system-update
Latest
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.
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.
3DS firmware update adds save transfers, streamlines 'download later'
The next time you open up the 3DS eShop, you'll be prompted to update your system hardware, to version 5.0.0-11U. While not a drastic change in the 3DS user experience, this firmware does offer a few tweaks that sound useful.For example, you won't have to exit the eShop anymore for "Download Later" to work. Just close the 3DS and downloading begins. You can also download game updates in the background. The update also makes the save data transfer tool available, so you can move save data from a packaged version of a game to the eShop version (but not back!) The firmware also makes unnamed "further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments."Apparently, however, Japanese users have been experiencing trouble with the firmware update. We're checking with Nintendo of America to see if the same error messages are in danger of occurring here.Update: Nintendo of America acknowledged the issue. If an error message prevents you from updating, turn the 3DS off, then turn it back on, while holding the L, R, A, and Up buttons.
Miyamoto: Wii U interface performance will be better by summer
"Please wait." That's our impression of the Wii U's user interface, and what you have to do to improve it. Speaking with Time, Shigeru Miyamoto said that "We think that by this summer, the system is going to be very much improved over how it's performing currently." He noted that interactions between various applications are more easily tested in the wild, "to understand how they're using those features and what they're doing as they're switching between them."A system update based on Nintendo's observations of user behavior and Wii U performance is due this spring. "What we want to do is make sure that when we release it, that we address as many of the different opinions about how people would like to see the system improve as we can at once. We hope to cover a wide range of requests while simultaneously ensuring it's a very stable update to the system."On its information page for the 105-3102 error code that has hit Japan, Nintendo says an update is due in April. Whether the update contains these upcoming UI fixes, or is just focused on fixing the error, is unclear. But it would line up with the "spring" timing of the performance 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.
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!
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.
Rumor: PS3 hacked yet again, this time it might be for keeps
Yesterday a new, PSN-enabled custom firmware for hacked PlayStation 3 consoles launched, compatible with the official firmware 4.25 release. This type of hack isn't new, and previously Sony has been able to update its firmware to sufficiently quell the hackers' reach. Following the custom firmware launch yesterday, however, was the release of the PlayStation 3's LV0 keys.In theory, the LV0 decryption keys make is easy to decode any system update to the PlayStation 3, Eurogamer writes. The LV0 keys allow PS3 firmware to be decrypted on PC, and then re-encrypted with firmware 3.55 keys to run on hacked consoles.A group called "The Three Muskateers" takes responsibility for the LV0 keys, but not the leak itself. That's all thanks to a new Chinese hacking group, "BlueDiskCFW," who planned to release and charge for custom firmware updates using The Three Muskateers' LV0 keys. To stop BlueDiskCFW from profiting off the keys, the Muskateers released them."You can be sure that if it wouldn't have been for this leak, this key would never have seen the light of day," The Three Muskateers write in a statement. "Only the fear of our work being used by others to make money out of it has forced us to release this now."Read the complete statement from The Three Muskateers, with the keys edited out, below.
PlayStation Plus cloud storage boost landing 'soon' with system update v4.25
If you've been sat impatiently tapping your fingers on the desk waiting for that extra PlayStation Plus storage, then you might want to give that hand a break. According to the PlayStation blog, it's coming, and soon. The capacity bump will come in PS3 system update v4.25, and once installed, you'll just need to head over to the Saved Data Utility under the XMB's Game column to see it. Our friends over at Joystiq have pushed Sony for a more concrete time on the update's release, but if you've already maxed out that current 150MB, there's light at the end of the cloud tunnel.
It's not your Datel controller, it's your Xbox 360
Having problems using your Datel controller with your Xbox 360 all of a sudden? Well, you can blame yesterday's stealthy system update, which has wreaked havoc with some wireless controllers – specifically, the TurboFire 2, WildFire 2, EVO line and the Super Sports 3X steering wheel peripheral.Right now, there is a fix, but it's complicated. You'll have to download a software update made specifically for your hardware, which you can find here. Microsoft doesn't officially support your Datel controller, after all – and it's not like the two are best pals.
3DS system update live in North America, adds folder organization
If you're eager to start arranging all your 3DS content into folders – and we're not mocking you, we were thrilled to start consolidating – you can start tonight. The system update enabling custom folders on the 3DS home screen is available now in North America, slightly ahead of its April 25 release date.The update also brings a redesigned eShop interface, which divides shop segments into two rows on the screen. That's all we've noticed in the few minutes we were looking around (at our beautiful, compact home screen, mostly).
PSA: Vita Facebook app updated to 1.01, adds photo uploading
The Facebook app for Sony's Vita handheld has been updated from version 1.0 to version 1.01, adding the ability to use Pages, upload photos and tag said photos once they've been uploaded. It also adds full support for the Vita's system languages, although it doesn't look like this firmare update includes the "Pirate" language setting available in the browser version of Facebook.Here's hoping that'll be part of the next infinitesimally small incremental firmware update.
PS Vita 1.66 update now live, reportedly with a fix for PS Minis support
Due to a "technical fault" with PlayStation Vita firmware 1.65 (released yesterday), the update was "taken down temporarily" and later replaced with a newer version (1.66). More exciting than the hullabaloo surrounding its release: firmware 1.66 reportedly enables PlayStation Minis support for PlayStation Plus users on the Vita. Moreover, some users are saying that if you want to snag older free Minis that you got with your subscription, you're able to delete the non-functioning existing version and replace it with a fresh download.We've dropped Sony's list of updates in the firmware just below the break, should you wish to learn more about its less-than-thrilling specifics. Sony doesn't note the Minis fix, but we've followed up for clarity's sake.
Dell issues BIOS update A03 for XPS 13 Ultrabook, gets a handle on fiesty fans
Can't say we noticed an extraordinary amount of blowing from our XPS 13 Ultrabook review unit, but for those with an optioned Core i7 model, you may want to give the source link a look. Down there, you'll find a download link to the A03 BIOS update, which delivers "an updated thermal table which dictates fan speeds and trigger temperatures." Evidently, these machines have a tendency to kick the fans into high gear prematurely (it's okay Dell, we all get excited sometimes), but thankfully, a 4MB package is all that's required to remedy it. 'Preciate it, technology.
PlayStation Vita's Feb. 8 update adds video capture, OS X support, GPS tracking
PlayStation Vita firmware version 1.60 is set to drop on February 8 (as least in Japan), and it'll bring several major features when it arrives. Among those features are standards like GPS tracking via a newly added Maps application, the ability to capture video, and the release of a support application for Mac OS X. It can also now serve mixed vanilla/chocolate froyo swirl. Finally!Additionally, the update will banish mentions of the the phrase "PlayStation Network" from various services and replace it with the newly renamed "Sony Entertainment Network" branding. Considering that the PSP is still supported by Sony but has yet to receive any form of Mac support for content management, we're gonna go ahead and call this a big step forward.
Nintendo's eShop plans: premium DLC, game demos, smartphone shopping, relevancy
Nintendo's latest earnings report may be a litany of woe, but at least the outfit's semi-annual financial results briefing bore good news: the 3DS eShop is about to get a kick in the pants. Today's 3DS store gets the job done, but it's hampered by disorganized categories, limited accessibility, and poor download management. Want something better? It's on the way -- a late November update is slated to bring "sleep mode" background downloading to the fledgling console, and opens the door for publishers to release in-game premium DLC and "limited-play" demos. Nintendo is even taking steps to address the handheld's lousy shopping experience, announcing a companion website where users will be able to browse the eShop from a PC or smartphone. Eventually 3DS owners will be able to buy content directly from the eShop website, but at launch shoppers will need to scan a QR code with the handheld to make a purchase. It's not a perfect plan, but at least it's a start. Baby steps Nintendo, baby steps.
PSA: No, that Xbox 360 system update doesn't contain the new Dash
After rubbing the sleep out of our eyes this morning and booting up the ol' Xbox 360, we were just as surprised as you were to see a serious looking system update. You know, the kind of system update that requires a special install window after rebooting the console? That one. As Major Nelson informs us, the update is little more than "general system maintenance," and "no new features" (his emphasis) will pop up after updating. Well, boogie to that! Perhaps in late November, then?
Nintendo planning November system update for 3DS, adding 3D video capture
If you're anything like us, you've been snapping 3D photos since day one on your Nintendo 3DS. We've got some pretty cramped up pointer fingers as a result, but that's all going to change come November. During Nintendo's pre-TGS 2011 press conference, company prez Satoru Iwata announced that the 3DS will get a system update this November that adds "3D video capture," among other things. What "other things," you ask? Nintendo isn't saying just yet, though the company's American Twitter account specifically notes the update will add "more content to StreetPass Mii Plaza." So, uh, hats? Hats!
PSA: Xbox 360 update out tomorrow, no immediate features added
Microsoft will push out an update for the Xbox 360 tomorrow, according to Major Nelson. Other than the few moments you'll have to wait while your 360 downloads the patch, installs it and then restarts, the change likely won't affect you in the least. As Major Nelson says, "there are no new features that will show up once your system has been updated," as the update is simply to set up some background technology for further improvements later this year. So that's kind of boring. We almost wish he'd gone ahead and made something up: A patch that "improved the awesomeness of your Xbox Console by an estimated 3000%" would have been much more interesting than this one.
Nintendo 3DS system update is live, grab your free copy of Excitebike now
True to its word, Nintendo has released a system update for anxious 3DS owners. The free update over WiFi delivers an internet browser and the eShop digital store to your multidimensional handheld. As a bonus, Ninty's offering the 3D-remastered NES game, Excitebike, for free until Tuesday with additional cash-money content coming to the store on Thursdays. We'll be hearing more from Nintendo, much more we hope, on Tuesday morning where we'll be bringing you live coverage of its next generation console announcements from E3. Join us, won't you? [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
