Topic: Firmware

A computer engineer provides a "boots on the ground" report regarding grounded Airbus A320 aircraft. He explains that while solar radiation can cause "bit-flipping" in flight control systems, this is typically managed by lockstep processors and ECC memory. He suggests that a recent software update may have negligently bypassed these fundamental hardware checks, leading to the current safety issues.

The hosts describe recent technical upgrades, specifically using Acronis software to clone hard drives onto solid-state drives (SSDs) for improved boot speeds. One host reports a significant performance increase where the CPU now reaches 100% utilization before the disk taps out. Additionally, a firmware update for hearing aids resulted in a noticeable improvement in audio quality.

A CBS "Eye on Cyber" segment provides basic security advice for home routers, such as changing default passwords and installing firmware updates. The report suggests that the FBI warned of Russian intelligence agencies targeting small office routers. The hosts find the advice to "turn the router off and on again" to be overly simplistic and potentially unhelpful against sophisticated malware.

The discussion opens with an analysis of the printer ink industry and the tactics used by manufacturers to prevent the use of third-party or counterfeit cartridges. Manufacturers often use firmware updates to reject non-official ink, forcing users to acknowledge that using such products may void their warranties. Despite these warnings, the cost-saving benefits of bogus ink often outweigh the risks for consumers using inexpensive printers.

The history of the "light bulb cartel" and planned obsolescence is revisited. The hosts report that LED manufacturers are now reducing the lifespan of bulbs and that Philips has issued firmware updates for its "Hue" system to block unofficial, cheaper third-party bulbs.

A detailed account of a technical failure involving the Universal Audio Apollo Twin audio interface follows a software update. Despite rules against installing updates before a show, the installer began modifying drivers automatically after a Firefox download. The resulting interface changes and routing issues caused a significant delay in the broadcast, eventually requiring a firmware downgrade to restore functionality.

An NSA official on 60 Minutes described a thwarted "BIOS plot" by a nation-state intended to destroy computers by infecting their firmware. Experts question the validity of this claim, noting that most motherboards have factory resets and that "bricking" an entire economy via a BIOS update is technically improbable.

The hosts discuss the registration of the domain "governmentslimdown.com" and the current state of Slingbox technology for international media monitoring. John Dvorak expresses a need for functional Slingboxes in London, Paris, and South America to facilitate global news coverage. The segment addresses the technical difficulties of sharing Slingbox access due to updated firmware and corporate restrictions.

The hosts track the use of "magic numbers" in media and politics, noting Sigourney Weaver's use of "30%" in a speech about ocean acidity. They highlight Sony's release of PlayStation 3 firmware version 3.30, which introduces 3D gaming capabilities. They joke about the marketing synergy of using the number three across the product's branding and technical specifications.

The T-Mobile G-Phone is praised for its functionality, though concerns are raised regarding battery life issues following the 1.5 firmware update. One host checks their device to find it is still running version 1.1. The conversation also touches on the potential for Android-based netbooks and a minor mystery regarding a sudden increase in Twitter followers.