Firmware | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net KitGuru.net - Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:54:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.kitguru.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-KITGURU-Light-Background-SQUARE2-32x32.png Firmware | KitGuru https://www.kitguru.net 32 32 PS5 update brings major DualSense enhancements https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/mustafa-mahmoud/ps5-update-brings-major-dualsense-enhancements/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/mustafa-mahmoud/ps5-update-brings-major-dualsense-enhancements/#respond Thu, 14 Mar 2024 13:45:06 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=651523 Last month, Sony released a PS5 firmware update via their beta branch, bringing with it a notable set of improvements across the board – including DualSense enhancements. Now, the firmware has graduated out of beta and is available for all. Available right now to download and install, the latest PS5 firmware update brings with it …

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Last month, Sony released a PS5 firmware update via their beta branch, bringing with it a notable set of improvements across the board – including DualSense enhancements. Now, the firmware has graduated out of beta and is available for all.

Available right now to download and install, the latest PS5 firmware update brings with it a bunch of quality-of-life improvements, including:

  • DualSense controller speaker volume enhancements
  • Improved DualSense mic noise cancellation
  • Additional interactions during Share Screen gameplay
  • You can now adjust the brightness of your PS5 console’s power indicator.

The full breakdown on all the changes can be found HERE. While many of these features are not necessary, such small changes to the likes of the DualSense (and console hardware features) are very welcome to see.

Hopefully Sony continues to refine the PS5 experience over time as they have been doing.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the update? Do you enable the DualSense’s speaker? What other QoL fixes would you like to see? Let us know down below.

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February Xbox update brings stick drift reduction and more https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/mustafa-mahmoud/february-xbox-update-brings-stick-drift-reduction-and-more/ https://www.kitguru.net/tech-news/mustafa-mahmoud/february-xbox-update-brings-stick-drift-reduction-and-more/#respond Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:30:14 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=648351 Microsoft releases new software updates for its Xbox consoles at a regular cadence, adding both small and large changes alike. February’s update is available now and brings with it some much needed new functionality – including a way to circumvent stick drift. Making the announcement on the Xbox blog, Jonathan Hildebrandt – the Principal Group …

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Microsoft releases new software updates for its Xbox consoles at a regular cadence, adding both small and large changes alike. February’s update is available now and brings with it some much needed new functionality – including a way to circumvent stick drift.

Making the announcement on the Xbox blog, Jonathan Hildebrandt – the Principal Group Product Manager for Xbox Experiences – said “Team Xbox continues to bring new ways to make Xbox better, with players at the center, as we refine the experience and deliver brand-new features based on player feedback.”

This update brings with it 3 small yet significant changes and additions, the first being the option for touch controls when using Xbox remote play on mobile. While in no way the most optimal way to play a game, having the option to control your Xbox using virtual buttons can be useful in a number of scenarios – be it for a quick way to change some system settings or even just to pick up a new limited-time cosmetic.

Perhaps the most impactful change with this update is the addition of a new thumbstick calibration tool, letting players adjust the sensitivity and range of the stick’s movement, allowing you to adjust its deadzone and more. Considering all three console manufacturers have suffered from controller drift (to varying degrees), having the ability to alleviate this defect is welcome indeed.

Finally, the last major change with this update is the improved filter system for your library, now being able to sort tiles by accessibility, supported languages, and technical features.

While it is surprising to see that some of these features were not available already, their additions are certainly welcome.

Discuss on our Facebook page HERE.

KitGuru says: What do you think of the update? Which new feature will be the most useful to you? Have you had controller drift issues? Let us know down below.

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PS5 firmware update adds DualSense improvements and more https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/mustafa-mahmoud/ps5-firmware-update-adds-dualsense-improvements-and-more/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/operating-systems/mustafa-mahmoud/ps5-firmware-update-adds-dualsense-improvements-and-more/#respond Wed, 07 Feb 2024 11:00:04 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=647328 Since its launch back in 2020, the PlayStation 5 has received a significant number of updates, adding brand new features alongside miscellaneous quality-of-life improvements. This latest beta update is part of the latter – though does bring with it a whole host of welcome additions. Making the announcement via the PlayStation Blog, the Senior Vice …

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Since its launch back in 2020, the PlayStation 5 has received a significant number of updates, adding brand new features alongside miscellaneous quality-of-life improvements. This latest beta update is part of the latter – though does bring with it a whole host of welcome additions.

Making the announcement via the PlayStation Blog, the Senior Vice President for Platform Experience at SIE – Hideaki Nishino – said:

“As the new year kicks into high gear with an amazing slate of PS5 game releases like The Last of Us Part II Remastered, Tekken 8 and Helldivers 2, along with FINAL FANTASY VII Rebirth later this month, we’re pleased to roll out another PS5 system software beta today with a number of quality-of-life enhancements and new features.”

Though currently only in beta, those from the US, Canada, Japan, UK, Germany or France can join the program to gain early access to these upcoming features, including:

  • DualSense controller speaker volume enhancements
  • Improved DualSense mic noise cancellation
  • Additional interactions during Share Screen gameplay
  • You can now adjust the brightness of your PS5 console’s power indicator.

While many of these features are not necessary, such small changes to the likes of the DualSense (and console hardware features) are very welcome to see. Hopefully the firmware’s full release is on the horizon.

KitGuru says: What do you think of this update? Are you registered for the beta? What other QoL improvements would you like to see? Let us know down below.

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MSI issues BIOS update for 600-series motherboards with memory improvements https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/joao-silva/msi-issues-bios-update-for-600-series-motherboards-with-memory-improvements/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/joao-silva/msi-issues-bios-update-for-600-series-motherboards-with-memory-improvements/#respond Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:15:15 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=625415 To improve memory performance across their AMD 600-series motherboards, MSI has started to roll out the AGESA PI 1.0.0.7c BIOS update. Based on what we've heard so far, this update allows AMD systems with X670E, X670, B650, and A620 motherboards to run higher memory speeds while maintaining stability. As seen in the screenshots shared by …

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To improve memory performance across their AMD 600-series motherboards, MSI has started to roll out the AGESA PI 1.0.0.7c BIOS update. Based on what we've heard so far, this update allows AMD systems with X670E, X670, B650, and A620 motherboards to run higher memory speeds while maintaining stability.

As seen in the screenshots shared by MSI, running a Memory Stress Test on an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU with a dual-channel DDR5-7200 “EXPO” approved kit on MSI's PRO B650-P WIFI motherboard is now possible without any issues. Furthermore, it reveals that running the same test with an AMD Ryzen 9 7900X CPU on an MSI MEG X670E ACE motherboard with a peak memory frequency of 8000MHz (CL36) is also achievable.

MSI has already launched the new BIOS update for various motherboards, but a few are still missing. That includes the B650M Project Zero and the MAG X670E Tomahawk WIFI. For a detailed list of the motherboards that support the new BIOS update, check the list below:

  • MEG X670E Godlike
  • MEG X670E Ace
  • MPG X670E Carbon WIFI
  • PRO X670-P WIFI
  • MPG B650 Carbon WIFI
  • MPG B650 Edge WIFI
  • MPG B650I Edge WIFI
  • MAG B650 Tomahawk WIFI
  • MAG B650M Mortar WIFI
  • MAG B650M Mortar
  • PRO B650-P WIFI
  • PRO B650M-A WIFI
  • PRO B650M-A
  • PRO A620M-E

Lastly, there are also a few other upgrades included with AGESA 1.0.0.7c that offer extra protection and address a few other vulnerabilities and security flaws.

KitGuru says: Do you own any of the MSI motherboards that just received the AMD AGESA PI 1.0.0.7c BIOS update? Are you planning to update it, or are you happy with how it currently works?

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AMD AGESA firmware update enables up to 8,200MHz DDR5 speeds https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/joao-silva/amd-agesa-firmware-update-enables-up-to-8200mhz-ddr5-speeds/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/joao-silva/amd-agesa-firmware-update-enables-up-to-8200mhz-ddr5-speeds/#respond Fri, 21 Jul 2023 12:15:30 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=623805 AMD AM5 platform development has progressed significantly, and it looks like the newest AGESA version 1.0.0.7B is the result of that. The new firmware is already available for certain motherboards, allowing users to test it beforehand. Based on the reports we've gathered, it looks like a game changer, allowing specific motherboard and RAM combos to …

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AMD AM5 platform development has progressed significantly, and it looks like the newest AGESA version 1.0.0.7B is the result of that. The new firmware is already available for certain motherboards, allowing users to test it beforehand. Based on the reports we've gathered, it looks like a game changer, allowing specific motherboard and RAM combos to operate at 8,200MHz.

The new AGESA is touted to enhance a new memory synchronisation mode that works best with high-speed memory modules. According to an AMD representative, many Ryzen 7000 systems will now be able to support 6400 MT/s memory with a 1:1 IC ratio. Moreover, the updated firmware version offers previously hidden control options, including internal memory controller timing parameters. Using 7600–7800 MT/s kits should now be possible on various motherboards. However, as shown by others, the correct hardware and settings will allow you to push the memory speeds even further.

The latest version, which is now available for ASRock, demonstrates that even on a B650 motherboard, gamers may see their memory operate at DDR5-8000 with some tweaking. Buildzoid (via VideoCardz) has already shown what the AGESA 1007B firmware is capable of using an ASRock B650 LiveMixer and an AMD Ryzen 9 7900X. ASRock also launched its own tease through Reddit, albeit not as impressive, showing a Ryzen 9 7950X3D paired with a G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo kit with EXPO running at DDR5-7200 (CL34-45-45-115 at 1.4V) on a X670E Taichi.

Gigabyte joined the party with a snapshot of an X670E Aorus Master board with Ryzen 9 7900X3D and KLEV DDR5-8000 RAM with an XMP profile (38-48-48-128-176 timings at 1.45V). Last but not least, chi11eddog shared CPU-Z screens with an MSI X670E ACE motherboard with a Ryzen 9 7950X CPU and OLOY memory (SK Hynix modules) running at DDR5-8200 (38-48-48-126-168 timings at 1.45V). This is the quickest memory kit we've seen running on a motherboard using the AGESA 1007B firmware.

KitGuru says: The increase in memory compatibility and operating speeds will surely give some extra oomph to some systems. However, getting to these speeds without an EXPO or XMP profile may prove challenging.

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New motherboard firmware updates hint at “next-gen processors” https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/joao-silva/new-motherboard-firmware-updates-hint-at-next-gen-processors/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/motherboard/joao-silva/new-motherboard-firmware-updates-hint-at-next-gen-processors/#respond Wed, 21 Jun 2023 08:00:58 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=619951 Two motherboard manufacturers have recently released new firmware updates in preparation for Intel's next-generation CPUs. ASRock and Asus have taken the lead by deploying firmware updates for their B760M PG Sonic WiFi and ROG Maximus Z790 Apex motherboards, explicitly stating support for upcoming processors. The new BIOS for the ASRock B760M PG Sonic WiFi was …

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Two motherboard manufacturers have recently released new firmware updates in preparation for Intel's next-generation CPUs. ASRock and Asus have taken the lead by deploying firmware updates for their B760M PG Sonic WiFi and ROG Maximus Z790 Apex motherboards, explicitly stating support for upcoming processors.

The new BIOS for the ASRock B760M PG Sonic WiFi was spotted by @momomo_us. As for the new Asus ROG Maximus Z790 Apex BIOS, that one was found by HXL. In the notes of these BIOS updates, it's only mentioned that they introduce support for “next-gen processors”, without specifying which CPUs they're referring to. However, considering Meteor Lake will be exclusive to mobile devices and Arrow Lake is expected to release in Q4 2024, the Raptor Lake refresh appears to be the most viable candidate for the processors mentioned in the firmware updates.

Higher clock speeds are expected from this refresh, although they often come with increased power consumption. Moreover, it's also possible that the refreshed processors may feature an improved integrated memory controller to accommodate the faster memory kits.

The compatibility of Raptor Lake Refresh with existing Intel 600 and 700-series motherboards remains intact, with only minor firmware updates required. However, motherboard brands may take this opportunity to release revamped models with additional features. The extent to which cooling solutions can be recycled will depend on the power design needed to ensure stable operation.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: Do you have a 700-series motherboard? Are you planning on updating its BIOS in preparation for an upgrade later this year?

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Intel Arc GPU firmware updates are only possible on AMD and Intel-based systems https://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/joao-silva/intel-arc-gpu-firmware-updates-are-only-possible-on-amd-and-intel-based-systems/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/graphic-cards/joao-silva/intel-arc-gpu-firmware-updates-are-only-possible-on-amd-and-intel-based-systems/#respond Mon, 07 Nov 2022 13:21:20 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=581359 The process of updating the firmware of a graphics card isn't something that users do very often. Still, it's helpful to know the requirements when the situation arises. One such scenario is updating the Graphics System Controller firmware of Intel Arc cards, which is only possible if you have the GPU paired with an AMD …

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The process of updating the firmware of a graphics card isn't something that users do very often. Still, it's helpful to know the requirements when the situation arises. One such scenario is updating the Graphics System Controller firmware of Intel Arc cards, which is only possible if you have the GPU paired with an AMD or Intel CPU.

This requirement was found by Phoronix while trying to do the update process using fwupd, a system daemon that allows session software to update the firmware. According to Richard Hughes and the firmware update notes, non-Intel machines cannot update GPU devices because they lack HECI-over-MEI support.

To make more sense of this requirement, it's easier if you know what the Intel Management Engine (MEI) is. Simply put, it's an always-on micro-computer inside the motherboard running a UNIX-like OS with access to memory, networking and displays. The lack of documentation about the engine makes it almost impossible to learn what it does, but we know that it can update graphics card firmware, including those of Arc graphics cards.

So, in other words, if your CPU doesn't support MEI (non-x86 or pre-2008 Intel CPUs), you may have a hard time updating an Intel Arc graphics card. Meanwhile, Intel confirmed to Phoronix that updating the firmware on AMD-based systems will be possible. However, it's unclear if this is already supported or planned for a future release.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru says: GPU firmware updates are usually not that important, but there were some cases where updating it actually introduced something nice, namely ReBAR on Nvidia GPUs. Fortunately, this type of update isn't that common, so those using Intel Arc GPUs on non-Intel/AMD systems shouldn't be affected much by this requirement.

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Sony improves DualSense PC support https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/sony-improves-dualsense-pc-support/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/sony-improves-dualsense-pc-support/#respond Wed, 20 Apr 2022 13:30:49 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=557762 The DualSense controller has proven to be highly successful with its mix of new haptic feedback features. Some titles have full support for DualSense on PC as well, making it an increasingly popular option for a PC gaming controller. Now to make things easier for PC gamers, Sony has released a DualSense app.  The application …

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The DualSense controller has proven to be highly successful with its mix of new haptic feedback features. Some titles have full support for DualSense on PC as well, making it an increasingly popular option for a PC gaming controller. Now to make things easier for PC gamers, Sony has released a DualSense app. 

The application is pretty simple, allowing users to update their controller's firmware to the latest version without plugging it into a console. There are no additional features, such as controller settings or button bindings, but it is a start.

The DualSense firmware updater is available now for Windows 10 and Windows 11. After downloading it, you'll just need to plug your controller in via USB and you can then update the firmware.

A number of PC games fully support the DualSense feature set at this point, including the likes of Metro Exodus, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Far Cry 6, Call of Duty Vanguard, Dying Light 2, Deathloop, Ghostwire Tokyo and Death Stranding: Director's Cut.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The DualSense has quickly become my favourite gamepad, so it is great to see increased support on the PC side of things. Do any of you use a gamepad regularly with your PC? Do you use an Xbox or PlayStation controller? 

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Jailbreaking group makes progress with PlayStation 5 https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/jailbreaking-group-makes-progress-with-playstation-5/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/matthew-wilson/jailbreaking-group-makes-progress-with-playstation-5/#respond Tue, 09 Nov 2021 19:12:12 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=539162 During the PlayStation 4 generation, Sony was able to keep a tight grip on console security, with hackers only beginning to figure out jailbreaking methods in 2018, years after the console's launch. With the PS5 now out in the wild, hacking groups are already working on unlocking the console, and significant progress appears to have …

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During the PlayStation 4 generation, Sony was able to keep a tight grip on console security, with hackers only beginning to figure out jailbreaking methods in 2018, years after the console's launch. With the PS5 now out in the wild, hacking groups are already working on unlocking the console, and significant progress appears to have been made. 

As reported by Eurogamer this week, Jailbreaking group “Fail0verflow” has managed to gain access to internal “PS5 root keys”, which will enable them to decrypt the system's firmware. After that, they can begin poking around for exploits to enable homebrew software, other modifications like installing a secondary OS, or Sony's biggest concern, pirated games.

In a tweet, the group explained that it has obtained “all symmetric PS5 root keys”. The group states these keys were found through software datamining, rather than illegal means.

That's as far as this story goes for now, the PS5's firmware has not been cracked yet, but it seems that progress is being made at a faster pace compared to last generation, which is something Sony will be looking to stamp out with security updates.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: Sony will certainly be monitoring this situation closely to avoid the PS5 turning into a piracy machine. 

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Surface Book 2 firmware patch finally fixes CPU and GPU issues https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/james-dawson/surface-book-2-firmware-patch-finally-fixes-cpu-and-gpu-issues/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/laptops/james-dawson/surface-book-2-firmware-patch-finally-fixes-cpu-and-gpu-issues/#respond Sun, 13 Oct 2019 09:17:25 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=429724 Microsoft has finally released an update for the Surface Book 2 to correct an Nvidia discrete GPU problem and CPU throttling issues, that have been plaguing the device for months. Microsoft has been blocking the Windows 10 update (1903) on Surface Book 2 devices for months, as it was found that users with an Nvidia …

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Microsoft has finally released an update for the Surface Book 2 to correct an Nvidia discrete GPU problem and CPU throttling issues, that have been plaguing the device for months.

Microsoft has been blocking the Windows 10 update (1903) on Surface Book 2 devices for months, as it was found that users with an Nvidia discrete GPU had an issue where the dedicated GPU driver would disappear from the Device manager, leaving users with Intel’s integrated graphics only. A firmware update has been released to fix this issue now.

Along with this, a further issue has been patched in the updated firmware to correct a CPU throttling problem. Over the last few months, some users have been reporting that the CPU in the Surface Book 2 would throttle down to just 400 MHz – apparently due to the Intel CPU flag BD PROCHOT. Microsoft claim this problem has been fixed with the latest firmware patch.

Microsoft has issued a full changelog for the firmware patch, which can be found on their support site. Additionally, the updated firmware should offer users improved battery stability too.

Since Microsoft has now fixed these issues through a firmware patch, in theory, users should be able to download and install the latest version of Windows 10 (1903) on their Surface Book 2 devices again. Once this mass update has happened, we should find out if the firmware patch has been 100% successful in eliminating both issues.

kitGuru says: Did any of you guys suffer from either of these issues on your Surface Book 2? If so, we would like to hear how the firmware patch is working and if you are able to download the windows 1903 update now.

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Intel has begun rolling out its Spectre fix for Skylake processors https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/matthew-wilson/intel-has-begun-rolling-out-its-spectre-fix-for-skylake-processors/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/cpu/matthew-wilson/intel-has-begun-rolling-out-its-spectre-fix-for-skylake-processors/#comments Fri, 09 Feb 2018 13:51:49 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=363503 Intel is continuing to make progress in its efforts to tackle the Spectre/Meltdown bugs that were publicly unveiled last month. While earlier firmware updates ran into some issues, the chip maker is back on the ball with new firmware updates free of reboot errors. This week, new firmware began rolling out for Skylake processors specifically. …

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Intel is continuing to make progress in its efforts to tackle the Spectre/Meltdown bugs that were publicly unveiled last month. While earlier firmware updates ran into some issues, the chip maker is back on the ball with new firmware updates free of reboot errors. This week, new firmware began rolling out for Skylake processors specifically.

Previously, microcode errors to Broadwell and Haswell processors resulted in reboot errors, causing Microsoft to issue a Windows 10 update disabling the patch. Intel has since found the root cause of this issue and has begun rolling out firmware updates to more processors, including Skylake.

Now that updates are rolling out, Intel is keen to convince users to download system updates. In the latest security blog post, Intel's Navin Shenoy wrote:

“I can’t emphasize enough how critical it is for everyone to always keep their systems up-to-date. Research tells us there is frequently a substantial lag between when people receive updates and when they actually implement them. In today’s environment, that must change. According to the Department of Homeland Security’s cyber-emergency unit, US-CERT, as many as 85 percent of all targeted attacks can be prevented with – among other things – regular system updates.”

There is still more work to be done, and Intel is continuing to work with industry partners to implement more updates in order to ensure that Spectre/Meltdown doesn't become a heavily exploited security issue. This latest round of firmware updates is being pushed out to Intel OEMs as we speak, so it is important that end-users update their systems.

KitGuru Says: Intel is already working on new processors that will be completely rid of Spectre for later this year. In the meantime though, there is an extensive back catalogue of CPUs that need updates.

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Study finds that 4.2% of Macs were running vulnerable firmware, issue fixed in High Sierra https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/security-software/matthew-wilson/study-finds-that-4-2-of-macs-were-running-vulnerable-firmware-issue-fixed-in-high-sierra/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/security-software/matthew-wilson/study-finds-that-4-2-of-macs-were-running-vulnerable-firmware-issue-fixed-in-high-sierra/#respond Fri, 29 Sep 2017 18:02:43 +0000 https://www.kitguru.net/?p=348252 Just a few days ago, a password stealing vulnerability was discovered in macOS just as the latest version began rolling out. Apple is already addressing this but it seems that a new security issue has also come to light, after a study found that 4.2 percent of Macs were running the wrong firmware, leaving them …

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Just a few days ago, a password stealing vulnerability was discovered in macOS just as the latest version began rolling out. Apple is already addressing this but it seems that a new security issue has also come to light, after a study found that 4.2 percent of Macs were running the wrong firmware, leaving them open to exploits.

Duo Security conducted a study of 73,000 Macs running out in the wild, finding that 4.2 percent, or just over 3000 of them, were running the wrong firmware version. This leaves them open to Thunderstrike, an attack that can be used to rewrite macOS firmware using a malware ridden Thunderbolt device. The attacker would need physical access to the Mac in order to achieve this, so it isn’t necessarily a concern for regular consumers, but it could be more concerning for enterprise or even government agency users.

Apple regularly rolls out security updates for Macs but for some reason, it seems firmware versions weren’t always updated as they should have been. Here is what the paper says: “At least 16 models received no EFI updates at all. EFI updates for other models were inconsistently successful, with the 21.5-inch iMac released in late 2015 topping the list, with 43 percent of those sampled running the wrong version.”

In a statement given to ArsTechnica, Apple said that High Sierra should fix this issue entirely, as weekly firmware checks have been implemented with the latest update. With that in mind, Mac users wanting to remain secure should update to the latest version as soon as possible.

KitGuru Says: Apple tends to be very diligent when it comes to user security. We are still unsure why old Mac models were unsuccessful in updating their firmware with new patches, but it seems the High Sierra update should fix that for everyone going forward. Are any of you using macOS at the moment? Have you tried the High Sierra update yet?

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The HTC Vive to get new features with future firmware updates https://www.kitguru.net/components/vr/matthew-wilson/the-htc-vive-to-get-new-features-with-future-firmware-updates/ https://www.kitguru.net/components/vr/matthew-wilson/the-htc-vive-to-get-new-features-with-future-firmware-updates/#comments Thu, 14 Apr 2016 19:28:26 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=289633 Virtual Reality has finally arrived in the hands of consumers but it looks like Valve and HTC have plans for the Vive headset to evolve a bit over time as future firmware update plans aim to add in “real, new functionality”. Speaking on the RoadToVR podcast, Valve developer, Jeremy Selan, spoke a little bit about …

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Virtual Reality has finally arrived in the hands of consumers but it looks like Valve and HTC have plans for the Vive headset to evolve a bit over time as future firmware update plans aim to add in “real, new functionality”.

Speaking on the RoadToVR podcast, Valve developer, Jeremy Selan, spoke a little bit about future potential for the Vive. “The traditional model for hardware companies is that you develop a product, perfect it prior to release, and then put it out there and it’s a little bit more of a static, unchanging target.”

HTC Vive

“I think we’re really excited about Valve taking a similar approach with hardware as we do with software. Your Steam client updates all the time, it’s really convenient for you to push out software updates for lots of games and we’ve taken that same approach with the hardware perspective as well.”

Selan also compared Valve's plan to how it treats the Steam Controller, which has also had plenty of feature updates since its first launch: “The Steam controller, since its release, has had a bunch of meaningful and interesting updates going out and that’s our hope to take a similar step with the HTC Vive, as well as the general Steam VR ecosystem.”

So Vive owners can expect to get plenty of feature updates over time but nothing specific was mentioned just yet.

KitGuru Says: It is great to hear that Valve is dedicated to providing additional functionality updates to the Vive. It will be interesting to see what they can come up with post-launch.  

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Microsoft may invest in Android spin-off developer https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/jon-martindale/microsoft-may-invest-in-android-spin-off-developer/ https://www.kitguru.net/lifestyle/mobile/jon-martindale/microsoft-may-invest-in-android-spin-off-developer/#respond Fri, 30 Jan 2015 12:05:48 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=233288 Microsoft's take on the mobile industry hasn't ever been particularly strong. It has rebounded a little with its Nokia purchase and the recent Windows Phone push, but it is far and away the second fiddle and third wheel of the industry dominated by iOS and Android handsets. However that may not be the case forever, …

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Microsoft's take on the mobile industry hasn't ever been particularly strong. It has rebounded a little with its Nokia purchase and the recent Windows Phone push, but it is far and away the second fiddle and third wheel of the industry dominated by iOS and Android handsets. However that may not be the case forever, as rumours suggest Microsoft may be set to invest as much as $70 million (£46 million) in a firm that is designing and releasing modified Android firmware, without Google branding whatsoever.

This is all speculation for now, with the WSJ only citing its sources as “people familiar with the matter,” but if true, it would make for an interesting development. The company in question, Cyanogen has been developing Android firmware for a couple of years now, stripping it of its Google affiliation and making it more open than it ever was before. It's gaining in popularity too, with some handset makers, like India's Micromax, set to ship their next-generation of handsets running Cyanogen's Android firmware, rather than Google's latest release.

cyanogen
Super Hexagon is still harder

Indeed this may be something that catches on with other companies, especially those that would like to promote their own services that compete with Google's. As it stands, many handset makers are forced to promote Google search and other products from the company in order to gain access to the Play Store, Youtube and other Google centric products.

“We’re going to take Android away from Google,” is the famous statement made by Cyanogen CEO, Kirt McMaster. Although this is unlikely to happen overnight, the more open nature of its firmware could well attract a lot of interest from handset makers and third party developers.

It's clear to see why Microsoft would be interested – if indeed it is – as such an operating system would allow it to promote its Bing search engine as a direct competitor of Google, rather than users having to jump through hoops to use it if they do prefer its function or style.

Due to compatibility with existing handsets too, Cyanogen may well stand a better chance of fostering a third mobile community (outside of iOS and Google's Android) than Microsoft does with its Windows Phones.

KitGuru Says: If this turns out to be true, it would make for a very interesting development. Do any of you guys run custom firmware on your handsets?

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Sony releases no-menu bug fix PS3 update https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/console-desktop-pc/jon-martindale/sony-releases-no-menu-bug-fix-ps3-update/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/console-desktop-pc/jon-martindale/sony-releases-no-menu-bug-fix-ps3-update/#respond Thu, 27 Jun 2013 10:35:23 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=140243 Sony released a patch earlier this week that caused a small number of PS3 owners to suddenly have a useless machine – as the main menu wouldn't appear after a reboot. Sony quickly pulled the patch but for some people it was too late. Now though, with a little bit of fannying around, it should …

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Sony released a patch earlier this week that caused a small number of PS3 owners to suddenly have a useless machine – as the main menu wouldn't appear after a reboot. Sony quickly pulled the patch but for some people it was too late. Now though, with a little bit of fannying around, it should be alright.

Those with unworkable consoles at the moment, will need to boot into safe mode (guide on how, here) and download the new 3.4.46 update from the official PlayStation site. Stick that on a pen drive and plug it into your PS3 once it's in safe mode.

safemode
The first screen on your road to salvation

From there simply update the firmware and you should be good to go. However if not, Sony suggests you get in touch with its support team. You can do that (and read step by step instructions for the firmware update) here.

The timing of this patch problem was unfortunate for Sony. It had been riding such a wave of positive feelings after its E3 showing, that this was a bit of a stumbling block.

KitGuru Says: Any of you faced with the near-bricked PS3 problem after that last patch? Hopefully this sorts it out for you. 

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Sony’s latest PS3 patch has been bricking consoles https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/console-desktop-pc/jon-martindale/sonys-latest-ps3-patch-has-been-bricking-consoles/ https://www.kitguru.net/gaming/console-desktop-pc/jon-martindale/sonys-latest-ps3-patch-has-been-bricking-consoles/#comments Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:21:29 +0000 http://www.kitguru.net/?p=139233 The newly released (and most recently pulled) patch from Sony for its PS3 has been bricking the consoles of many that download it. The patch in question shouldn't be available any more so don't fret, but just in-case, don't download anything that looks like a 4.45 firmware update, just yet. The patch was supposed to …

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The newly released (and most recently pulled) patch from Sony for its PS3 has been bricking the consoles of many that download it. The patch in question shouldn't be available any more so don't fret, but just in-case, don't download anything that looks like a 4.45 firmware update, just yet.

The patch was supposed to add support for turning off achievement/trophy notifications, thereby removing that immersion breaking “feature” from the game's display. However, upon rebooting after a successful update, many users found that their PS3 would no longer connect to the main menu of the console. Other users are reporting that they can't even turn it off after the update, their only option is to pull the power cable.

Unfortunately this doesn't fix the problem.

ps3
Does your console look like this, this morning?

The ongoing issue has led many people to complain on the official PlayStation forums and unsurprisingly, through twitter.

One gamer said:  “Thankfully the PS3 didn't download the screwed update. I've also decided that Automatic Updates will now be turned off, just in case.” He might be on to something.

Sony has released a statement to address users who have been affected by the problem (via Eurogamer):
“We are aware of reports that the recent PlayStation 3 system software update (version 4.45) has caused the XMB to not display on a small number of PS3 systems. We have temporarily taken 4.45 offline and are investigating the cause of the problem. We will announce when the system update is available for download as soon as possible. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

Those that have already bricked their machines, may need to make sure they have a pen drive handy when the new update is released, as they'll need to boot into safe mode with it connected and update the firmware from there – as long as the console allows them to get that far.

KitGuru Says: Any of you unwittingly download the update? Guess it's a good case for not having on auto-update. 

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