All articles tagged with #software updates
Selected Galaxy phones and tablets are receiving Google's January 2026 Google Play System update (around 90MB), boosting components like Android WebView, Google Play Services, Wallet, and Play Store, after a period with no Play System updates for Galaxy devices; Samsung is also gearing up for major OS updates with One UI 8.5 (Android 16 QPR2) and One UI 9.0 (Android 17).
Nintendo says it will continue rolling out major software updates for widely owned Switch titles on the Switch 2 to keep players engaged and ease the transition, highlighting free updates to Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Splatoon 3 to boost adoption and revisit older games on the newer console.
Since 2015, Nvidia has kept Shield TV alive with ongoing updates and DRM/security patches, turning a gaming-focused box into a premium Android TV device. After a 2023–24 lull, the 2025 9.2 update delivered a major DRM security fix for 2015–2017 units, exemplifying Jensen Huang’s pledge to support devices “for as long as we shall live.” Nvidia continues to iterate the Tegra X1 platform, keeps older Shields running, and is eyeing future Shield TV upgrades (new codecs, HDR formats) and a smaller Netflix button, with sales remaining steady and no imminent hardware replacement.
Apple has stopped signing several newly released iOS and iPadOS updates for older iPhone and iPad models (iOS 12.5.8, 15.8.6, 16.7.13, 18.7.4 and corresponding iPadOS), preventing installation even if shown in Software Update. The releases were intended to renew an expiring security certificate to keep core services like iMessage, FaceTime, and emergency-call functionality running; Apple has not explained the halt. Telstra Australia says some older devices are experiencing connectivity issues and is investigating. iOS 26.2.1 remains available and unaffected. Apple has a history of pausing updates for bugs and re-enabling revised builds when fixes are ready.
Bose is transitioning its SoundTouch speakers to an open source software model after ending cloud support, allowing third-party developers to maintain compatibility and extend the product's life, while extending the end-of-life date to May 6 to accommodate this change.
Apple is expected to launch new products in January, including higher-end MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, a budget MacBook with an A18 Pro chip, and software updates like iOS 26.3. Other hardware like the MacBook Air, iPad Air, iPad, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and accessories such as AirTag and Apple TV are also anticipated later in the year. Software updates across Apple platforms will focus on bug fixes and performance improvements.
Samsung is set to launch the Galaxy S26 series with new camera features like 3x Zoom HDR and maintain current pricing levels despite hardware cost increases. The company is also focusing on advancing its semiconductor technology with a new 2nm process to compete with TSMC, and has released updates to its SSD management and UI design to enhance user experience.
The article highlights the top gear and software of 2025, including Roland TR-1000 drum machine, Arturia Pigments 7 synth, Native Instruments Absynth 6, Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave 8M, Stylophone CPM DF-8, Korg multi/poly native, and Cherry Audio Mercury-8, emphasizing innovations and notable releases in music technology for the year.
The author reports improved trust in Microsoft's Xbox Ally handheld after recent updates, especially regarding sleep mode reliability, which is crucial for portable gaming. While the Xbox Ally X shows promising sleep performance, the vanilla Xbox Ally still faces issues like spontaneous wake-ups and charging problems, likely due to its AMD Z2 A chip. Overall, Microsoft appears to be making progress, and the device may become a more viable option for handheld gaming, especially if sleep issues are fully resolved.
A JetBlue flight's sudden altitude drop was caused by cosmic ray-induced bit flips in its computer systems, leading Airbus to recall over 6,000 aircraft for software and hardware updates to prevent similar incidents caused by space radiation affecting microchips in fly-by-wire systems.
Nintendo has launched a new website that allows users to easily check if their Switch games and apps are compatible with the Switch 2, streamlining the process of tracking updates and compatibility status.
Apple has released new software updates including watchOS 26.1 and tvOS 26.1, focusing on performance improvements and bug fixes across its devices, with a new colorful look for the Apple TV app icon.
Apple has released release candidate versions of watchOS 26.1, tvOS 26.1, and other updates, signaling that the official launches are imminent within the next week, with notable improvements in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, and minimal changes in tvOS, watchOS, visionOS, and HomePod.
Adobe Max 2025 is scheduled for October 28-30 in Los Angeles, where Adobe is expected to announce major updates to Photoshop and Lightroom, likely featuring new AI-driven features, with keynotes and Sneak peeks revealing upcoming software innovations.
General Motors plans to introduce a highly powerful, centralized computing platform in its vehicles starting in 2028, aiming to make them more autonomous and software-upgradable, similar to Tesla's approach. This new architecture will benefit both electric and combustion engine models, reduce wiring complexity, and enable faster software updates, with the Cadillac Escalade IQ being the first to feature these upgrades. GM's move signifies a major step towards a software-defined vehicle era, emphasizing reliability, scalability, and advanced autonomous capabilities.