All articles tagged with #firmware
Firmware in a May Starlink update hints at an integrated battery for the Starlink Mini, enabling untethered use with three power states (USB-C, internal battery, or both) and a likely airline-friendly ~99Wh capacity. If real, the battery would simplify app support, warranty coverage, and portable operation for vanlife users and emergency responders, potentially delivering around five hours of runtime.
HP’s firmware updates pushed via Windows Update have caused boot failures on certain premium HP laptops (e.g., ZBook Ultra G1a, EliteBook X G1a) with specific BIOS versions. The updates are marked critical and install automatically, making rollback difficult; some users have recovered using HP’s network BIOS downgrade with an HP USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter. HP has acknowledged the issue but offered no detailed guidance, while Microsoft reviews the reliability of third-party firmware updates in Windows Update. This echoes earlier firmware update problems in 2024 and highlights challenges in firmware testing and rollout.
The Ploopy Bean is a TrackPoint-inspired standalone mouse that uses a red nub to control the cursor and requires a USB-A to USB-C cable (not wireless). It’s 3D-printed, features four side buttons, a 11 mm travel nub, and 1,000 Hz polling with firmware that supports updates and mods. Preorders began May 6, 2026, with two shipping tiers and a price around $51 before adding the cable.
A new custom firmware for PC optical drives, OmniDrive, enables reading proprietary GameCube, Wii, and Xbox disc formats to back up or create playable digital copies for emulators. While PlayStation 3/4/5 and newer Xbox discs remain encrypted, the setup requires compatible drives and flashing expertise to avoid bricking. MakeMKV can help verify compatibility, and the Disc Preservation Project maintains a list of supported models. Users should weigh the legal nuances and hardware costs against the benefit of digitizing their collections.
Samsung has begun rolling out the May 2026 security patch to the Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra, starting in South Korea with firmware S90xNKSS9GZE5 (about 506.30MB for the S22) and addressing 36 security vulnerabilities; global rollout is expected in the coming days. The update accompanies One UI 8.5, while One UI 9.0 is not slated for these devices, which are expected to receive their final major update.
A federal class-action accuses Roku and TCL of releasing repeatedly defective software updates for RokuOS TVs that cause freezing, restarts, failure to turn on, or degraded performance. The suit covers Roku Select and Plus Series sets and TCL models running RokuOS; it seeks a jury trial, damages, and injunctive relief. Filed in a Southern California federal court, the case highlights concerns about firmware quality across affordable smart TVs within Roku’s long-standing partnership with TCL.
Secure Boot certificates expire in June 2026. Check if your PC already has updated certificates with a PowerShell check, then install any pending Windows updates and OEM firmware updates. If firmware updates aren’t available, use Microsoft’s registry-based workaround and reboot as directed. Windows 10 users may need Extended Security Updates to receive the update.
A retrocomputing piece describes reconstructing a byte-identical IBM PCjr BIOS from the original printed x86 assembly, using a DOS/DOSBox toolchain included in a ZIP to assemble, link, and convert the code into a BIN suitable for two 32 KB ROMs—highlighting that IBM copyright still applies while preserving a slice of PC history.
Sony's PS5 firmware update 26.03-13.20.00 is live, expanding emoji reactions in Messages and making minor UI readability tweaks.
Commodore issued a firmware update for the C64 Ultimate FPGA and explained it will not support or allow third-party patches, to protect hardware, warranties, and support costs. The update adds USB mouse support, improves the BASIC editor, and introduces a music-detect mode; Commodore says firmware built for non-official boards could cause issues and will be blocked or restricted, though the company is evaluating paths that balance user freedom with protection and is inviting feedback.
Samsung's Galaxy S24, S24+, and S24 Ultra are receiving the March 2026 security patch in South Korea with firmware versions S921NKSS5CZC1, S926NKSS5CZC1, and S928NKSS5CZC1; rollout to other regions is expected in the coming days, and users can update via Settings > Software update > Download and install. The piece also notes an upcoming One UI 8.5 (Android 16 QPR2) beta program for the lineup.
Espressif’s ESP32-P4 has a new hardware revision that isn’t clearly identifiable by SKU: a pin changes from NC to a power rail, a few extra passives are needed, and firmware must be compiled for each revision. Some wholesalers sell both revisions under the same SKU, leading to boards being built with the wrong chip and firmware, so verify the exact revision and use the correct firmware for your design.
Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra has received its first One UI 9 build (global SM-S948B, BZC5, ~2.6GB), signaling development of the Android 17–based update; the build, spotted on Samsung servers with accompanying screenshots, hints at UI and security enhancements, including improved windowing and lock-screen widgets, while Google rolls out Android 17 Beta 2. Samsung may open a One UI 9 beta program ahead of a mid-2026 stable Android 17 release alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8.
Texas Attorney General Paxton filed suit against TP-Link Systems, alleging the company marketed routers as secure while hiding Chinese-sourced components and firmware flaws exploited by state-backed hackers, tying TP-Link to a credential-theft botnet; the suit seeks civil penalties and injunctions to disclose origins and curb data collection.
A Hackaday piece describes upgrading a MacBook Pro by replacing its original Core Duo with a Core 2 Duo from a dead motherboard, a process that requires desoldering and careful preheating due to moisture ingress; after a firmware update the system recognizes the new CPU, and the article notes these older machines can run open firmware and serve as Linux machines despite hardware limits.