Tag: firmware update

Samsung Galaxy S3 and Note 2 to Get Android 4.3 and Galaxy Gear Support Soon

After the much awaited Android update for the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2, Samsung has now confirmed that both these phones will now get the Galaxy Gear support along with the Android update which will be out soon depending on what country you are in.

Recently the Android update was out for the Galaxy S4 and now it will be applied to the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2. The Galaxy Gear support will not be limited only to Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 or Note 2 as the Gear support will also be available for Galaxy S4 mini, Galaxy S4 Active, Galaxy Mega 5.8, Galaxy Mega 6.3 and Galaxy S4 Zoom. All these devices would be able to access the benefits of the Galaxy Gear with time. However, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy note 2 will get the earliest access to the Galaxy Gear.

Extending Galaxy Gear compatibility to more Galaxy devices reflects our deep commitment to continuing to deliver enriched mobile experiences to our consumers,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile division, Samsung Electronics. “Through a significant effort to enhance and enrich the Galaxy experience, Samsung continues to empower our users in their mobile lives and enable smart freedom with Galaxy Gear.”

Press Release

Samsung Extends Galaxy Gear Compatibility to Galaxy S III, S4, Note II, and More

October 23, 2013

Samsung provides more users with enhanced flexibility and freedom via extended Galaxy Gear compatibility

Seoul, Korea – Oct 23, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. today announced that more Samsung devices will be compatible with Galaxy Gear, a perfect companion device that makes mobile communication easier and more enjoyable.

Galaxy Gear will be available for use with Galaxy S4, S III, and Note II through the Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) update. The update came first to Galaxy S4 devices in Germany in October. Samsung will also extend Galaxy Gear compatibility to other GALAXY devices – including Galaxy S4 mini, S4 Active, Mega 5.8, Mega 6.3, and S4 zoom – through a separate software update beginning at the end of October. Software update schedules for each device will vary by country and carrier.

“Extending Galaxy Gear compatibility to more Galaxy devices reflects our deep commitment to continuing to deliver enriched mobile experiences to our consumers,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile division, Samsung Electronics. “Through a significant effort to enhance and enrich the Galaxy experience, Samsung continues to empower our users in their mobile lives and enable smart freedom with Galaxy Gear.”

Samsung Galaxy Gear
Galaxy Gear will enable Galaxy S4, S III, and Note II users to make and answer calls and view incoming messages and notifications with just a glance. For a closer look at more important messages, users can simply pick up their master device and the Smart Relay feature instantly reveals the full content. Users can also find major social apps on Samsung Apps to maintain connections to their social networks via Galaxy Gear.

With a 1.9 Megapixel camera, users can snap a visual memo by simply tapping Galaxy Gear’s screen. Photos are then easily and automatically saved in the master device’s gallery. Users can enjoy a built-in Pedometer app and use Galaxy Gear to control the music played on their master devices. Of course the device also functions like a watch, with the option to change the face with 10 different clock options and even more options available via Samsung Apps.

October 23, 2013
Samsung Galaxy S4 Gets Android 4.3 and Gets Support For Galaxy Gear

Samsung’s Galaxy S4 just got a change with the Android 4.3 update recently and now the device adds compatibility with the Galaxy Gear.

Samsung has also bundled its own Wallet app, reading mode, updates to the imaging software, as well as a new keyboard and browser. You will only get the update if you have an unlocked model of the Galaxy S4. The latest updates adds various new features and changes like: Galaxy Gear Support, Samsung KNOX Implementation, Samsung Wallet comes pre-loaded, Improved RAM management, Improved Display colour reproduction, Improved TouchWiz, New Samsung Keyboard, New Samsung Browser, New Reading Mode and New Camera firmware

The report also claimed the devices getting the Android 4.3 update were the 2013 flagship, the Galaxy S4 in October while the 2012 flagship device, the Samsung Galaxy S III was expected to get the new Android update by October end or even November. The report further revealed that the Galaxy Note 2 will also get the update to the new and last update for Jelly Bean, but that would only be by the end of November, or early December.

October 18, 2013
Firmware Update for Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z Ultra, Improved Camera and Battery Life

Sony has announced a firmware update for its two major phones, the flagship Xperia Z1 and the Giant Xperia Z Ultra.

The company notes in a blog post, “After these products started hitting markets, we listened closely to feedback and looked at how we could refine the build quality. As you know, we’re keen to ensure that all our software is as good as it can possibly be, so we’ve addressed & improved on a few things…”

Sony has also released changelog for the update that reveals the Xperia Z1 will be getting an improved camera algorithm for better performance and refined Sony’s Smart Social Camera platform that the company hopes to improve performance of Xperia Camera apps. Whereas, the Sony Xperia Z Ultra gets improved optimized touchscreen sensitivity that would work with finger gestures, writing or sketching with pencils, metal pens and even selected styluses.

Both the Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z Ultra will be getting some common changes, including a re-calibrated display to enhance viewing experiences; economised power consumption for longer battery life, and streamlined Exchange connection for faster email sync, display and download. The update will roll out soon with time.

[via]

October 16, 2013
Android 4.0.4 for Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S pushed out

Users of the Samsung Nexus S and those who bought the Galaxy Nexus will start to see a new light at the end of the tunnel as the update for Android 4.0.4 ICS is being pushed to these devices. Also owners of the Motorola Xoom (Wifi – only) will also start to see a similar update for their tablets.

The Nexus S users who missed the 4.0 update before Google pulled it due to major concerns, will also be directly able o update to Android 4.0.4.

March 30, 2012
HTC Starts rollout of HTC Sense 3.6 with ICS for Sensation and Sensation XE

HTC has already begun to roll out ICS updates for their Global and unlocked flagship devices the Sensation and Sensation XE. Now the update may not be available to all immediately, But HTC has assured the owners that the update will be broadly available within the coming days.

[XDA-Developers]

March 9, 2012
Samsung Galaxy S II to get ICS on March 10th

There it is guys, Samsung has made it known that global and Carrier independent versions of the Samsung Galaxy S2 are getting the much awaited ICS update on 10th March. The update should be available through KIES and will be customized with Samsung’s own TouchWiz UI. However Samsung’s site specifies that because of “ICS OS feature,” Flash and Bluetooth 3.0 HS won’t be supported.

[Samsung]

March 9, 2012
Asus postpones ICS for Transformer

Asus has pushed the dates for the ICS release for their Transformer tablet to end of FEB -March 2012. The update is however, happening and will be seeded via an OTA download directly on the transformer. As always we will have a hands on preview of the OS on the tablet.

[ASUS Singapore]

February 17, 2012
HTC announces ICS updates rolling in March for Sensation and Sensation XE

HTC has just updated their Facebook to announce its ICS rollout plan. ICS or Ice Cream Sandwich is the most anticipated Android update since android Froyo. it brings a whole host of changes to the table, and it will be interesting to see how HTC updates their Sense UI to add to ICS. According to HTC’s announcement the HTC Sensation and Sensation XE will be the first to get the updates followed by HTC EVO 3D, HTC Incredible S, HTC Desire S and HTC Desire HD

HTC has been working hard to get its Ice Cream Sandwich upgrades ready, and we’re excited to announce that our first round of ICS upgrades will roll out by the end of March for the HTC Sensation and HTC Sensation XE, followed soon thereafter by the HTC Sensation XL.

In addition, we can confirm Ice Cream Sandwich upgrades will be coming later this year to the HTC EVO 3D, HTC Incredible S, HTC Desire S and HTC Desire HD. Stay tuned for more updates on Ice Cream Sandwich releases in the coming weeks

FOr those in the US HTC has announced ICS updates for the Rezound, Vivid, Amaze 4G and EVO Design 4G. The US devices will get updates by the end of 2012.

[HTC (UK), (US)]

February 10, 2012
Apple Seeds iOS 5.1 Beta to devs, New Product ID reveals next iPad

Apple has started seeding the next beta of iOS 5 to developers, the iOS 5.1 is meant to bring some major fixes to the OS. Many are also hoping for a fix to the major battery drain faced in the current version of the OS.

But thats not the only news surrounding this release, a new product iD has been found in the release dubbed “iPad 2,4”, which is hinting at the next generation of the iPad said to be coming in the next couple months. Rumors have been pointing at Retina/ high res display along with better cameras. The chipset may or may not be bumped up to the next revision. The product iD only increases chances for something like this showing up in the near future.

November 29, 2011
Windows Phone 7.5 ‘Mango’ update being pushed from today

Microsoft has already started seeding the Mango 7.5 builds of Windows phone to existing device holders. The company’s eager to do a much more efficient job , considering they wern’t able to do it properly during the NoDo update.

As far as supported devices go, According to MS almost all phones are covered in their update schedule. The new update brings over 500 new features and additionally allows users to install apps from third party developers without the need of sideloading them. Microsoft confirmed that Internet Sharing — the long-awaited mobile hotspot functionality — will not be available for existing devices. Which may be a big deal breaker for some users.

September 28, 2011
ALL Existing Windows Phone 7 Devices to get the official Mango Update within 2 weeks

According to Microsoft’s official Windows Phone Blog, the Windows Phone 7 Mango Update should be available to all existing WP7 devices within another week or two. The Windows Team indicates it won’t be pushed to your phone OTA when the time comes, so you’ll need updated versions of the Zune for PC or Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac installed on your computer.

Looks like this time around the Update may come out the same day, unlike with No-Do when it was over several weeks.

September 22, 2011
PlayStation 3 system update 3.61 goes Live with a Phase wise PSN Deployment (PR)
Sony has just announced that they will re-enable Playstation Network Services in Phases, and the first phase has been initiated. The online gaming, Music Unlimited, Netflix, Hulu, Vudu and MLB.TV should rolling out right now in Europe and North America.

PRESS RELEASE

Restoration of PlayStation®Network and Qriocity Services Begins

Increased Security Measures Implemented Before Service Restoration; Consumer Data Protection a Full-Time, Company-Wide Commitment

TOKYO, May 14, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Sony Corporation and Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) announced that Sony Network Entertainment International (SNEI, the company) will today begin a phased restoration by region of PlayStation®Network and Qriocity Services. The phased restoration will be on a country by country basis beginning in the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Middle East.

The first phase of restored services for these countries and regions will include:
- Sign-in for PlayStation®Network and Qriocity services, including the resetting of passwords
- Restoration of online game-play across PS3 and PSP
- Playback rental video content, if within rental period, of PlayStation Network Video Delivery Service on PS3, PSP and MediaGo
- Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity, for current subscribers, on PS3 and PC
- Access to 3rd party services such as Netflix, Hulu, Vudu and MLB.tv
- ‘Friends’ category on PS3, including Friends List, Chat Functionality, Trophy Comparison, etc
- PlayStation Home
- Increased Security Measures
As the result of a criminal cyber attack on the company’s data-center located in San Diego, California, U.S.A., SNEI shut down the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services on April 20, in order for the company to undergo an investigation and make enhancements to the overall security of the network infrastructure. Working closely with several respected outside security firms, the company has implemented new and additional security measures that strengthen safeguards against unauthorized activity, and provide consumers with greater protection of their personal information.

The company has made considerable enhancements to the data security, including updating and adding advanced security technologies, additional software monitoring and penetration and vulnerability testing, and increased levels of encryption and additional firewalls. The company also added a variety of other measures to the network infrastructure including an early-warning system for unusual activity patterns that could signal an attempt to compromise the network.

“I’d like to send my sincere regret for the inconvenience this incident has caused you, and want to thank you all for the kind patience you’ve shown as we worked through the restoration process,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. “I can’t thank you enough for your patience and support during this time. We know even the most loyal customers have been frustrated by this process and are anxious to use their Sony products and services again. We are taking aggressive action at all levels to address the concerns that were raised by this incident, and are making consumer data protection a full-time, company wide commitment.”

“During the past 18 months, we’ve seen a dramatic rise in the volume of cyber attacks, their sophistication and their impact on businesses. Thwarting cyber-crime requires an evolutionary approach to security that is well integrated, reduces risk exposure and improves efficiencies,” said Francis deSouza, Senior Vice President, Enterprise Security Group, Symantec. “Today’s cyber crime attacks are proving to be more covert, more targeted and better organized than those we’ve seen in years past. In working with Sony on the move of their data-center, it’s clear they’re implementing measures to reduce security risks moving forward.”

As an additional measure, Fumiaki Sakai, president of Sony Global Solutions Inc. (SGS), has been appointed acting Chief Information Security Officer of SNEI. In addition to his current role at SGS, Mr. Sakai, in his role at SNEI, will work to further reinforce overall information security across the company’s network infrastructure. Mr. Sakai will lead the recruiting effort in finding a new and permanent CISO for SNEI. As CISO, Mr. Sakai will report to Tim Schaaff, president, SNEI, as well as to Mr. Shinji Hasejima, CIO, Sony Corporation.

“While we understand the importance of getting our services back online, we did not rush to do so at the expense of extensively and aggressively testing our enhanced security measures. Our consumers’ safety remains our number one priority,” Hirai continued. “We want to assure our customers that their personal information is being protected with some of the best security technologies available today, so that everyone can feel comfortable enjoying all that PlayStation Network and Qriocity services have to offer.”

The restoration of the services across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Middle East are beginning, and consumers will be able to enjoy some of the online functionality provided by both the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. Phased restoration in Japan and other Asian countries and regions will be announced in due course. The company expects to have the services fully restored by the end of May 2011.

The company will be offering customers a “Welcome Back” package of services and premium content to all registered PlayStation Network and Qriocity account services. The details of this program will be announced in each region shortly.

For more information about the PlayStation Network and Qriocity services intrusion and restoration, please visit http://blog.us.playstation.com or http://blog.eu.playstation.com/

[PlayStation.Blog]
May 15, 2011