, thanks Dayne]
Hacker crams NES experience into NES controller
While we lack the skills (and free time) it takes to do anything other than blog, folks are out there, doing crazy DIY projects. This is one of them. Now, we don't condone the use of illegal emulators and ROMs, but cramming an entire NES experience into the NES controller is impressive nonetheless. [Via Engadget]
Elite ROM for Touch Diamond promises dramatic speed boost; new official ROM, too?
Sluggish Touch Diamond performance got you down? We can think of at least a few Americans that wish they had to worry about it, but HTC's infinite wisdom in leaving out GSM 850 and HSDPA 850 / 1900 leaves that crowd with bigger problems on its hands. The rest of you, though, might want to have a look at one of the latest fruits to fall out of the xda-developer tree -- the "Elite 1.0" ROM image for the Touch Diamond, featuring a handful of tweaks to streamline things (Welcome Center gets the boot, for instance), enabled HSUPA, and a newer version of the .NET Compact Framework that allegedly all but solves the crappy performance some owners and reviewers have been complaining about. This is about as unofficial as it gets, of course, so proceed with your own risk.Separately, it seems that Touch Diamonds now hitting shops should be loaded with a slightly newer official ROM than the build passed around on the first batch of review units, and Coolsmartphone reports that it's faster. Not quite as streamlined as the Elite ROM seems to be, but hey, if you prefer to roll on the straight and narrow, it sounds like HTC has you covered.[Thanks, Aaron K.]Read - Elite ROM thread on xda-developersRead - Newer official ROM?
Illegal ROMs at Wizard World? What?!
I recently attended Wizard World Philadelphia, not because I'm a huge comic nerd or anything, but because my friends are. So, with a couple of buddies, I headed on down to the Philly Convention Center and prepared myself to be underwhelmed by the gaming action on tap and overwhelmed by the sheer amount of cosplayers there.Imagine my surprise when I actually stumbled on something I could write about. Well, it's not something I'm actually happy to be writing about. You see, for some odd reason, a vendor was allowed to be set up on the show floor, selling CDs chock full of illegal ROMs.
Homebrew solution: CycloDS Evolution
CycloDS Evolution Slot-1 (All-in-one)Also needed: MicroSD card Price: $53 Find it: Real Hot StuffThough it's well regarded by many for its high compatibility with commercial ROMs, the CycloDS Evolution is also gaining popularity for the ease with which one can install and load homebrew games and applications using the slot-1 cart. Its capabilities and dead-simple features come at a premium, and you will need to buy a microSD memory card to use with the cart (we suggest 1GB+), but you'll find very few people who're unhappy with the Team Cyclops product.So you bought the CycloDS Evolution -- what now?As with the R4, the CycloDS Evolution kit includes a USB microSD card reader/writer which you can plug into your computer. Both the slot-1 cart and the card reader/writer lack spring mechanisms for popping out the microSD cards, so you'll need to pull them out with a fingernail. This isn't as awkward as it sounds!The first two things you'll want to do is make sure you have the latest firmware and the MoonShell media player. The official CycloDS Support and Downloads page has links to the latest versions for you to download. Unpackage the files and drag everything into the root of your microSD card (do not rename the "moonshl" folder).The next time you run the CycloDS cart on your DS, you'll receive a prompt asking if you'd like to update the firmware. Make sure your battery light is green -- you might even want to hook the system up to its charger -- and press A to start the process. It's imperative that you do not turn off your system during the update. After the firmware update is complete, you'll need to restart your DS. The firmware upgrade file will be automatically deleted.That's easy enough, but how do I set it up for homebrew?Running homebrew off this cart couldn't be any easier. With the CycloDS' automatic DLDI-patching, you should be able to run most games and applications without having to patch the software. Just drag and drop the NDS files you've downloaded, and you're good to go. It's suggested that you organize your files into folders if you plan to keep a lot on your cart, as the cart's file browser will only list 128 ROMs in a single directory. As the folder named "/CycloDS" is a system folder, make sure not to drag any homebrew files that you plan to play into there. Once you've started up your Nintendo DS, tapped past the Health and Safety screen, and selected "CycloDS Evolution" from the initial menu screen, you'll be greeted with the simple user interface pictured above. In case it's not obvious, the DS icon will bring you to a file browser that will load the software you've copied onto the microSD card. The headphones icon will open the Moonshell media player for any compatible photos/music/text/video files you have. The third icon, a briefcase, will let you configure different settings, including your DS's current LCD brightness.How do I customize the CycloDS's main menu?Ever wanted to see your true love, Sasuke, as soon as you turned on your DS? Or maybe you'd just like a sleek menu screen to match your iPhone? Here's your chance to make your system's graphical user interface really feel like yours! Find and download a skin you like -- try NDS Themes or the skins section of the Team Cyclops' forum Unzip the skin folder from the file you've downloaded (e.g. LePetitPrince.zip -> "/LePetitPrince") Open the "/CycloDS" directory in your microSD card Create a "/Skins" folder in "/CycloDS" Drag the skin folder you downloaded into the "/Skins" folder (e.g. "/CycloDS/Skins/LePetitPrince") Slap the microSD card and CycloDS cart into your DS Load the CycloDS Evolution cart from the DS's initial menu screen Head into "Settings/Misc" from the CycloDS menu Select the "Skin" line and hit the A button or use the directional pad to pick your skin Voila! You've added and enabled a new CycloDS skin! What about this "Enhanced Mode" I've been hearing about?The CycloDS has a unique "Enhanced Mode" menu which users can access at any time, even while playing a game, by hitting A + B + X + Y + L + R buttons simultaneously. The menu offers some really slick options, some of which we'd love to see implemented by Nintendo for future versions of the DS -- LCD brightness adjustments, an in-game reset for returning to the CycloDS main menu without restarting the DS, real-time saving for saving/restoring game states at any time, cheat code toggling, variable slow motion, and a display for the current time.Unfortunately, at the time of this guide's posting, this Enhanced Mode is only available for commercial games and not for homebrew software. If you're the type to crank up Aerosmith and live on the edge, Team Cyclops currently has a public beta for its new firmware (v1.4 Beta 2) adding an in-game reset for homebrew games and applications, allowing you to return to the CycloDS main menu without restarting the DS. It's not as impressive as the full Enhanced Mode, but the soft reset is still very useful!Why are some people choosing the CycloDS Evolution over the cheaper R4?While it's onboard firmware, microSDHC support, and Enhanced Mode offerings are all significant advantages for the CycloDS Evolution, the biggest reason why many are happy to pay $10-20 extra for this cart is its excellent, English-speaking (this is a huge deal!) support staff. In addition to providing great technical support and firmware upgrades with new fixes/features, Team Cyclops keeps an active presence in its own forums. You would expect these points to be standard with most flashcart teams, but it's rare to see a group support its cart this well.Where can I go to for more in-depth information on the CycloDS Evolution?Try Team Cyclops' CycloDS Evolution Reference Manual or The CycloDS Wiki!Features: Automatic DLDI-patching with excellent homebrew compatability, media player (Moonshell), user-friendly and skinnable interface, OS built into onboard flash memory, Enhanced Mode, auto-boot and auto-execute options, and microSDHC supportAccessories: EZ-V 3-in-1 Expansion PackLanguage support: English, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Portuguese, Latin American Spanish,Korean, Dutch, Greek, Indonesian, Malaysian, Russian, and TagalogJargon flying right over your head? Check out our homebrew glossary for more information! plctext Back M3 Real
Free SHMUPs: OpenTyrian DS and World Reborn
What a great time to be a handheld shoot-em-up fan! On the commercial front, Nanostray 2 just hit store shelves and Ketsui DS is still on the way. Homebrew gamers had their lives changes by Super Wings's release last week, and now they have two more titles to play with -- OpenTyrian DS and World Reborn. OpenTyrian DS (v0.2) is a port of vertical-scrolling shooter Tyrian, originally a PC title. Players pick up cash while blasting their way through stages which they can then spend on ship modifications in between levels. There's a huge variety of upgrades available for purchase -- primary and secondary weapons (with 11 levels), "sidekicks," shields, energy generators, and even alternate ships. If you have a flaschart handy, you definitely need to try this one out.As for World Reborn, this horizontal-scrolling SHMUP (with an RPG leveling system) was originally intended as a commercial GBA release and even had a DS sequel planned for a minute, but the game never made it to the retail market. Though developer NeoPong (now defunct) had plans to publish World Reborn with DSI Games, that deal fell through, and the studio has decided to put up the ROM for free rather than pack it away in a warehouse, Indiana Jones-style. Jump past the post break for a trailer of the game. Read - Download OpenTyrian DSRead - Download World Reborn
WinMo 6 ROMs for HTC Star Trek bring it out of the graveyard
HTC's Star Trek can now be safely categorized in the "classic" file, but it'd be a big mistake to put this interesting footnote in HTC's history out to pasture just yet. The handset, after all, ranks among the smallest Windows Mobile phones ever made, among the only clamshells, and arguably, among the most attractive (alright, maybe that's a bit of a stretch). But with that stale Windows Mobile 5 build on there hastening its death, what's an owner to do? Turn to the wizards at xda-developers, of course, who've come out swinging with a number of different Windows Mobile 6-based ROMs for a variety of Star Trek flavors, including the Cingular 3125 likely owned by many American customers, and it's all available for download. Always fun to see new life breathed into perfectly decent hardware, ain't it?[Via pocketnow.com]
HTC pushes out new AT&T Tilt ROM
For smartphone owners, firmware updates are like little Festivus presents: they're usually free to you, they're given to you by someone you love, and make your life just a little warmer and fuzzier. Alright, all three of those points are stretches, but come on, it's still just a little exciting, isn't it? AT&T's mighty Tilt has just been gifted with a new ROM that provides -- and we quote -- enhanced Bluetooth performance, DTMF tones on the QWERTY keyboard, improvements in overall performance and stability, and a newer Windows Mobile 6 AKU, this one versioned 0.4.4. Let us know how it goes, people![Via Mobility Site]
