Trendnet's cool IP camera monitor and photo frame, the TV-M7, which debuted at CES 2009, just got a little cooler. The company announced Tuesday a firmware update for the 7-inch, wireless unit that adds two new major features to make it even more IP camera-centric.
The TV-M7
(Credit: Trendnet)The first new feature is extended customization for the device's log-in screen. For example, you can now set the monitor to go straight to the IP camera selection page when turned on. Previously, you needed to go through a few menu items to get there.
The second feature is more significant. The TV-M7 can now monitor up to four IP cameras over the Internet. Previously, you needed a computer to view streaming video from Internet security cameras. However, in most cases, this new feature will require setting up a dynamic DNS service and port forwarding with a router.
You can view brief instructions on how to do that at TrendnetTV.com.
All new TV-M7 monitors will come with the firmware. Existing customers can download and install it for free at Trendnet's support Web site. The TV-M7 monitor comes with a two-year, limited warranty and has a suggested retail price of $275.
The WD TV.
(Credit: Dong Ngo/CNET)If you are an owner of a WD TV (and I really believe you should be one if you already have an LCD or plasma TV), I have some good news.
Western Digital just released Friday an update for the device's firmware, to version 1.02.07. The main improvement is the addition of built-in codecs and better audio support for the MKV file. This is the file format that's popularly used to store compressed high-def content such as that of Blu-ray movies, much similar to the DivX format that's used to store compressed DVD movies.
The WD TV is the only computer-agnostic player I know that supports the MKV file format well. You can view the complete list of improvements in this update here (PDF file).
The update process is simple; you just download the update provided in the ZIP file, decompress it and put the firmware file onto a USB external hard drive. Plug the drive into the WD TV, turn it on, then use the remote control to navigate to the "Settings" section of the device. The rest is self-explanatory.
The new version 1.02.07 firmware update of the WD TV can be downloaded for free here.
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(Credit:
John Falcone/CNET Networks)
Apple has released a minor firmware update for Apple TV, taking the unit from version 2.3 to 2.3.1. The changelog has yet to appear on Apple's site, but Apple Insider users are discovering just very minor feature changes, such as the inclusion of a built-in bandwidth monitor. (Unfortunately, we got the error message pictured when we tried to use it.)
Otherwise, the only big achievement of the 2.3.1 update is to cripple the Boxee installations that some enterprising users have added to their Apple TV. (Boxee, a popular software package that allows easy access to Web-based videos, is an unauthorized hack that's not supported by Apple.)
Bottom line: if you're running Boxee on your Apple TV, you'll want to turn off automatic updates. You can be content that (with this update, anyway) you don't appear to be missing much.
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Canon)
I don't typically write about firmware updates on Crave (it is, after all, a tech gadget/gear blog). But this is for one of my favorite cameras from last year--the Canon Powershot SD880 IS--and the combo of settings that causes the problem that the update fixes is just funny. Especially since Canon refers to it as a "phenomenon" in the announcement. So here we go:
This firmware update corrects a phenomenon that when the following settings are used in combination, if the shutter button is pressed halfway to focus during shooting (AND the AF frame magnifies), but the shutter button is released without taking the picture, the camera will lose power.
Setting details
- The shooting mode switch is set to Special Scene Mode (SCN), Kids&Pets.
- AF Point-Zoom on the menu is set to On. (When the AF frame is in Face Detect or Center, and the Servo AF is OFF, the AF Point-Zoom can be set to On.)
Please note that, if the shutter button is pressed halfway, and the picture is then taken, this phenomenon will not occur.
If loss of power does occur, pressing the power switch will restore the camera to its normal operation.
The affected cameras have serial numbers whose fifth digit from the left is 0 or 1. The download and install instructions are available now.
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Sony)
So it looks like the PlayStation 3 is about a couple years away from becoming self-aware, taking over the world, and making us all its human slaves--if a few of us aren't already.
Sony announced that the v2.60 firmware update for the PS3, released Wednesday, will include many enhancements to the system's media capabilities.
The key feature, according to Sony, is the new photo gallery app, which allows your digital pictures to be organized by criteria including the camera used; event date and time; colors in the photos; and the number, ages, or facial expressions of the people pictured.
Yep, that's right. According to the video, the PS3 will be able to determine the relative age of the people in the photo and whether or not they are smiling.
Also included in the release is guest access to the PlayStation store for non-PlayStation Network members. With this access, they'll be able to check out demos, video, and so on. Sony will also be adding DivX 3.11 support to the system.
I guess in a few more releases we'll be seeing an update that reads our minds, fulfills our deepest desires, and then, when it's gained our trust completely, drops the other shoe, takes over the world, and we're done. Until that inevitable day, we might as well enjoy what we have now.
Check out the video for a walkthrough of the new features.
The ultimate ultracompact MP3 player.
(Credit: SanDisk)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 for audio format nerds is the addition of support for both Ogg Vorbis and FLAC file types. This added feature certainly gives the Sansas a leg up on the competition, as only a handful of other MP3 players offer such playback. (Cowon is a notable example.) In addition, the players now support the most advanced Audible AAX format (type 4), and they include enhanced control over audiobooks and podcasts.
For more information on features and bug fixes offered by the firmware, head to SanDisk's Web site to read all about Sansa Fuze Version 1.01.15 and Sansa Clip Version 1.01.29.
Now with more features and a brighter screen.
(Credit: SanDisk)Read the SanDisk Sansa Fuze review.
Read the SanDisk Sansa Clip review.
Updating the SanDisk Sansa player's firmware
- Download and install the Sansa Firmware Updater.
- Attach your player to the computer and open the app.
- Check the Firmware box and click Download Now.
- Unplug the player when prompted to finalize the upgrade.
The entire process should take under 10 minutes. Be aware that at least 6MB of free space is required for the Clip's firmware.
Nikon D300
(Credit: CNET)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 several important claimed performance improvements: for focus acquisition in dynamic-area AF mode, focus acquisition with contrast-detect AF and automatic white balance. I suggest all D300 owners check out the complete list of changes and the firmware update.
Though not quite as compelling as the D300's offering, Canon also announced one of those bug-fix firmware updates for the 50D (version 1.0.3).
Additionally, Olympus is offering firmware updates for five of its Four Thirds lenses to make them compatible with as-yet unavailable Micro Four Thirds Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. They are:
- 14-42mm f3.5-f5.6 lens
- 40-150mm f4.0-f5.6 lens
- 25mm f2.8 lens
- 35-100mm f2.0 lens
- 35mm macro f3.5 lens
Enjoy.
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Sony)
As of Tuesday, the Sony PSP 3000 is officially for sale. The CNET review has been up since late last week, but for those with short attention spans, here's the deal: It's an evolutionary step up from last year's PSP 2000, with a slightly improved screen (better color reproduction, slightly less glare), a built-in microphone (Skype users can now use regular headphones instead of a special headset), and improved video-out support (games can now be displayed on non-HD TVs). Otherwise, it's pretty much the same ol' PSP--which we've always liked.
In other words, it's not a must-have upgrade (unless you're dying for one of those above-mentioned upgrades), but anyone new to the platform will be getting the best PSP to date.
The PSP 3000 will be available in at least three configurations:The Sony PSP 3000 Ratchet and Clank Entertainment Pack: this limited-edition $200 bundle includes a silver PSP 3000, Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters UMD game, National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets UMD movie, 1GB Memory Stick Duo card, and a voucher for Echochrome (a downloadable game available at the online PlayStation Store).
... Read more
(Credit:
CNET)
Sony rolled out the latest firmware update for the PS3 (version 2.50) in the past few hours, available to all as a free download. The main additions, as reported on the official Sony Europe PS3 forums, are as follows:
>> Flash 9 support added to Web browser.
>> Improved Bluetooth headset support.
>> In-game screenshot capture tool (for future titles).
>> Improved user interface for PS3 Trophies.
>> Thumbnails added to video search.
>> Direct Information Board links to PlayStation Store.
>> Power save mode (automatic shut-off after predetermined downtimes).
For us, the biggest potential highlight was the addition of Flash 9 support (coming, ironically, the same day that Flash 10 goes live). ... Read more
The world's first 2.0-compatible Blu-ray player.
(Credit: CNET)The PlayStation 3 is the first Blu-ray player to support BD-Live functionality, thanks to a firmware update available today. Officially announced just last week, the update (version 2.20) was released right on schedule, and is now available as a free download to PS3 owners directly through the console's onscreen interface. Once installed, it allows the PS3's to access Internet-connected BD-Live content available on some discs. The list of compatible discs is currently minimal--just War and Saw IV available now, plus The Sixth Day and Walk Hard following on April 8--and the first round of BD-Live content doesn't seem to be very diverting. But as the list of supporting titles grows--and, ideally, the BD-Live content becomes more compelling--look for players that don't support Profile 2.0 compatibility to be confined to the clearance shelves. The PS3 remains the best bet for Blu-ray shoppers, even if they have no interest in using its gaming capabilities.
... Read more
