HTC’s UK support site is still wilfully refusing to update and offer a download link for the new HTC Hero ROM, but that doesn’t mean English language firmware updates aren’t available elsewhere. Over at XDA Developers they’re compiling a list of the various ROMs available, including a couple of “Worldwide English” versions, which promise to speed up the hesitant handset.
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Apple's latest iPhone OS, version 3.1, may bring along with it Genius recommendations for applications and ringtone downloads, but it also takes away tethering functionality with non-Apple-partner carriers. While that may not come as a great surprise, given Apple's dislike of jailbroken and unofficially unlocked iPhones, the new firmware also blocks tethering for those using "official" unlocked handsets.
The first signs of HTC’s promised update for the Hero Android smartphone have appeared, in the shape of a download on the company’s Nordic support site. HTC Hero firmware version 2.73.405.5 promises to smooth screen transitions, increase HTC Sense performance and the introduction of touch-to-focus in the 5-megapixel camera.
Update: There’s talk from a Swedish forum that HTC support in that country are advising not to use this update, warning that it “misses an important piece in the ROM”. The “real” one is said to be coming tomorrow, though other users are claiming to have installed it with no problems; might be worth waiting to see what arrives over the weekend. [Thanks John!]
Update 2: We’ve spoken to HTC and they assure us that there’s no problem with the ROM on the Swedish site.
Sony have released their latest firmware update for the PSP, and while v6.00 may look relatively innocuous at first glance, more careful reading of the changelist does suggest the company is paving the way for rental gaming. Among the tweaks, Sony list “games can now be grouped and displayed in folders based on their expire date”; however until now the company has only offered expiring video content, not gaming titles.
Full changelist after the cut
Sonos have announced Twitter integration with their multi-room audio system, which will allow users to send out tweets about the currently playing track. Rolling out from today as a beta, the social networking addition comes in Sonos System Software v3.1 and will be available to all Sonos users later in the fall.
Don’t ask how, and don’t ask from where (though we’re guessing HTC, frankly), but MoDaCo’s Paul has managed to acquire the upcoming firmware update for the HTC Hero and installed it on his test device. As we hoped, his feedback is that it speeds the smartphone up no end, with menus far quicker to respond and panning between homescreen pages more smooth.
Video demo after the cut
Did you get your fill of Sony’s news yet? We certainly hope not, because Sony has something else they want you to know. They’ve got a new update for the PlayStation 3 that updates your firmware, up to the good old 3.0 marker. It comes with loads of updates, mostly for the aesthetically-needing people out there, but there is also some functionality thrown in there for good measure.
Many have argued that Sony’s upcoming PSP Go is more a shameless marketing and cash-grabbing exercise, lacking the segment-shift that a truly innovative device might deliver. We’re holding off from judging until the review units come in, but hearing the latest feedback from pre-launch prototype models isn’t exactly putting us in the most positive frame of mind. Eurogamer got their hands on the early PSP Go, and found that not only does the new handheld require all new video cables but little things like the AV port have changed, too.
Tonium are planning to release the third-generation version of their Pacemaker Pocket DJ PMP in early 2010. The news was confirmed by Tonium’s co-founder and creative director Martin Renck, and while he refused to be drawn on specific details for the upcoming device, he did reveal that the company are considering motion-sensing controls for inclusion at some point in the future.
It seems that the PlayStation 3 will be getting a firmware update shortly to 3.0 status. At least, that’s what a new rumor is revealing. In fact, this update will set up a reputation system for the PlayStation Network.
SlashGear Japan
