Firmware
Firmware is the base logic for running different hardware applications. In comparison to software, which is created typically for multiple pieces of hardware and serves an extending function, firmware is designed to implement the basic functions of hardware. Firmware creates rules by which hardware is powered, and the primary advantage with creating firmware rather than simply coding the hardware directly through integrated circuits is that firmware can be upgraded, allowing new hardware functions to be performed, or previous hardware functions to be performed more efficiently or effectively.
Firmware is common in many modern personal technology devices, like Blu-ray players, whose firmware version determines which movies can be played back, and with networking hardware devices like routers and wireless access points. Some hobbiests have even taken to hacking firmware, to extend hardware functionality with ways not previously intended by the original manufacturer. For instance, the RockBox project adds many open-source audio formats to Apple's iPod, and other portable media players.
Technology news All News
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11/18/09 4:10pm Gaming, Computing Sony PlayStation 3 joins Facebook with firmware 3.10 today
Sony says that more Facebook features are coming, but that it has no plans for Twitter integration. dig deeper
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11/17/09 7:00pm Computing, Gaming Xbox 360 now does Facebook and Twitter, PS3 firmware 3.10 to add Facebook too
Microsoft promised social networking on the 360 way back at E3, but Sony will offer similar features any day now. dig deeper
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09/04/09 2:07pm Gaming All PS3 games to support 3D TVs in 2010, video of Wipeout HD 3D gameplay hits the web
Engadget: http://bit.ly/186jeF dig deeper
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Profile pages: Sony, 3D, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PlayStation 3 Slim, 3D TV, Firmware
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08/20/09 7:30pm Computing Twitter makes tweets location-aware, Apple Hard Drive Firmware Update 2.0 fixes MacBook Pro problems, The Pirate Bay copy preserved in torrent form
The Twitter blog announced today that a new API is available that lets developers include latitude and longitude information in… dig deeper
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08/18/09 2:05pm Gaming Sony at GamesCon: PS3 Slim, PS3 firmware 3.0, "Minis" PSP games, European PSN video store, Digital Comics Reader for PSP
Sony made some major PlayStation brand-related announcements at GamesCon in Germany today. Some of these are whoppers! Here you… dig deeper
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07/14/09 2:03pm Home A/V Blockbuster OnDemand to stream to Samsung HDTVs and Blu-ray players this fall
Yahoo! Tech: http://bit.ly/4cI7OM dig deeper
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Profile pages: Samsung, Blockbuster, Blu-ray, Video on demand, Streaming video, HD, Firmware
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N97 firmware
06/30/09 12:08pm Mobile Nokia N97 to get first firmware update to SW 1.1 tomorrow, July 1
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06/01/09 12:30pm Mobile Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 receives official R3A update
Cool smartphone: http://bit.ly/TC6Td dig deeper
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05/21/09 11:22am Mobile BlackBerry Storm OS 4.7.0.148 unofficially leaks out
Phone Arena: http://bit.ly/44vdea dig deeper
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04/20/09 4:43pm Gaming PSP firmware 5.50 adds PS3-esque information bar, Trend Micro web security
The firmware update also helps you better manage the space on your Memory Stick PRO Duo. It will be available for download tomorrow. dig deeper
Around the web: blog.us.playstation.com (50 comments)
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04/02/09 1:00pm Gaming PS3 firmware 2.70 arrives with 16-way chats
The software update also adds the ability to back up purchased videos, lets you play PSP videos on the PS3, and adds new way of sorting your friends list. dig deeper
Around the web: blog.us.playstation.com (50 comments)
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03/26/09 4:03pm Computing Apple releases firmware fix for 17-inch MacBook Pro graphics problems
You'll have to download a file and take a few more steps, but you should be back to normal before long. dig deeper
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