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GameStop announces MLB 14: The Show trade-up program
Baseball fans eager to get their hands on Sony's MLB 14: The Show prior to its PlayStation 4 debut can start their seasons early thanks to a GameStop trade-up program that allows early adopters to exchange a used PlayStation 3 version of the game for a PS4 edition at launch. Starting next month, PowerUp Rewards members can bring a used PlayStation 3 copy of MLB 14: The Show to any GameStop retail location and trade it for the game's PlayStation 4 edition for just $19.99. GameStop further sweetens the deal with a pre-order incentive, giving PS4 players $20 worth of in-game "stubs" currency. MLB 14: The Show is out now for the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita. The PlayStation 4 edition launches May 6. [Image: Sony]
LG G2 for Sprint gets a taste of Android 4.4 KitKat
LG G2 owners on Sprint no longer have to look on with envy as their friends on AT&T and T-Mobile get upgrades to Android 4.4 KitKat. The CDMA carrier has just started rolling out the OS update on its network today. There aren't any special treats beyond Google's more advanced software, but the release does fix a bug with Sprint's included Next Radio app. Unfortunately, there's no word on a corresponding KitKat upgrade for Verizon's G2 customers -- if you're on Big Red, you'll have to keep waiting.
Access Twitch servers from Paris, with love
Gameplay broadcasting platform Twitch announced the addition of servers in Paris, France, bolstering the service's stability in Europe. The Paris addition is just the latest in a string of Twitch overhauls; Twitch also upgraded its infrastructure this month in Dallas and London while Los Angeles got a facelift back in January. December saw an upgrade for Amsterdam, as well as a new a "point-of-presence" in Prague. Of course, this good news will particularly surface when Joystiq Streams eventually tours the globe, streaming games like Dark Souls 2 and Infamous: Second Son from exotic locales (hey, one can hope). Twitch's improvements in the past few months go beyond its infrastructure, as the company launched support for iOS and Android game streaming, as well as its app for Xbox One. Twitch also inked a deal to become E3's official streaming partner for three years following its corporate umbrella name change in February. [Image: Twitch]
APB: Reloaded team details Unreal Engine upgrade
APB: Reloaded's Unreal Engine upgrade is detailed in the latest dev blog at GamersFirst. In it, we get word that progress is slow but steady as the current version (from 2008) needs to be stripped and rebuilt due to the custom-built additions made in the original engine. Think of it like when you have to manually update your mods every time World of Warcraft has a new patch. Although the latest version of Unreal will aid with performance and compatibility improvements, the Reloaded team says that you may not even notice much of a difference visuals-wise. GamersFirst hopes to roll the new upgrade out soon, although a release estimate is still to come. Check out the full dev blog for more details on the Unreal Engine upgrade.
Microsoft Store offers $100 credit for PS3, Xbox 360 trade-in
Hoping to make an upgrade to the Xbox One that much more tempting, Microsoft has unveiled a new promotion that offers Microsoft Store visitors a $100 credit in exchange for their PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360. Before you rush out to hand over your gaming device, keep in mind that there are a few caveats to this deal. First, Microsoft isn't accepting just any old Xbox 360. If you plan to trade yours in, it will have to be either an Xbox 360 Elite or the more recent Xbox 360 Slim. Owners of the original Xbox 360 model are out of luck, though the Microsoft Store will accept any variation of PlayStation 3. Additionally, the fine print attached to this promotion notes that you don't necessarily need to use this $100 store credit toward an Xbox One, but that if you aren't trading in your old console towards Microsoft's newest gaming device you may not receive the full $100. "To receive maximum trade in value, you must purchase an Xbox One at the same time," reads a notice on the Microsoft Store website. "Any appraised value will be determined at trade in and provided as store credit, subject to Microsoft's discretion and approval." The final caveat is that this deal is only available in select Microsoft Store locations. To see if your local store is participating, visit the Microsoft Store site, then click the "Your Store" link at the top of the page. If available, you should see the $100 credit advertised front and center. [Thanks Viet] [Image: Wikimedia Commons]
How to upgrade the memory of the Mac mini (Late 2012)
When I bought my Mac mini a few months ago, I picked it up at my local Apple Store rather than ordering it directly from the company. Because of this, it came with the default 4GB of RAM onboard rather than one of the larger amounts the computer supports. There are probably plenty of mini buyers in the same boat, so join me as I upgrade my mini from a pedestrian 4GB of memory all the way to the computer's max of 16GB. Start by turning it off (obviously), yanking all the cords (obviously) and flipping the computer over (hopefully obviously). Apple has made upgrading the newer minis much easier than it was with past models. Simply rotate the black portion of the case counter-clockwise so that it clicks open. Remove the black cover and try not to drool at how gorgeous the mini's guts are. You can see the memory modules in place on the right side of the interior. Gently bending the clips on either side of each module will release the memory and allow each unit to be removed. Don't get too aggressive here, the clips might seem "stuck," but don't wrench on them or you'll end up breaking them. Be firm, yet gentle, and they'll eventually bend. Slide the new memory modules in place and push them down gently. The clips will snap into place once you push the modules down. Ta-da! You're almost done. Re-attach the black cover, rotate it clockwise to lock it into place and set your mini up as you did before. Enjoy your speed boost!
Alienware Steam Machines will be upgradable
Hardware manufacturer Alienware has clarified earlier statements it made regarding the moddability of its upcoming Steam Machines lineup, revealing that component upgrades will be possible but difficult. "Upgrading the internal components will not be as easy as compared to other platforms [...]," company general manager Frank Azor explained in a statement to Eurogamer, "but we will not prevent a customer from upgrading." Azor cited the small physical size of Alienware's Steam Machine as a specific factor impeding hardware upgrades. Azor recommends that users who approach PC hardware with upgrading in mind should stick with pre-built setups like the Alienware X51. Previously, Azor implied that Alienware's Steam Machines hardware would not be moddable at all, noting that "this particular product is restricted in its upgrade options." Alienware announced this week that new models of its Steam Machines hardware will be issued yearly as the company updates internal components and specifications. Alienware's first Steam Machine will launch in September.
AT&T now offering Next upgrades within six months for existing contracted customers
AT&T is looking to make its Next smartphone payment plan a little more prominent. You'll be eligible to hop on-board the Next bandwagon in a mere six months and start swapping handsets sooner, if you were already under a two-year service agreement before January 18th. If you walked out of an AT&T store this morning with the carrier's typical contract, well, you're stuck with your handset for the next 20 months. We imagine that somewhere, surrounded by magenta, John Legere is smiling.
Verizon's Edge trade-in program now lets customers upgrade after just 30 days
Sick of your new phone already? Verizon would like a word with you. Over the weekend, the company made some changes to its Edge upgrade program, drastically reducing the amount of time customers need to wait before pursuing an upgrade. The plan originally allowed trade-ins for devices that were half paid off and about six months old; now the waiting period has been reduced to a mere 30 days. Verizon told CNET the tweak was technically a promotion, but it's not actually much of a deal. Although the wait-time has been reduced by a factor of six, the amount due hasn't changed a penny: users seeking a new device still need to pony up at least 50 percent of the phone's value, even if they've only been using it for a few weeks. While it's always good to have options, maybe it's a better idea to sort out your buyer's remorse during your carrier's return window.
Nokia's Lumia Black update starts rolling out worldwide (update: App Folder download)
Nokia knows how to start a new year properly -- it gave Americans a first shot at the Lumia Black update as 2013 came to a close, and it's starting 2014 by rolling out the software to Lumia owners around the world. The Windows Phone 8 upgrade is reaching the Lumia 925 and 1020 first; other devices should get it in the weeks ahead. The fresh software brings common features like app folders, Bluetooth 4.0 LE support, an updated Glance screen and the unified Nokia Camera app. Some improvements depend on beefier hardware, however. You'll need at least 1GB of RAM to use Beamer transfers or Refocus image processing, and only 1020 owners can shoot RAW photos. Whatever device you're using, you'll want to hit that Phone Update option in the near future -- you may be in for a pleasant surprise. Update: Nokia has posted App Folder as a separate download.
Ford to offer free SYNC AppLink upgrade to current owners this year
Ford certainly isn't waiting until hordes of tech journos land in the Nevada desert to start breaking its CES news. The auto maker will offer SYNC AppLink as a free upgrade this year to owners of 2010 and newer vehicles. The system allows drivers (and their passengers) to use iOS and Android apps like Spotify, NPR, TuneIn and many more via voice control, keeping more attention on the highway. Ford's in-car tech is currently installed in over one million vehicles already on the road and those offered the update will add another 3.4 million to that tally. Unfortunately, the company didn't offer a detailed list of eligible autos, leaving owners in suspense until SYNC AppLink download arrives in the coming months.
Report: Battlefield 4 DLC purchase fails to upgrade to next-gen
A wholly new problem has found Battlefield 4, thanks to a report claiming that the PlayStation 3 version of the game's China Rising DLC is not being upgraded to its PlayStation 4 counterpart, despite EA's earlier, public claims to the contrary. China Rising is the first in a series of planned expansions for Battlefield 4 and was offered as a free pre-order bonus to anyone willing to put down cash early on any version of the game. At the same time, EA (and many other publishers) were involved in a promotion that would allow players to upgrade a game from its PS3 or Xbox 360 iteration to a next-gen counterpart for a small fraction of the game's purchase price. Though the official Battlefield Twitter account claims that China Rising should be upgraded alongside the game using the aforementioned promotion, a player using the name "buckethead232" has revealed a text chat with an EA customer service representative which directly contradicts that idea. "According to the latest updates, upgraded players have to purchase [China Rising]," the representative told the player, before adding that the only ways to get China Rising on either a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One are to pre-order a next-generation version of the game, spend $15 to buy the DLC piecemeal, or spend $50 for the Battlefield Premium service (which bundles all Battlefield 4 DLC). We've contacted EA for further information on this apparent policy change, though have yet to hear back. That's not surprising given that it's two days before Christmas, but we'll offer an update when and if we hear more.
Microsoft pulls Surface Pro 2 update after reports of battery and installation problems
We hope you weren't quick to leap on the Surface Pro 2 update that popped up last week; if you were, you may be regretting it for a while. The company has pulled the upgrade following reports of both failed installations and battery problems, including a reduced capacity and incomplete charges. A fixed release is coming "after the holidays," but there's no word of an easy way to roll back. Short of resetting the system or a convenient restore point, you may have to live with a buggy tablet for the next few weeks.
Google invites Glass Explorer Edition owners to upgrade their eyewear
Google promised early Glass wearers that they could eventually upgrade to next-generation Explorer hardware, and that moment is finally at hand. The company is now inviting owners to swap devices through a free mail exchange before February 5th. While the upgrade isn't mandatory, Google warns that it's only developing with the newer Explorer Edition in mind -- there's no guarantee that new accessories or software will work on old models. The invitation is more of a push than a gentle nudge, then, but we doubt that many Glass users will complain about a free update. Check out an excerpt from the invitation after the break.
HTC One developer and unlocked models start receiving Android 4.4 KitKat in the US
If you were bold enough to buy a Developer Edition HTC One or its unlocked sibling, today is your lucky day. HTC's US division has announced that it's rolling out an Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade to both One variants, weeks ahead of the expected update for carrier-locked models. Sense 5.5 should also be a part of the package. While the KitKat upgrade isn't reaching these units as quickly as it did for the Google Play Edition, it's safe to say that many One owners will have another reason to celebrate this Thanksgiving weekend.
HTC One to receive KitKat upgrade in North America and UK by late January
HTC promised that One owners would get Android 4.4 KitKat within 90 days of the OS' announcement, and it's now detailing when specific countries will get their turn. The company's North American and UK branches both say that they will start upgrading Ones to KitKat by late January, or right at the tail end of the 90-day window. There isn't any word regarding the upgrade schedules in other large countries. However, Droid DNA fans won't be left out -- HTC says they should get KitKat by the end of first quarter, or no later than March.
PS4's first post-launch firmware update brings minor interface tweaks
If you're not keen on downloading more PlayStation 4 firmware in the wake of that giant Day One patch, we have bad news: Sony is already rolling out its first post-launch upgrade this evening. Thankfully, it's a much smaller release this time around. The 1.51 update will both fix a few minor bugs and refine the interface, making it clearer when you're downloading both a game and a patch at the same time. It's not an exciting upgrade, then, but the PS4's automatic downloads at least mean that you won't have to lift a finger to run the latest software.
Moto X for Verizon starts getting Android 4.4 KitKat (update: T-Mobile, AT&T too)
Motorola promised that it would be one of the first to roll out the Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade to its smartphones, and it's making good on its word. The Google-owned company has announced that Moto X users on Verizon are getting the OS update beginning today. Most of the improvements are those inherent to KitKat itself, such as new Gallery editing features and the smarter phone dialer. However, Motorola has significantly improved its custom camera app -- you can now drag your finger to control both the exposure and focus points. Details for Moto X upgrades on other carriers are coming "very soon," the phone maker says. Whether or not you're part of this first wave, you can check out the KitKat upgrade release notes at the source link. Update (11/21): The Motorola blog post has been updated today, indicating KitKat is rolling out for the Moto X on T-Mobile as well. Update 2 (11/22): Now it's AT&T's turn, apparently when Moto said news on other carriers was coming soon, it meant it.
Samsung pauses Android 4.3 update for Galaxy S III following reports of glitches
Samsung was apparently too hasty in rolling out its Android 4.3 update for the Galaxy S III. The phone maker says that it has paused the upgrade following reports of audio hiccups, excessive battery drain and freezes. There's no word on when the upgrade will resume, although we suspect that Samsung will take its time stamping out as many bugs as possible. In the meantime, those who upgraded too quickly (or are still running Android 4.1) will just have to be patient.
Canon's EOS C100 Cinema camera to get continuous autofocusing through $500 upgrade
Movie makers thrive on quick autofocusing for their action shots, so they'll be glad to hear that Canon will offer an upgrade to the EOS C100 video camera with that kind of performance in mind. The $500 transplant will give the C100 continuous autofocusing using a variant of the extra-fast Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology found in the EOS 70D. Owners will also get AF lock controls, focus presets and much speedier center-only focusing. Don't rush to plan your next big video project around the upgrade, though. Canon doesn't start upgrading the C100 until February, and you'll have to send your $8,000 camera to a service center for the (comparatively cheap) overhaul.
