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T-Mobile details the progress of your Android phone's updates
Many US carriers don't tell you how close you are to an Android update -- in some cases, you'll be thankful if you get a forum post after the new software hits. T-Mobile, however, just became more accommodating. It just launched a tracking site that shows you whether or not an Android device upgrade is still in development, at the carrier for testing, or ready for action. If you're curious, you can also dive into a discussion. This isn't the most elaborate page (you won't get time estimates), but it will at least let you know whether or not you should be patient.
Porsche offers to put modern tech in the dash of your classic 911
Older sports cars are great for hitting the open road, but let's face it, they lack the bells and whistles of modern automobiles. Porsche is looking to help, though, with a new version of its Radio Navigation System for those older vehicles. On top of turn-by-turn directions, the Bluetooth unit sorts hands-free calls with ports for playing tunes from an SD card, iPod, USB stick or via an auxiliary cable. So if you have a Porsche 911 up to type 993, or a 4- or 8-cylinder that dates back to 1965, you're in luck. Best of all, this new unit sports the overall look of those classic interiors, rather than a modern faceplate from the likes of Pioneer or Alpine. The automaker has offered to outfit older cars with navigation systems before, but this more robust upgrade costs €1,184 (around $1,342). Unfortunately, US pricing and availability hasn't been announced just yet.
AT&T brings Lollipop to the LG G3 in the US
LG was quick to declare that the G3 would get an Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrade back in the fall, but that promise hasn't mattered much if you own a US-edition phone -- you've been stuck on KitKat all winter. You'll be glad to hear that the rollout has finally arrived stateside, though. AT&T is now pushing Lollipop (specifically, 5.0.1) to G3-toting customers when they're on WiFi. As with international updates, most of the improvements involve under-the-hood tweaks like the faster runtime. This isn't a Material Design makeover akin to what you'd see on a Nexus or Moto X, for better or for worse. The other big US carriers also haven't followed suit, but an AT&T release hints that other networks might not be too far behind.
Surface RT will only get some of Windows 10's upgrades
Well, that was quick: Despite Microsoft saying that Windows 10 was coming to its misfit tablet, the Surface RT, that isn't quite the case. As Thurrott reports, Redmond is working on an update for Surface which will have "some of the functionality" of Windows 10. The SuperSite for Windows founder goes on to say: "Since those [Windows RT and Surface RT/2] are the only Windows RT devices that ever sold in any measurable quantity, two conclusions are obvious. Other Windows RT devices may not be updated at all (i.e. this Windows 10 subset update may literally only be for Surface RT/2 devices). And more generally, Windows RT is dead." And it very well may be. The RT platform's always been a bit of an odd duck with its inability to run standard Windows apps, and it looks this this could be Microsoft's kiss of death. You can read the official word from a Microsoft spokesperson after the break.
AT&T will give you $50 to upgrade to a new iPhone
If you're an AT&T subscriber and needed a little extra bit of incentive to convince you that now is a good time to dive into the iPhone 6 waters, AT&T is offering a $50 bill credit to anyone who upgrades an existing line to an iPhone 5s, 5c, 6, or 6 Plus through the Apple Store -- online, or in-person. The catch? You have to finance the phone through the AT&T Next installment plan and keep the line active for at least 45 days. The Next installment plan can end up costing you a good bit more in the end, especially if you don't want to trade the phone in for another Next upgrade after twelve months, but if you don't have the cash saved to make a new purchase it'll help you score a new iPhone anyway. The deal is scheduled to end on December 31st, but AT&T notes that it could end at any time, without notice.
LG's phones are the first to get an Android Lollipop upgrade (updated)
So much for Google's Nexus phones being the first to get Android 5.0 Lollipop. LG has announced that it's rolling out the sweetened software upgrade to G3 users in Poland this week, ahead of seemingly every other smartphone on the planet -- yes, including the LG-made Nexus 4 and 5. As you might imagine given the timing, LG isn't reinventing the interface. Most of the improvements are either straightforward or under the hood, such as the new notifications and the ability to unlock your phone with nearby devices (such as an Android Wear watch).
GTA 5 gets next-gen exclusive goodies
Rockstar has revealed a suite of new features exclusive to the upcoming PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC versions of Grand Theft Auto 5, including new vehicles, in-game events, and missions. Players returning to Los Santos can expect to find new challenges tied to next-gen exclusive vehicles like the Imponte Duke O'Death, the Cheval Marshall monster truck, and the Dodo seaplane. The upgrade also offers an all-new murder mystery that scatters clues throughout Grand Theft Auto 5's expansive map, with noir-style camera filters awarded to players who can crack the case. Other new additions include the Hatchet and Rail Gun weapons, stock car races, updated radio station playlists, and a Wildlife Photography Challenge that unlocks a submarine when completed. Rockstar additionally revealed that GTA Online character progress will carry over into the Xbox One, PS4, and PC versions of Grand Theft Auto 5 via a one-time save transfer. Unlocked platform-exclusive content will also transfer alongside character data, and all player-created Jobs will be retained. [Image: Rockstar]
You can't upgrade the new Mac mini's RAM
If you're planning to snag the new Mac mini and load it up with aftermarket memory, you may want to reconsider your strategy. Macminicolo owner Brian Stucki (among others) has discovered that the RAM in Apple's latest tiny desktop isn't upgradable, much as you'd expect with the company's laptops and the 21-inch iMac. The move isn't completely surprising given that the Mac mini is basically a MacBook in different clothing, but it's a step backward given how relatively easy it was to upgrade the previous generation. All that you can do now is replace the hard drive, provided you're willing to void your warranty. You'll have to consider buying either a higher-end model or a custom order to get more RAM, and both of those options are typically more expensive than adding RAM yourself. This limitation isn't necessarily a deal breaker, but it's unfortunate if you like the idea of upgrading a Mac on your own terms.
Verizon's Edge program changes make you wait longer to upgrade
Eyeing an upgrade to the Droid Turbo? An iPhone 6? Maybe the One M8 for Windows? If you're on Verizon's Edge payment program, you're going to have to be more patient than usual -- or at least, open your wallet a little wider. The carrier has confirmed a Droid-Life leak revealing that Big Red is modifying Edge in a way that makes it harder to upgrade quickly. As of October 16th, payments for new devices will normally be distributed over two years, rather than 20 months; if you can't wait that long to get new gear, you'll have to pay off 75 percent of the hardware price rather than 60 percent. In practice, that means that you'll either be waiting at least 18 months to trade up (instead of 12) or else paying more to accelerate the upgrade process.
Captain's Log Supplemental: A look at Star Trek Online's history with lead designer Al Rivera
Star Trek Online is a game that's got some history, not just by virtue of the franchise that's been running for half of forever but because the game itself has a rather madcap development history. Cryptic Studios got the license to develop the game at the eleventh hour, and the caveat was that the game needed to be shipped in the same timeframe as the original developer had promised -- leaving almost no time for development. I sat down and talked with lead designer Al Rivera about the game's history, its development ethos, and where the game is going with the upcoming release of the second expansion, Delta Rising. It's been a long process, but Rivera shed some light on how the game is designed by its modern team, why things launched the way they did, and what players can expect as the game continues toward its five-year anniversary.
WildStar to make character upgrades easier
The WildStar devs claim that they are listening to players' concerns over the infrequency of AMP upgrades and ability tier unlocks, which is why the team is planning to roll out several improvements to these drop rates in an upcoming patch. "For the uninitiated, players earn AMP power points and ability tier unlocks naturally through leveling up in WildStar," the team posted. "Special items can be found throughout the game however that further boost your character's AMP points and ability tier unlocks. These items, based on our data and from feedback from players, simply do not drop enough." Players will see a drop rate increase from level 50 creatures and PvP victory bags. On top of those, the team is putting in one-shot items from endgame reputation vendors, the prestige vendor, gold medal veteran dungeon rewards, and at path levels 15 and 30.
Upgrade Disney Infinity Wii to Wii U free of charge
Still on the fence about buying a Wii U? Disney Interactive is offering a new reason to move to Nintendo's latest home console by allowing Disney Infinity players on Wii to upgrade to the Wii U version free of charge. Beginning today, those that own the Disney Infinity Starter Pack on Wii can download the Wii U version of the sandbox game from the eShop, including the game's multiplayer components. The offer arrives just in time for the next game in the series, Disney Infinity 2.0, which stars Marvel's super heroes when it launches on September 23. The upgrade deal also makes sense for the publisher, as Disney Interactive would certainly love for the series' sizable fanbase on Wii to make the trek to Wii U, given that Disney Infinity 2.0 won't be available on Wii. [Image: Disney Interactive]
Verizon FiOS gets a speed boost: now uploads go as fast as downloads
Before Google Fiber, Verizon FiOS was the speedy internet service everyone wanted in their neighborhood. The arrival of 1Gbps connections, a slowed rollout, and an ongoing battle with Netflix that's slowing streams to a crawl has slightly dulled the cachet, but it's still one of the fastest providers out there. Now it's getting even faster, but Verizon isn't boosting download speeds again -- those will stay the same as customers get matching upload speeds on every plan. On the fastest tier (previously 500Mbps down / 100Mbps up), speeds will increase by 5x to 500Mbps, and most customers will see their speeds double. New customers can get the symmetrical speeds right away, and they'll roll out to existing customers throughout the fall. To go immediately to the front of that list FiOS subscribers can sign up for the MyRewards+ customer loyalty program, which is free, and pretty much just requires inputting your birthdate. [Image credit: Mark Von Holden/AP Images for Verizon]
Sims 2 players get expansion-stuffed upgrade as EA ends support
After a decade of expansions and updates, EA is ending support for one of its PC big hits from the 2000s, The Sims 2. The 2004 sequel shipped at least 20 million copies across all platforms, and its 8 expansion packs didn't do too bad themselves. Maxis' life sim definitely can't be accused of living its own life unproductively. The good news is that EA is doing a solid by its players, apparently. The publisher says it's offering Origin-registered owners a free copy of the most-up-to-date version, The Ultimate Collection, which will appear in Origin in the next few days before support ends on July 22. Not only is it the latest version, but The Ultimate Collection also includes all the expansions and stuff packs, and players are able to transfer their save files across. EA says anyone who has "purchased and registered a digital copy of The Sims 2 on Origin will receive the Ultimate Collection." By the looks of it, registering the game on Origin isn't straightforward as you'll have to contact an EA Game Advisor, but it's probably worth it to lock some poor Sim in a toilet-less room with every single tool at your disposal. [Image: EA]
Microsoft is testing a fix for Windows 8.1 upgrade woes
There are many Windows 8 and RT users who want to upgrade to Windows 8.1 and RT 8.1, but can't; a glitch has kept a seemingly random batch of PCs from installing this latest revision through the Windows Store. Thankfully, relief is in sight. Microsoft tells SuperSite for Windows that it's testing a patch which automatically upgrades these stubborn computers to their respective 8.1 releases. If you're eligible, you only need to check Windows Update (not the Store) to get the ball rolling. Windows RT users, at least, can also download the solution if they're impatient. Microsoft isn't saying if and when the fix will spread worldwide, but it likely can't come soon enough if you're stuck with outdated software.
New Google Glass headsets ship with more memory, everyone gets help with photos
Two years after it was introduced, Google Glass hasn't gotten any cheaper -- although it is a bit more stylish with Diane von Furstenberg frames and international now that it's launched in the UK -- but it is getting better. Not just through one of the many software updates that have reached the headset since its debut either, as its hardware has undergone a mild revision. Google announced that new units are shipping with 2GB of RAM, double the amount previously available, among other tweaks that have improved battery life and made voice search better.
WildStar open beta patch adds levels and a dire warning
Are you ready for WildStar's open beta tomorrow? Then you're going to need the latest patch to get the fullest out of your experience. Also, you can't play unless you patch up. It's just a fact of life. The open beta patch raises the level cap to 30, adds the journeyman tradeskill tier, and bumps up the path level cap to 20. The devs are obviously anticipating a low-level crush of players, which is why Build #6670 includes an overflow system for additional zones. Other improvements coming with the patch include German and French language options, a redesign of the video options menu, a fix so that the launcher will run on 64-bit operating systems, and optimization of the guild UI. Also, the patch notes bear a dire warning for a particular item: "Players who hold the Moodie mask for too long... will pay ever-so-dearly for their affronts to the great Moodie Spirits. The player who dared mock the sacred oath of the mask carrier will have fiery vengeance rained down upon them, dealing a blow so powerful it will rip away their precious life force several times over. The Moodie spirits shall not only destroy the mask carrier's body, but will also place a curse on their VERY SOUL FOR ALL ETERNITY... or until the spawn timer runs out, whichever comes first." In other news, WildStar has added an option to upgrade from the standard to the deluxe version of the game for $15 on its store page.
HTC's Droid DNA will get updated to KitKat this week, despite its age
Don't worry, Droid DNA fans -- HTC may have given the One series its first batch of Android 4.4 KitKat upgrades, but it still has plenty of love for Verizon's late 2012 flagship. Mo Versi, Executive Director of Product Management, announced that the DNA will get an over-the-air update to the latest firmware update (along with the Sense 5.5 interface) starting on April 24th. This is great news because the DNA, Verizon's version of the Butterfly, is quickly approaching its 18th month of life -- a milestone which is too often considered an expiration date by Android manufacturers. HTC recently announced its Advantage program, in which it guarantees its flagship phones will be updated for at least two years, but the DNA came out well before such a promise was given. Adding to our surprise is the fact that Verizon isn't exactly the quickest at pushing out phone updates.
The Xbox One is getting another controller update (update: confirmed, plus other new features)
Really, Microsoft? You just asked gamers to go through the hassle of updating their Xbox One gamepads in March, yet there's word on NeoGAF that the next patch -- currently in testing -- will once again bundle "new controller firmware." Yes, the (hopefully optional) code should fix connection and headset quality issues that are even more of a pain, but it's doubtful that Xbox owners will relish plugging in peripherals a second time to get reliability that should have been present on day one. At least users can take comfort in new system features added to the list of coming updates, including a button to check for future software updates manually and redeeming codes directly from Xbox Live messages. Let's just hope that gamepad upgrades are less frequent from here on out. Update (4/7): Major Nelson has posted a list of features coming to the update preview confirming the ones mentioned above. He's also posted a pic of what that new system update check button looks like (hint: it's a button), and explains that now, the system will return to standby after new updates are installed. That "silent reboot" will mean the day after an update we can say "Xbox On" and boot up quickly, instead of having to actually press a physical button and endure the longer cold start process -- we're far too fancy to be stuck waiting around, you know?
Sprint will roll out Windows Phone 8.1 upgrades this summer
Windows Phone fans on Sprint don't have to worry about when they'll get the 8.1 update on their devices. The carrier tells Engadget that both the HTC 8XT and Samsung's ATIV S Neo are getting 8.1 sometime this summer; more details should come closer to the rollout. That's later than when we'll see the OS preloaded on brand new devices, but it's good news for those who are still happy with both Microsoft's mobile platform and Big Yellow's network.
