firmware

Leica M8 gets an update

Leica has released a firmware update to its M8 digital rangefinder camera. The firmware update, version 2.002, for both the M8 and M8.2, adds several improvements and corrections. New profiles have been added for the 6-bit coding for several new lenses, the 21mm f1.4, the 24mm f1.4, and the 24mm f3.8. It fixes the display of image numbering, the display of the fastest sync speed in the menu, and eliminated black frames that may have occurred in the Discreet mode. Also when Auto-ISO is used along with lens dependent setting of the slowest shutter speed, … Read more

Panasonic LX3 will get updated firmware

Panasonic has announced a firmware update to its 10.1MP DMC-LX3 digital camera. The firmware will be available worldwide on December 15, 2008. The update, which is version 1.1, improves auto white-balance performance under different lighting conditions. It also features a compatibility update for the optional FL220 flash unit. This new firmware will be available on Panasonic's support site.

We generally recommend installing the latest firmware updates for your camera, so you can get the most out of your gear. For more information on firmware updates for a specific camera, visit the manufacturer's Web site. Before installing … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 867: Of peanut butter and shotguns

It is a tale told down throughout the ages. Google's Internet access is a large jar of peanut butter, and As Natali reminds us, you don't kill bugs with a shotgun. Even if it is fun. If you take nothing else away from this show, at least remember that. Listen now: Download today's podcast Episode 867

UK ISPs switch on mass Wikipedia censorship http://community.zdnet.co.uk/blog/0,1000000567,10009938o-2000331777b,00.htm http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10116543-93.html http://www.boingboing.net/2008/12/07/how-the-great-firewa.html

Technology start-ups to be given £1B fund … Read more

Firmware updated on Fujifilm S5 Pro

Fujifilm has released a firmware update to its 12MP FinePix S5 Pro DSLR camera. The update, version 1.12, corrects an issue where in some rare cases the camera may freeze up when PC controlling-software is used--this includes Fujifilm's own Hyper Utility HS-V3. Details can be found on Fujifilm's Web site.

We generally recommend installing the latest firmware updates for your camera, so you can get the most out of your gear. For more information on firmware updates for a specific camera, visit the manufacturer's Web site. Before installing any firmware upgrade, always take the time to … Read more

SanDisk firmware update adds OGG, FLAC support to Clip and Fuze

Awhile back, SanDisk released some fairly major firmware for both the Sansa Clip and the Sansa Fuze. Well, technically, the update for each is a different piece of software, but most of the fixes and enhancements are similar, so I'm treating the two as one here.

I finally got around to installing the new firmware on the Clip and I have to say that it's definitely a worthwhile install (most firmware is). If you haven't done it already, make sure you do--I've included some basic steps for updating Sansa players below.

Perhaps the most exciting thing … Read more

iPod Touch 2.2 update stops short

The iPhone isn't the only Apple product that received a firmware bump last night. The first- and second-generation iPod Touch were treated to a version 2.2 firmware update, as well. The update is free for users currently running firmware 2.0 or higher, and is available directly through iTunes.

For the most part, the firmware update for the Touch mirrors all the improvements made in last night's iPhone update. Users can now refresh their podcasts directly over Wi-Fi (hooray!), keyboard auto-correction can be switched off, and minor fixes have been made to Mail, Safari, Office Viewer, and … Read more

Zune 3.1 firmware unleashed

Microsoft has just released firmware version 3.1 for all models of the Zune MP3 player, and an update to the Zune PC software. The updated firmware adds three new games: Checkers; Sudoku; and Space Battle; as well as a new multiplayer mode for the existing Texas Hold 'Em card game. The multiplayer mode takes advantage of the Zune's Wi-Fi, letting players connect to other players with Zunes. The new Zune Checkers game also supports wireless two-player gameplay.

The Zune Social online community got a refresh as well, receiving a general visual makeover and a new "like-minded listeners&… Read more

Buzz Out Loud 842: Forking Google

Google has joined the OpenID crowd, but just like Microsoft and Yahoo, you can't use the OpenID on Google, but you can use Google credentials other places. Unlike Microsoft and Yahoo though, Google has decided to tweak the OpenID implementation a little to make it better. That means that it's nonstandard and won't work for all standards-compliant OpenID servers. Bullies. We also admire the new DRM-free music store from clothing retailer, Hot Topic. Really.

Listen now: Download today's podcast Episode 842

TiVo to stream Netflix http://newteevee.com/2008/10/29/october-surprise-tivo-to-stream-netflix/ http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10078711-1.html… Read more

Camera firmware updates galore

Generally, camera firmware updates fall into the random, infrequently occurring bug- or compatibility-fix category, and unless you've experienced the issues an update resolves, I suggest against updating your camera. Every now and then, though, an update comes out that--theoretically, at least--affects most or all users. The version 1.1 update for the Nikon D300 falls into this category. Buried among the usual host of minor changes, like "The Highlights playback option has been moved from Display Mode > Basic photo info > Highlights in the playback menu to Display mode > Detailed photo info > Highlights" are … Read more