firmware

Apple updates AirPort, Time Capsule firmware

Apple has released a couple of firmware updates for the AirPort base station and Time Capsule Wi-Fi units. The updates fix a number of features, including overall stability, settings issues, and AirPlay compatibility (the iTunes update earlier this week also addressed AirPlay problems).

The specific problems addressed are the following:

General fixes to Wi-Fi base station stability

Fixes some issues with AirPlay streaming

General fixes with USB interoperability, including connection to external storage devices

Fixes some issues with NAT port-mapping settings

Disables TKIP security with 802.11n rates per the Wi-Fi Alliance specifications

In addition to the firmware updates, Apple … Read more

Faster raw shooting for Nikon's P7000

Nikon has released a new firmware update to its 10.1MP high-end enthusiast compact the Coolpix P7000. The firmware update, v1.1, speeds up raw shooting by reducing image recording time. They also state that lens control has been optimized to reduce instances of the "Initializing lens. Cannot focus" message being displayed. It fixes a rare issue that prevented zoom operation. It also corrects an issue that would cause the LCD display to exhibit blown-out highlights when the shutter-release button was depressed halfway while Active D-Lighting was enabled.

We generally recommend installing the latest firmware updates for your … Read more

27-inch LED Cinema Display firmware update fixes audio cut-outs

Apple has released a firmware update for the LED Cinema Display that addresses intermittent audio issues some people have been experiencing with the new monitors. This update should not be confused with the release of the LED Cinema Display Software 1.0 update, which was released several weeks ago to enable audio and brightness features for the new displays.

After the audio features were enabled, a number of people found that audio would either become very faint or be silenced altogether, requiring them to unplug the display and reconnect it for the audio to function again. If this has been … Read more

Apple updates AppleTV software and printer drivers

Apple has released a couple of updates, one being for the AppleTV operating system software that addresses a couple of issues with high-definition output and downloading TV episodes and movies. The second set of updates is a set of printer drivers for use with OS X. The latest updates include drivers from Canon, Lexmark, and FujiXerox.

AppleTV software update

The AppleTV firmware update is for the second-generation AppleTV units and is available only through software update on AppleTV devices. It will bring the installed OS version to 4.2.1 instead of the previous 4.2.0. According to Apple'… Read more

Nook Color getting Android 2.2 next month?

Engadget posted a story today about the Nook Color titled, "Nook Color getting Android 2.2 and Market in January, current hacks could make it blow up." The title is certainly catchy (whenever you write about mobile products blowing up, the traffic tends to go through the roof), but we were a little concerned with some info in the post.

After talking about the potential hazards of hacking the Nook Color to run Android 2.2 and linking to PC World and nookdevs articles, the writer went on to say, "Thankfully, there is a much easier way … Read more

TV on the fritz? You may need a firmware upgrade

About a year ago I picked up a fairly entry-level 52-inch Sony LCD TV, the KDL-52V5100, as a second TV for a playroom. For a year, the set worked fine, then a few days ago a babysitter asked me to please fix it because it wasn't working.

At first, I figured someone had simply set the cable box to the wrong input. But a quick input assessment ruled that out as the possible culprit. I moved onto the next likely source of the problem: the cable box, which I unplugged, then waited for it to cycle through its painfully long rebooting process.

Still, nothing. No picture. Not even a menu. Conclusion: the cable box had crapped out. It had happened before, it would happen again.

I packed the thing up and the next day set off for a Time Warner Cable service center that happened to be about six blocks away from the CNET offices in Manhattan. My old cable box, a Samsung non-DVR model, was promptly chucked in a bin and I was handed a newer model Samsung box that was black instead of silver. I was happy. It matched the TV.

But upon returning home and hooking it up, the same thing happened. Nothing.… Read more

Apple sends out EFI Firmware Update 2.0 for MacBook Air

Apple has released an update, the EFI Firmware Update 2.0, to the new, razor-thin MacBook Air. "This update resolves a rare issue where MacBook Air boots or wakes to a black screen or becomes unresponsive."

The update is recommended for users that have either the new 11-inch or 13-inch MacBook Air. EFI Firmware Updates are different than other updates from Apple. Follow these steps to ensure the update is successfully completed.

Be sure your MacBook Air is plugged in to a working power source. After downloading, your MacBook Air will restart to a gray screen. Be sure … Read more

How to wipe and reinstall your iPhone OS

Whether you're looking to sell your iPhone and you accidentally delete the operating system, or you want to downgrade from iOS 4, Device Firmware Update mode will help you out. Getting into it is simple yet tricky, so here's guidance on a fast way to wipe and restore your iPhone. Note that this requires iTunes (Windows | Mac), in case you're using an alternative program to sync your phone or iPod Touch.

Canon 5D Mark II, 7D get mode dial upgrade

Firmware upgrades for cameras are the norm, and it's not every day we see brands offering hardware upgrades. However, Canon announced this week that it will tweak the mode dial for its EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 7D.

The adjustment will allow the mode dial to be locked in place, much like the implementation on the EOS 60D. This will prevent the accidental changing of settings, which frustrate photographers, especially when they need to quickly take a shot.

The upgrade will cost roughly $100. However, users are required to bring their dSLR to the local Canon office during … Read more