Tag

Firmware

All articles tagged with #firmware

Philips Offers Free Replacements After Hue Bridge Pro Update Bricks Devices
technology18 hours ago

Philips Offers Free Replacements After Hue Bridge Pro Update Bricks Devices

A firmware update (2071353020) caused a subset of Hue Bridge Pro hubs to brick, showing a red LED; fewer than 100 devices were affected. Philips Signify says the issue arose under a narrow upgrade scenario (auto-updates disabled, an older version, and a manual update after the package sat for more than 10 days) and is rolling out a fix. Philips will replace affected Hue Bridge Pro devices free of charge, regardless of warranty status, but affected users must reconfigure all lights and scenes on the new bridge. There is no path to migrate from a Hue Bridge Pro to a standard Hue Bridge (or to another Hue Bridge).

Flipper Zero firmware enters a community-powered maintenance phase
technology5 days ago

Flipper Zero firmware enters a community-powered maintenance phase

Flipper Devices will continue maintaining the Flipper Zero firmware with a smaller internal team and a heavier reliance on community contributions, while shifting focus to new devices like Flipper One (open Linux) and the Busy Bar. Full-time feature development is over, though official firmware remains supported. A new workflow uses weekly GitHub Discussions reviews, community‑driven pull requests with stricter checks, mandatory integration and regression testing, and oversight of AI-generated or low-level changes. With direct social‑media messaging disabled due to high user volume, requests are voted on in Discussions to influence the roadmap.

technology19 days ago

Gemini AI Speeds Up Linux Boot on ASUS ROG Strix G16 G614

An AI-assisted kernel patch (via Google Gemini 3.5) shortens a 30+ second Linux boot on the ASUS ROG Strix G16 G614 by working around a firmware quirk that asserts a GPIO line at startup; the patch is expected to be upstreamed for systems without updated BIOS, while ASUS/AMD pursue a proper firmware fix, with discussions noting the root cause may involve ACPI/graphics-related GPIO behavior rather than the touchpad alone.

AirPods Pro 3 firmware 8B41 expands rollout with bug fixes
technology24 days ago

AirPods Pro 3 firmware 8B41 expands rollout with bug fixes

Apple released firmware 8B41 for AirPods Pro 3 and Pro 2, widening access beyond beta with bug fixes and no new features announced; to install, update your iPhone/iPad/mac to the latest OS, ensure Bluetooth is on, keep the charging case charged and connected, place AirPods in the case with the lid closed for about 30 minutes, then reopen to verify the update. Release notes are expected to be posted soon.

Framework Laptop 13 Pro shipments push to July due to hardware fixes
gadgets1 month ago

Framework Laptop 13 Pro shipments push to July due to hardware fixes

Framework says the first Laptop 13 Pro shipments will now start in July (with some batches possibly slipping to early August or later) after fixes to a grounding issue in the new haptic trackpad require a redesigned circuit board, and a display firmware bug necessitates updated firmware from CSOT. Preorders without the affected components are still shipping on time, and customers can cancel for a full deposit refund if the delay is an issue.

Hack Me Through the Speaker: BLE Flaw Lets Firmware Takeover
technology1 month ago

Hack Me Through the Speaker: BLE Flaw Lets Firmware Takeover

A Creative Sound Blaster sound bar exposes a Bluetooth Low Energy interface that requires no authentication, enabling a nearby attacker to send commands and even reflash the device’s firmware to act as a USB keyboard, potentially compromising the host system. While USB commands require authentication, the BLE path does not, making proximity access enough for exploitation. The finding highlights BLE as a common vulnerability in consumer electronics and suggests air-gapping or securing edge devices like speakers.

Microsoft rolls out new Secure Boot keys as 2011 certificates near expiry
technology1 month ago

Microsoft rolls out new Secure Boot keys as 2011 certificates near expiry

Microsoft is replacing its 2011 Secure Boot certificates with new UEFI CA 2023 keys via Windows Update as expiry approaches. Most Windows 11 devices manufactured since 2024 are already updated, while older devices can check compatibility in Windows Security and may require OEM firmware updates. Devices that haven’t updated will still function but lack newer boot-time protections against bootkits and firmware threats, and legacy BIOS-only systems cannot receive the update.

Starlink Mini Could Go Battery-Powered for True Portable Internet
technology1 month ago

Starlink Mini Could Go Battery-Powered for True Portable Internet

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 BIOS Updates Through Windows Update Spark Boot Failures on Premium Laptops
technology1 month ago

HP BIOS Updates Through Windows Update Spark Boot Failures on Premium Laptops

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.

Ploopy Bean Brings TrackPoint Precision To a Standalone USB Mouse
technology1 month ago

Ploopy Bean Brings TrackPoint Precision To a Standalone USB Mouse

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.

OmniDrive firmware unlocks legal backups for GameCube, Wii, and Xbox discs
technology1 month ago

OmniDrive firmware unlocks legal backups for GameCube, Wii, and Xbox discs

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.

Galaxy S22 gets May 2026 security patch, kicks off Korea rollout
technology1 month ago

Galaxy S22 gets May 2026 security patch, kicks off Korea rollout

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.

Roku and TCL face class-action over defective TV updates that brick devices
technology2 months ago

Roku and TCL face class-action over defective TV updates that brick devices

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.