Software

CheckMag Amber Lake and Coffee Lake-powered MacBooks find themselves swimming in dangerous waters whereas 2nd generation and 3rd generation iPhone SE phones have zero cause for concern. Every time Apple unleashes a new version of iOS and macOS on the market, it removes a few products from the list of devices it makes software updates for. Let's make an educated guess for 2024; which models will make it and which will not?

A host of recent flagship Garmin smartwatches are eligible for another new update, only a few days after their last. Available to download now as Beta Version 26.92 for smartwatches enrolled on the Garmin Beta Program, the new build makes several crucial changes like eliminating system crashes that could occur when using certain CIQ apps.

A new update on the VKD3D-Proton for Linux has added support for Nvidia Reflex on Steam Play. This proprietary tech promises to reduce system latency by keeping the GPU and CPU in sync. So, the frames prepared by the processor don’t need to wait in the render queue, resulting in almost immediate rendering by the GPU.

IKEA has released a new update, version 1.27.1, for its iOS app. The latest software brings Matter support for the DIRIGERA hub, a tool which the company began beta testing earlier this year. Also included in the update is a preset lighting feature to automatically adjust brightness over time.

System76 says that while it will skip the alpha 1 release for its Cosmic desktop, essentially pushing the alpha release back to May, it is still planning on a full release of Cosmic by the end of September. The developer of the Pop!_OS Linux distribution also gave us a sneak peek at recent progress on the Cosmic apps, and things are looking quite tidy.

A whole host of flagship Garmin smartwatches are eligible for a new software update. Distributed as Beta Version 16.22, the update introduces bug fixes related to Garmin's Connect IQ service, among other changes.

Garmin has published a new update for a popular smartwatch that it it released over 18 months ago. The update brings the smartwatch up to Firmware Version 2.64 with bug fixes and update packages for Text and Mobile language packs.

One of Garmin's last-generation high-end smartwatches has received a new software update. Arriving as a hotfix on the company's stable software distribution channel, Software Version 18.23 aims to resolve a crash that Garmin claims to only have occurred in rare situations.

Garmin has released a new update to its flagship Forerunner smartwatch. In a forum post, the company explains that the firmware resolves a bug present in an older build that could cause a crash when using the Track Run activity profile.

Garmin has released a rare new update to one of its recent smartwatches. Replacing software that the company distributed late last year, Firmware Version 2.26 only introduces bug fixes and a few otherwise minor improvements.

The free tier of Microsoft Copilot has received an upgrade, and it now offers the GPT-4 Turbo from OpenAI. Previously, the non-Pro tier of the generative AI chatbot had regular GPT-4, and the Turbo model was only available through a $20 monthly subscription.

The Yuzu emulator may be dead, but its source code has already been repurposed. Repacked and edited to stave off legal action from Nintendo, Suyu is actively marketed as the 'continuation of the world's most popular, open-source, Nintendo Switch emulator', despite is obvious naming.

Sony has finalised a new update for all PlayStation 5 consoles. Rolling out globally now, the update seeks to bring new features to the PS5, as well as DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers.

It seems that Google is working towards delivering a new display feature this year. According to new evidence, the feature will debut on Pixel flagships released this year, which could include the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel Fold 2.

Garmin has brought a new round of updates for older high-end smartwatches. Rolling out on Garmin's Beta Program, Beta Version 26.91 adds new features and includes several bug fixes, among other changes.

Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 has arrived for Google Pixel devices, bringing numerous bug fixes to the Pixel 5a onwards. Additionally, Google has included several new features, the biggest of which is external monitor support for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. As a result, both devices can now imitate Samsung DeX through their built-in desktop modes.

Although it was unleashed a week ago, the March Pixel Feature Drop has barely started its US rollout. According to multiple user reports, the update is now reaching compatible Pixel devices on AT&T, Google Fi, and T-Mobile. Verizon users were the last, with Pixel 8 and Pixel 7 devices being updated first.

Xiaomi has integrated a good number of convenient features into its MIUI and HyperOS. One of the noteworthy ones offers the ability to play YouTube videos in the background without purchasing the paid plan. But this free premium hack is getting removed to meet compliance requirements.

Elon Musk's latest move in his legendary spat with OpenAI sees xAI's Grok go open-source. The move comes after Musk's repeated criticism of OpenAI for moving away from the company's original mission and prioritising profit.

CheckMag The toothbrush botnet was one of those examples of the mainstream media fanning flames without the correct facts. However, the concept isn’t entirely unrealistic. Buying any connected device, particularly those from China, has the potential to get you compromised. When are we going to learn that not everything should be connected to the internet?

A recent clip of a Tesla Model S Plaid has caused a stir among Tesla fans and critics alike. Upon driving through a construction zone, Tesla's Full Self-Driving beta 12 suddenly and unpredictably swerved the EV towards a construction worker.

AMD's next step for its FreeSync technology leaves 60 Hz monitors behind. FreeSync's updated specifications require a minimum of 144 Hz for desktop displays, but AMD hasn't completely abandoned older displays just yet.

The Philips Hue Secure cameras are receiving update 1.2.10 (650010). The new software includes a wide range of bug fixes and improvements, like smoother transitions and faster set-up. Plus, the latest update resolves a problem that led to incorrectly tagged motion events.

Microsoft has released a new version of its Seeing AI mobile app for Android devices during the Microsoft Ability Summit. This speaking app helps people with poor vision to see the world around them by reading text, describing scenes, and identifying people, objects, colors, and currencies using Azure AI technologies.

The latest development in the war between Apple and Epic Games sees the tech giant close down Epic's developer account. Supposedly the reason for the account closure? A spicy social media post by Epic CEO, Tim Sweeney, on X (formerly Twitter), among others.

Garmin has released a new update to various current flagship smartwatches. Still only a beta build, Beta Version 16.20 introduces several bug fixes, including one that could cause shutdowns when using heart rate in Connect IQ.

Only available for podcasts in four languages, namely English, French, Spanish, and German, transcripts do not come with translations. Users can enjoy this new feature on iPhone and iPad devices running at least iOS and iPadOS 17.4. New episodes will get transcripts first, while older ones will get them in time.

Garmin is now rolling out a new stable update for one of its many Forerunner smartwatches. Available across all eligible devices, Software Version 18.22 introduces almost two dozen changes focusing on resolving outstanding bugs.

One of Garmin's current-generation Forerunner smartwatches is eligible for a new stable update. Available to download now, the software contains bug fixes, improvements and new features, including the addition of a Garmin's jump rope activity.

Honor has released a new update for global versions of the Magic V2. Not only does the new update keep the Magic V2 on Android 13, but Honor has informed some owners that they will be left waiting until the summer before seeing Android 14 or MagicOS 8.

Garmin has released a new update for one of its recent Forerunner smartwatches. Rolling out now through the company's stable software distribution channels, the update brings plenty of bug fixes to the older wearable, as well as several new features.

The Windows ubsystem for Android will disappear in just over a year. This will also affect the Amazon App Store for Windows. Microsoft is already issuing a warning when reinstalling the subsystem in its Microsoft Store.

Now also available via the Nvidia app (still in beta stage for the time being), the latest GeForce Game Ready Driver package carries the version number 551.76 and comes with support for DLSS 3 and Reflex in The Thaumaturge. This software package is also optimized for the latest RTX 40 Series-equipped laptops that arrived last week.

AMD CTO, Mark Papermaster, has teased AI upscaling for FidelityFX Super Resolution coming later in 2024. The current FSR 3 implementation uses a mix of temporal upscaling, frame generation, and latency-reduction technologies to achieve a result that's generally inferior to Nvidia's DLSS alternatives.

Apple has confirmed that the cheapest MacBook Pro 14 will soon be upgraded to support two external displays, a feature that has escaped it since its launch last year. The update will bring the 14-inch laptop into line with the latest MacBook Air 13 and MacBook Air 15 that Apple released yesterday.

Google's latest software update for Pixel devices is now live. It brings Circle to Search to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, along with the ability to upload 10-bit HDR 10 photos to Instagram. The Pixel Watch also gets a bunch of new exercise-related features.

Valve has released new stable updates for the Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED. While delivered simultaneously, Valve has split the refinements into a Client Update, a fresh version of SteamOS and dedicated firmware updates for both gaming handhelds.

The developers behind Yuzu, a Nintendo Switch emulator, have officially shut the project down after settling a lawsuit filed against them by Nintendo earlier this month. In the proposed settlement, the developers will also have to pay Nintendo $2.4 million in damages and will not be allowed to maintain or distribute any code used in the Yuzu emulator.

CheckMag Microsoft has historically monopolised the PC gaming space with Windows, but with increasingly invasive ads, bloat and data collection, many Windows users are looking for an alternative. Thanks to the Steam Deck, Valve and community projects like Proton GE, Linux is becoming a more viable option for gaming.

Apple has just uncharacteristically given up on its foray into automobiles, as reported earlier. Its inaugural Car had once been touted as capable of shooting straight to the forefront of the most advanced class of vehicles possible. Now, however, more potential insight into the reasons why the Cupertino giant failed where other OEMs such as Xiaomi prevailed has emerged.

Segway asserts that its latest line of robotic mowers is rated for the "flawless" maintenance of lawns of up to 1/4 acres thanks to new AI navigation technology for boundary wire-free operation. The Navimow i105N and i110N also boast in-house RTK chip-powered positioning and a Ride-on Boundary feature backed to help it cut lawns of all shapes with more precision.

Volchar's latest contribution to the electric vehicle (EV) charging market comes in the form of its up-to-9.6 kilowatt (kW), 240V outlet for the home. It is UV-resistant and NEMA 4-rated "for maximum protection from harsh weather". The charger has universal EV compatibility in the US - except for Teslas, of course.

In a statement released on its developer page, Apple announced it has changed its mind regarding Home Screen web apps. While the company earlier said it would no longer allow web apps as of iOS 17.4, the company has backpedaled and will allow Home Screen apps to be installed on EU iOS devices.

Garmin has kicked off March by rolling out to an older mid-range smartwatch. The first update for the device since late last year, Beta 18.02 makes minimal changes despite the extended time between beta builds.

Released in late May 2021 on PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One, Biomutant became available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X | S consoles one year later, in early September 2022. Nintendo Switch gamers can already pre-order the game as well, in advance of its May 14 launch on this platform.

After offering the first Fallout game to its subscribers last month, Amazon Prime Gaming returns this month with a freebie list that starts with Fallout 2. The list also includes Scarf, Bus Simulator 21: Next Stop, Bridge to Another World: Secrets of the Nutcracker, and a few others.

Embracer Group's alleged sale of Gearbox Software looks to be coming to a close by next month as news breaks that Knights of the Old Republic's Saber Interactive looks to go private. The news comes amid a new wave of lay-offs and studio closures from the likes of Sony Entertainment, Electronic Arts, and Riot Games.

PVY has announced that its next e-bike, the Libon, will blend performance and endurance in a light-weight form-factor. It will do so via innovative dual battery technology, touted to give it up to ~160 miles of range. It is also projected to launch with a carbon-belt drive for potentially improved endurance with reduced maintenance.

CheckMag GRIP and Steel Rats combine driving vehicles with blowing things up, whereas Urban Trial Freestyle and Absolute Drift cater to users looking for a more thoughtful and calm gaming experience. Those looking to get their hands soaked in blood will be well served by Apotheon.

EmulationStation Desktop Edition, or ES-DE, was recently made available on the Amazon App Store. However, Amazon has now delisted the application. Interestingly, several emulators are still available on the Amazon App Store, and hard drives that have thousands of retro ROM files and emulators preinstalled are available for purchase on Amazon's site.