The AirPort Base Station and Time Capsule Firmware is being upgraded to version 7.6.1 and will allow you to get remote access to an AirPort disk or a Time Capsule hard drive with your own iCloud account. This upgrade will be to your Firmware and should be done only AFTER you grab AirPort Utility 5.5.3. Additionally, you should have AirPort Utility 6.0 at least (this being the other part of the upgrade) as well as Mac OS X Lion version 10.7.2 or later so that you might work with iCloud. Update all of this via your Software Update screen under the apple in the upper-left of your screen.

AirPort Utility 6.0 for Mac OS X Lion will bring you the power of being able to manage your Wi-fi network and all manner of AirPort base stations, those being of course your Time Capsule, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Express. You’ll be able to change base station and network settings, manage advanced features including wireless channels, security modes, and more, and all of it from this download site. Grab it all now and wifi your way into the future!

MuscleNerd, a figurehead in the iOS jailbreaking and hacking community, tweeted today that the iOS 5.0.1 update from today made iOS 5 on the iPhone 4 “(to clarify: wide open for inspection from a Mac/PC…not wide open security wise :) Can get Siri files and such without piracy)”. Previously, to legally run Siri, one would have to have access to an iPhone 4S unique identifier, and the key would need to be rotated every 24 hours to avoid being detected. If a large enough number of these devices start calling on Siri from one 4S identifier, Apple will be able to see the activity and kill the port permanently.

No one really knows why Apple has left such a wide opening for hackers to exploit when the notion of a Siri port has been such a hotly discussed item as of recent. We’ll keep you updated when whether there’re further updates from Apple about Siri, or development fron third-party groups and developers.

[via Cult of Mac]

What Panasonic has come up with here, along with about a billion other pieces of news today, if you did not know, is a performance upgrade including autofocus algorithms derived directly from Panasonic’s Light Speed autofocus system for improved AF speed. In addition to this, the upgrade will furthermore augment image stabilization with Active Mode from the sweetness of Power OIS, all this for excellence in video shooting without jumping all about.

Adjustments will be made to this camera’s auto white balance in low light, this making it easier for you to snap around in the club, if that’s you’re thing. You’ll have the ability once this update has gone through to invoke noise reduction for ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 shots. You’ll have a brand new “Miniature” effect added to your arsenal that we’re not aware of the details on at the moment. Your maximum shutter will be increased to 250 seconds. You’ll be able to adjust saturation, brightness, and warmth of your LCD as well as add EVF for a more accurate preview of color.

Panasonic lets us know that you will be able to download this firmware update starting at right around 1 AM ET on September 13th, 2011, right on over at the most hardcore update site on the internet: Panasonic.JP. Hit em up!

The Android 3.1 Honeycomb update will bring several new UI features including more advanced widgets, a new multi-task switcher, and overall improved stability. But for the ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, this also means a docking station firmware update that will improve mouse tracking, typing speeds, and USB compatibility.

The update may come out as early as next Monday, so do keep your eyes peeled. Next Monday is also the first day of Computex 2011, where ASUS is set to debut at least two new tablet-styled devices, including a 3D tablet as well as one that will be a tablet and phone hybrid, possibly called the “Padfone.”

[via ThisIsMyNext]

Microsoft revealed the security problem in late March, after certification authority Comodo informed them that nine certificates had been signed “without sufficiently validating” the relevant third-party identity. Comodo revoked the certificates, and Microsoft released a patch for desktop versions of its Internet Explorer browser.

However, that left the version of IE on Windows Phone 7 handsets unpatched, something this new update looks to address. It’s unclear whether the update will be released via the Zune software, as per the two previous firmware changes, or as an OTA update direct to handsets.

Affected websites:

• login.live.com
• mail.google.com
• www.google.com
• login.yahoo.com (3 certificates)
• login.skype.com
• addons.mozilla.org
• “Global Trustee”

The update scheduled for May will include an improved on-screen display with better video controls, a faster loading web browser with enhanced scrolling, favorites, and history. The languages supported by Boxee’s Box has expanded to include core European languages Hebrew, Russian, Swedish, Arabic, and Turkish.

But perhaps most anticipated of the May update, is support for Apple tablet devices with a Boxee for iPad app. This would let users stream content from their Boxee Box to their iPad. The update will come to certain users first for testing, with full roll out coming soon after that. We’ll keep you updated

[via Boxee]

Ricoh reports that the new firmware brings features and enhancements that customers have been asking for. The new firmware for both cameras can be downloaded right now. The firmware for the GXR adds Scene Mode with five types of modes including soft focus, cross process, toy camera, miniaturize, and high contrast monochrome. It also adds a new Target Follow Function. This allows the focusing on a specific part of a subject.

Other new features include reset/cancel for the target move, magnified playback function to magnify the center of the target, and exposure correction and white balance can now be assigned to the zoom button. The GR Digital III gets the SF Target Follow feature, the ability to switch that function to the Fn button, and a setting change to the ADJ level for scene mode allowing the lever to change settings like ISO and image quality. Several other improvements are added as well.

The update comes less than two weeks after the previous update to version 4.2. The 4.1.2 update was specifically to address the screen flicker issue that many users complained about that were tied to some brands of older TVs. The flicker issue also caused incorrect colors to be displayed on some affected sets.

Along with the fix for screen flicker, the update also fixes an issue where the Apple TV might not wake form sleep. Audio issues where the user might not hear audio were also addressed. Apple also notes that it added in various other stability and performance enhancements.

[via MacRumors]

The two links are below, and there are details on mirror servers at the above link in case the official downloads are too slow for you. Let us know how you get on in the comments!

Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread for Nexus One:

http://android.clients.google.com/packages/ota/passion/81304b2de707.signed-passion-GRI40-from-FRG83G.81304b2d.zip

Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread for Nexus S:

http://android.clients.google.com/packages/ota/google_crespo/e0b546c442bf.signed-soju-GRI40-from-GRH78.e0b546c4.zip

[via Android Community]

A much more impressive update is expected to arrive later in 2011, bringing with it multitasking support and a new browser engine. However, before then there’s a smaller update which some had expected to see announced at MWC 2011 last week. Interestingly, we’ve heard that, while this minor update is all about bugfixes, it actually won’t address the phantom data IMAP bug Microsoft blamed Yahoo! Mail for.

Meanwhile, Amazon is obviously hoping to boost the number of readers rating and reviewing titles on-device, with a new “Before You Go” page added at the end of each ebook. This will prompt users to rate the book, share a message about it on social networks, and then offer personalized recommendations as well as showing more titles by the same author.

Unfortunately it seems that users of the second-gen Kindle are left out when it comes to the new updates, the first time we’ve seen a significant division in the two most recent generations. If you have a suitable Kindle you can install the update manually from here; alternatively, it will be pushed out wirelessly when the software is final.

Of course, you’ll not see very many changes (if any at all, whatsoever) if you do grab this update, but you’re encouraged to look for it anyway as it is the next in line for the device. When the Verizon iPhone was demoed earlier this month, it featured iOS 4.2.5, so changes and tweaks to the system since then are probably minor.

UPDATE: apparently only the Verizon version of the iPhone (yes, there are some floating around out there already) will be getting this update, at least in the near future as far as we know.

[Via MacRumors]

It also boosts the number of supported simultaneous plugins to 30 – handy, since Sony Ericsson says there are now more than 30 on offer in the Android Market – and causes of random reboots and crashes have also been addressed. More information on the update here; let us know how you get on in the comments.

• Improved stability in the phone application (update available on Android Market since some weeks ago)
• Improved plug-in handling and limit of number of installed plug-ins raised to 30.
• Connection stability improved – most identified reasons for random disconnects should be fixed now.
• There were some cases of random reboots reported, and all those reported crashes have now been resolved.
• Compatibility with competitor phones is greatly improved, both in regards to stability and to battery life time.
• Automatic reconnect when coming back in range improved.

[via Android Community]

Sony’s console has seen an embarrassing jailbreak by hacker Geohot and others, which resulted in a legal case to limit availability of the security-cracking tools. This firmware update appears to be the next stage in Sony’s damage control.

The newest firmware is v6.37, and details are non-existent. Sony has classified the update as “minimal” one, and only allude to the fact that the update will improve the overall system software stability during use of “some features.” No explanation as to what they’re talking about, or what features they mean, but it looks like the system should get at least a bit smoother in daily operation, if nothing else.

No timetable as to when the update will actually be launched, either. Just “soon.” Will Sony include any special surprises? We’ll just have to wait and see.

[via PlayStation Blog]

The new 2.9 firmware will automatically install on your Roku box at some point over the next few days, but you can also manually trigger the update from the Settings page.

- Enabled 1080P support for XR units.

- Hulu application optimizations for quicker trick play navigation and start of playback.

- Hulu application optimization for improved playback performance on networks with higher latencies.

- Fixed a bug that could result in a crash if an app tried to load an image that was too large (greater than 1280×720).

- Fixed playback of poorly interleaved video streams which resulted in rebuffers around the 25 minute mark in Roku Newscaster programs.

- Fixed a remaining case of playback at the incorrect aspect ratio.

- Changed option menu action name from “change order” to “change position” for re-arranging channels.

- Fixed a bug in channel re-ordering related to presence of screen savers.

- Modified channel store “go to channel” behavior to launch the selected channel instead of only focusing the icon on the Home screen.

- Added screensaver preview and set options to the channel store springboard.

- Fixed a subtle audio playback issue in UFC streaming.

[via Zatz Not Funny]

First and foremost, Barnes & Noble say that the new firmware version will grant the eReader faster page refreshes, something in the ballpark of 50% faster, in fact. You’ll also get better syncing across devices, as well as be able to customize folders. You should also get better battery performance after the update, as well.

The upgrade is available for both the 3G-equipped NOOK, as well as the WiFi-only model. You should be prompted on your device that you can download the update. And, it’s also a free one, too. After you install it, let us know what you think of the update, won’t you?

Press Release

NOOK eReader Firmware Update v1.5

As previously announced, Barnes & Noble is making the largest-ever update to NOOK 3G and NOOK-Wi-Fi firmware, which is now available. The update delivers the most-requested features and performance enhancements from NOOK customers, including:

· New Features

o Sync current reading position across devices. Sync across all NOOK eReaders and devices enabled with NOOK software and apps, including iPad, iPhone/iPod touch, Android smartphones and PC.

o Customize folders and group content for My B&N Library. The My Shelves feature enables users to organize B&N Libraries by a particular subject or theme, on easy-to-organize, easily-accessible Shelves .

o Password protection option for purchases made on a NOOK device. Customers can require their Barnes & Noble account password be entered before NOOK authorizes any content download (purchases, samples and free books). This is a helpful feature customers requested for NOOKs that are shared among family members, students in a class and company employees).

o Pass code security for the NOOK. Customers can configure NOOK to lock the screen after a certain number of minutes and then require a pass code to unlock it. The pass code security feature will activate each time the NOOK does powers on, awakens form Sleep Mode.

· Enhancements

o Faster page turns. Customers can enjoy a 50% faster turn rate than the previous version.

o Improved search functionality that includes My Documents (side-loaded content) in the results.

o Additional battery and other performance enhancements

NOOK version 1.5 software is available at no cost to all current and new NOOK owners via Wi-Fi or manual download at www.NOOK.com/support. You’ll find images and additional information about NOOK at www.bn.com/nook/media.

NOOK for Android v2.4

NOOK for Android v2.4 adds makes it even easier for customers to quickly browse and download new great reads from the NOOKbook Store with in-app shopping. Browse more than 2 million digital NOOKbooks and more from the NOOK for Android app, and with a couple of taps, your title or sample is downloaded and ready to read on your Android smartphone or across the complete line of NOOK devices and software.

The updated NOOK for Android also gives customers the ability to take notes and make highlights in their NOOKbooks. These highlights and notes will also sync on other NOOK apps and devices.

More information is available at www.bn.com/NOOKforandroid or download the new version from Android Market. We’ll continue to provide you with news of NOOK device and software updates.

The update is specifically made to bring some much-needed changes to the User Interface. Users will now be able to reorder channels on the home screen, so that they can better access their favorite channels. The Channel Store now features a new grid layout, which should help in users finding new content, faster. Something that’s been missing since the launch is a clock on the home screen, as well as time controls, but those have been officially added in this new update.

There are some points in the fine print, though. If you want to actually reorder your channels, you’ll need to have the new Roku controller that was announced along with the new Roku boxes not too long ago. If you have an older box, you can still get the updated firmware, but you’ll have to drop $15 to get the new remote. And, while Roku has promised Hulu Plus streaming in the past, it didn’t make it to this update. You should see a pop-up notification that your system is ready for an update. Let us know how it goes, and how you like the improvements, if you update your box.

[via Zatz Not Funny]

Sony says that should help users create background-blur effects while filming video.  Meanwhile there’s also MF Assist, which enlarges a portion of the frame on the NEX-3/5′s LCD display while manually focusing, and which can be kept on-screen for a user-customizable length of time.

Finally there’s customizable soft keys for two of the three buttons on the back of the cameras, which can now be set to control  Shooting Mode, Shooting Tips, Precision Digital Zoom, ISO, White Balance, Metering Mode, Flash Compensation, DRO, Auto HDR, Creative Style, MF Assist and AF Area among other things.  Users can also choose to have the Menu button always show them the last viewed menu pane or the main menu.  The new firmware can be found – in both PC and Mac formats – at Sony’s support site.

[via DPReview]

The current iPhone 4 is known by Apple as the 3,1. The firmware shows two new iPhones with the tags 3,2 and 3,3. What exactly those devices are is unknown, but it would be easy enough to guess they might be the long talked about Verizon and T-Mobile iPhones.

A third device has also been spied in the firmware with the cryptic unknwonHardware tag. Who knows what that is, perhaps the 7-inch iPad?

Sony is cracking down on their system. They began by making sure that the “other OS” feature was removed, and subsequently made sure that jailbreaking or hacking your PS3 was not only frowned upon, but out-right disabled. And now it seems that Sony is cracking down on counterfeit controllers. While it hasn’t been out-right confirmed that this firmware update specifically is designed to do just that, Sony has said (coincidentally enough, on the same day that the v3.50 update was released) on their blog, that subsequent firmware updates would mean that those counterfeit controllers, as well as some other hardware devices, would no longer be compatible with the console.

If you have a third-party controller that’s been officially licensed by Sony, then there doesn’t seem to be any problems. However, several PS3 owners are reporting that peripherals like the Yobo PS3 Joybox, the XCM Cross Battle Plus Adapter, and the USB controller SplitFish FragFX are losing their compatibility, too. And SCEA has been busy informing those that the company “does not support continued functionality of unlicensed controllers.” Are you having your own problems with the v3.50 firmware update? Let us know in the comments.

[via 1UP]

“An update to improve the Samsung Captivate’s GPS performance is now available. Captivate customers will receive a notification on their device that an update is available and will simply need to download the file to update their phone. The updates will be pushed to customers’ devices over the next few weeks.

The update for the Captivate will also improve additional device functions, such as media scanning time, add the full version of Quickoffice and address Microsoft Exchange 2003 policy support.”

Sluggish media indexing is one thing we discovered Verizon had addressed in their Galaxy S handset, the Samsung Fascinate, so we’re glad to see it brought over to the AT&T phone as well.  Prior to the update, GPS on the Captivate could be sluggish to find a fix and, even then, inaccurate in its positioning.

[via Android Community]

As for the updated software and what it brings to the latest generation Kindle device, Amazon says that it offers “Web browser and general performance improvements.” It’s not a laundry list of improvements or feature additions, but any kind of fix is a good one. All you need to do is drag and drop the file onto your Kindle, and then go through the steps to manually update your Kindle. After you wait a few minutes, your Kindle will be on a version number from the future, and you can show that off to all your friends.

[via A Kindle World]

Sony is also promising “a few additional features” as part of v3.50, though they’re keeping those close to their chest until next Monday, on the even of the firmware’s release.  They’re likely to include bugfixes, though PS3 owners might still be wary: the last time the company updated the PS3 they blocked a system of hacks that allowed pirated games to be played.

That latter ability is handy for those picking up a Kindle in a retail store, such as when the ereader lands in Best Buy later this fall, or giving it as a gift to someone without a computer of their own.  Until now, an existing account – established online – was needed.  You can download the new firmware and manually update your Kindle 3 via USB from here.

[Thanks Tony!]

That functionality could make for easier in-store or gift purchases of the Kindle, especially when the recipient is not familiar – or lacks access to – a regular computer.  As for those performance improvements, we’re hearing that there isn’t anything particularly noticeable that has changed after the update so we’re guessing they’re more like bug-fixes than anything else.

[via The Digital Reader]

That’s right, ladies and gentlemen, the Pogoplug now supports printing. So, if you’ve got your mobile device that can access the Pogoplug’s home server interface, then you get your printing on. And considering most of those mobile devices can access full documents, even ones stared in a Dropbox or on Google Docs, you’ve got plenty of options out there for your printing needs. Printer side, you’ll need an HP or Epson-manufactured device from the year 2005 or newer to get your printing on. The firmware upgrade is rolling out right now, so get ready.

As for that previously announced 802.11 b/g/n wireless adapter, the company has come clean that the device is now shipping. And, surprisingly enough, so is the Pogoplug Biz model, which is focused on the whole Enterprise market. For your reading pleasure, we’ve included the press release below.

Press Release

Pogoplug Gains Two New Products and Enables Web Printing!
A series of new Pogoplug features and products go live today!

Today we are delighted to begin rolling out a new firmware update to our customers that activates a number of new features we have announced in recent months, including our new cloud printing feature. In addition, both the Pogoplug Wireless Extender and
Pogoplug Biz are now shipping.

The print feature that we announced at the beginning of summer allows users to print from iPhones, iPads, Android devices, and any other Internet enabled device from anywhere in the world! The setup is simple; all users need to do is plug any HP or Epson printer made since 2005 into a USB port on the Pogoplug, or if it’s a network printer, simply have it on the same network as the Pogoplug. The firmware update begins rolling out to Pogoplug users today, and all users should have the update by the end of the week.

Our newest product, the Pogoplug Wireless Extender, allows users to place the Pogoplug anywhere in their homes where there is wireless internet access, without having to connect it to a network router or wired Ethernet port. The Pogoplug Wireless Extender begins shipping today.

Pogoplug Biz is an all-new version of Pogoplug specifically for businesses that gives business owners all the great features from the original Pogoplug, along with business specific features like customizable emails, a custom look and feel, file download and access statistics, and multiple users.

If you haven’t already, order your Pogoplug Biz and Wireless Extender now!

It seems that aspect of iOS 4.1 isn’t quite ready for prime-time, however, despite earlier rumors that a beta of the firmware did indeed address the sensor glitch.  Martin did not give a new timescale for the fix, leaving those iPhone 4 owners affected still unclear on when their handsets will be patched.

According to the PlayStation Blog, Sony has reissued the v3.41 firmware update, and this time around it won’t cause any undue stress. It’s not a new firmware version, surprisingly enough, which means the fix must have been pretty minor. The new update is available right now, and as long as everything goes well, you should be able to do whatever you want with your hard drives, even after you update. So, if you are looking for a fix, go download the new version, and then be sure to let us know how it goes in the comments below.

[via PlayStation Blog]

Version 3.41 was supposed to include some minor changes to the system, as well as include a “You May Like” new interface, where you would get some suggestions about other titles you may like, versus ones you have played or watched. But there’s something else included in the roll-out, too. Reports are coming in that after updating their system, some users are unable to install a new hard drive. A pop-up that states, “no applicable data” will show up, and that’s it. No new hard drive can be installed.

Interestingly enough, it’s unclear why this would happen at all. Considering the nature of the update, we’re not sure why there would be any connection between store recommendations, and the hard drive. But, it wouldn’t be like Sony to lock down the hard drive installation process, especially considering it’s one of the more defining features of the PS3. We’ll have to wait and see if a new software update gets released to fix the situation, or if Sony comes forward to discuss the issue.

[via CVG]

Meanwhile the accelerometer now works properly, turning the Novel in all four orientations, and the browser is “reasonably fast”.  Still, given the price Nate is still leaning toward a nook if you want something primarily for ebook reading.  If your tastes are more general, though, this could be the software that turns the Novel from a nice idea into a decent buy.

We’re yet to see an official changelog, however, so that might not be the extent of the differences between the two versions.  According to xda-developers you’ll need to have installed FRF85B before you can install FRF91; they have the necessary download links if you’ve not had luck waiting for an OTA install.

Meanwhile the update also improves the performance of the regular, 2D mode, and reduces power consumption in standby.  Finally the cameras should load up faster when in low-light conditions.  The Sony NEX-5 update is here while the Sony NEX-3 update is here.

[Thanks Baz!]

“We are working hard with our partners to update the HTC Sense experience on Froyo and distribute it to our customers as fast as possible. We expect to release updates for several of our 2010 models including Desire, Legend and Wildfire beginning in Q3″ HTC

The exact schedule for the new firmware’s release hasn’t been specified, only that HTC expect it to be launched sometime in Q3 this year (i.e. from July 2010 onwards).  Google announced this week that it was pushing out Android 2.2 Froyo as an OTA update to the Nexus One.

[via Android Community]

According to Google, Nexus One owners should keep an eye on their notification bar for an update icon; the new firmware is being rolled out over the course of this week, and the search giant expects most handsets to be updated by Friday.  If you’re impatient you can download the same FRF85 package direct from Google here.  For instructions on how to install, follow this guide.

[via Android Community]

“In going through the fix,” the unnamed spokesperson claims, “we’re taking extra time to make sure it’s absolutely final before we send it out.”  She also comments on the black hardware which was spotted crossing the FCC, and confirms that it is indeed another version of the Novel.  Apparently the initial plan had been to release the white first and then follow up with the black; however this new firmware delay has changed that somewhat:

“At this point, we have two products that have both been in development for the past few months. We will be selling them both to various retailers. The original plan was that the white model would ship first, but it looks like the black model may hit the market at the same time.”

You can currently download the FRF72 beta from http://android.clients.google.com/packages/passion/signed-passion-FRF72-from-FRF50.bc033f9e.zip; of course Google could well take that down at any moment, though there are mirrors linked here.  If you’re looking for instructions on how to manually install Froyo, check out the extensive guide over at Android Community.

[via Android Police]

Update: HTC has been in touch with an official statement – find it after the cut.

We’re not yet seeing any sign of this first update package being offered to our Hero (which is still running the stock Android 1.5 firmware) though some Android Community members claim to have artificially prompted its install by changing the date to one month into the future and restarting their phone.  As for the Android 2.1 package itself for the Hero, the exact release date for that is still unknown; HTC maintain that it will only arrive sometime this month.

[via Android Community]

Update: HTC official statement:

“Android Éclair update for HTC Hero will be released by the end of June. The upgrade will come in two parts, the first of which will roll out from this week and will be detected when the Hero next automatically checks for software updates. The second part of the update will follow towards the end of the month. As the second part of the upgrade will wipe all data on the handset, Hero users should ensure any important data has been backed up before proceeding with the installation. Due to the size of the update, wherever possible, we would advise using a WiFi connection for this download to avoid additional data charges.”

If you’re unwilling to wait, and the 2.5.3 update is nowhere in sight, Amazon allow you to manually download it and install it to your Kindle from amazon.com/kindlesoftwareupdates.  If you’re content to wait, however, simply make sure your Kindle’s 3G connection is turned on; the ereader itself can be in standby mode.

It’s worth noting that the first-generation Kindle won’t, apparently, be getting the new firmware.  However, we’ve also just tested the web browser on our Kindle in the UK – which previously was restricted to viewing Wikipedia – and it seems Amazon has unlocked the 3G connection so that you can now view any site.

- Collections: Organize your books and documents into one or more collections
- Facebook & Twitter Posts: Share your notes and highlighted book passages with friends on Facebook and Twitter directly from your Kindle
- Popular Highlights: See what the Kindle community thinks are the most interesting passages in the books you’re reading
- PDF Pan and Zoom: Zoom into PDFs and pan around to easily view small print and detailed tables or graphics
- Password Protection: Password protect your Kindle when you’re not using it
- More font sizes & Improved Clarity: Enjoy two new larger font sizes and sharper fonts for an even more comfortable reading experience

[Thanks Antony!]