Gizmodo: 2.4

So This is What Chloe's Typing on 24

Jason Chen — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:40:00 EDT

Using state of the art government technology to track terrorists? Keeping a third eye open for Jack Bauer? Nope. The lovely Mary Lynn Rajskub (Chloe) is Twittering. [Twitter]

Sri-Lankan Watches 72 Hours Of One TV Show to Set World Record

Sean Fallon — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:01:00 EST

Suresh Joachim, the same guy that recently broke the record for continuous movie watching, has also broken the non-stop TV watching record with a little help from Jack Bauer and 30 cups of coffee.

That's right, Joachim watched 3 seasons of the TV series 24, to reach the 72 hour mark—beating his previous record of 69 hours and 48 minutes. Although, after watching movies for 123 hours and 10 minutes straight, this feat seems like a walk in the park. Truly, if endurance "athletes" were treated like other high-profile sports figures, we would see Joachim on the Wheates box...eyes half open, pouring coffee over the flakes. [Yahoo]

Botta Uno 24 Watches Rotate Once Per Day

Jesus Diaz — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST

Here's a pretty pretty watch: The new Botta Uno 24, a german time machine that has a 24 hour dial and one single hand, which rotates at half the speed of a normal hour hand. Made of stainless steel and capable of resisting three atmospheres of pressure, the manufacturer says that each of the marks in their watch corresponds to the actual position of the Sun in the sky. Whatever. We just think they look like a nice present for $395.

[Watchismo via Technabob]

Sony Explains What Went Wrong with Firmware 2.4

Mark Wilson — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:08:00 EDT

PlayStation 3 firmware 2.4 bricked a few systems, was eventually pulled and then, today, got rereleased as firmware 2.41. Hooray!! But wait a second...what exactly went wrong with 2.4 in the first place? Sony has gone on the record with an official explanation:

The PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) system software version 2.41 is now available for update from July 8, 2008. With this update, we have fixed the problem that prevented a limited number of PS3s from activating properly after updating to version 2.40, when certain system administrative data were contained on the HDD...

...We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused you and appreciate your understanding and continued support.

Damn that system administrative data! It gets us every time. [ThreeSpeech]

PlayStation 3 Firmware 2.41 Available Now

Kit Eaton — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:57:00 EDT

It's not quite midweek, but according to readers at Sony's PlayStation blog, the new firmware update 2.41 for PlayStation3 is now available for download. Hopefully when you fire up your update it'll be a smoother process than for some 2.40 users. Update: the new, improved update has brought a nice new, improved platinum trophy with it—photo below.

[Kotaku and Playstation Blog—Thanks Eric]

PlayStation 3 Firmware 2.41 Coming "Midweek"

Mark Wilson — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:48:00 EDT

Sony's firmware 2.40 for the PS3 was pulled from servers after bricking several systems. Now at least one customer support service is reporting that firmware 2.41 will be released later this week. While Sony has yet to send out an official press release on the topic, it's looking like those who didn't download their in-game XMB fix fast enough will indeed get it soon. As for the bricking problem, it can be solved with solutions anywhere from a simple reboot to yanking the hard drive and formatting it on a PC. Oh, and crying to Sony like a baby probably helps, too. [CVG]

PlayStation 3 Firmware 2.4 Bricking Some PS3s

Mark Wilson — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:39:00 EDT

It's not uncommon for firmware updates to go wonky, and apparently Sony's 2.4 PS3 update is no exception. The PlayStation forums are scattered with various reports of bricked PS3s—users report that upon booting their system, the SIXAXIS controller will not sync and the video signal is blank with no sound. Unfortunately, you can never tell how widespread these issues are when the sampling is just one messageboard. And I've updated my 60GB launch unit without issue. Suckers.

Seriously though, any problems to report? (Suckers?) [PlayStation Forums via Maxconsole]

PlayStation 3 Firmware 2.4 in Photographs

Mark Wilson — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:45:00 EDT

We've already seen two videos of Sony's latest 2.4 firmware for the PS3 (that hits July 2nd, incidentally), but sometimes the story is easily told in good old fashioned photography. So here are some direct feed shots of the new firmware, including plenty of material on the new ~~achievements~~ trophies. There's nothing jaw-dropping going on here, but the integration looks simple and clean. And that's certainly worth something. [GameLife and PS3Fanboy via Kotaku]

PS3 Firmware Update 2.40 Arriving for E3, Plus Full Feature List

matt buchanan — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:20:00 EDT

The PS3 firmware update you've really, really been waiting for—2.40, which brings in XMB access and achievements—you're gonna have to wait a little longer for. Like, 'til E3. CVG says that Sony's holding the update back for its address at E3 in about three weeks. But, to tide you over, they've got the supposed full list of features being added.

Here's what you'll be able to do from the in-game XMB:

* Friend category
* View, send, receive messages
* Manage downloads
* Set the vibration feature of the controller
* Sign in to PlayStation Network
* Register friends
* Manage Bluetooth devices
* Terminate the game
* Music category
* Use the system BGM
* Work the system BGM operation panel
* Settings category
* Assign controllers
* View profiles
* Game category
* Set audio devices
* Use the voice changer

Under the music category, you can play back your own music, though it's not known whether you'll be able to do it with every game or just specific titles that support it. Either way, it'll be nice to finally have some basic functions that sorta should've been there in the first place. [CVG via Kotaku]

Next PlayStation Firmware Update Bringing In-Game XMB?

Mark Wilson — Fri, 30 May 2008 10:00:00 EDT

There's some pretty heavy rumorage that Sony's next PS3 firmware update, 2.4, will bring long-awaited in-game XMB. (That just means players will be able to load the menu system without closing their game.) In addition, we're supposed to see trophies (ala Xbox Achievements) supported as well. There's a lot of buzz around the rumor with plenty of solid sources backing it, but we pretty much confirmed in-game XMB when Sony workers taunted fanboys by wearing these uniforms that read "In-shirt XMB" at a recent conference. The new firmware could hit as early as this June. [videogaming247 and Joystiq]

Jack Bauer Really Does Save Us From Terrorists

matt buchanan — Fri, 23 May 2008 18:00:00 EDT

As far fetched as some of the tech the spy community plays with is, you'd think they were getting it from spy movies and stuff. Well, they're definitely watching. The Department of Homeland Security's latest idea to protect airports, a laser equipped drone that'll detect and blind missiles with a low-power laser (rather than a megadoom one) is named for Chloe on 24, because they apparently both track down bad guys. We're assuming project Jack kills them. And if they ever reveal one codenamed Solid Snake, all evildoers worldwide should simultaneously piss their pants and seek a career in handicrafts. [Danger Room]

PlayStation 3 Getting In-Game Voice Chat in Firmware 2.4?

Jason Chen — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:10:45 EST

Sony Computer Entertainment UK Boss Ray Maguire just let this bit slip about a future firmware update, which Sony usually doesn't comment on.

Our momentum will continue with the introduction of in-game communication in the summer, firmware update 2.4 and the strongest line-up of games through our third party partners and our own studios. I'd personally like to thank our trade and business partners for helping us on the start of the PS3 journey.

So, there's going to be improved in-game chat (maybe expanded to every game via an in-game Xross Media Bar?) that's even better than the chat we've already used now? Sign us up. [MCVUK via Kotaku]

Apple Store Special Deals Blowout Includes $400-Off Aluminum iMac 24"

Jesus Diaz — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 05:32:34 EST

Apple is blowing out a whole bunch of Apple-certified refurbished models, from a current generation aluminum iMac 24" (amazing machine that I use daily) for $1,899 with free shipping in 24 hours (that's $400 off the sticker price), to a previous generation $1,499 2.33GHz MacBook Pro 15" ($1,000 off) or a $1,899 17-inch MacBook Pro 2.33GHz Core 2 Duo ($900 off the original price). All with free shipping. Check the full list of iMac and MacBooks after the jump.

• 24-inch Aluminum Mac for $1,899 (original price $2,299)
• 20-inch Aluminum Mac for $1,249 ($1,499)
• Previous generation iMac 17-inch for $849 ($1,199)
• Previous generation iMac 20-inch for $1,099 ($1,499)
• Previous generation iMac 24-inch for $1,399 ($1,999)

• MacBook Pro 15 2.2GHz $1,499 ($1,999)
• MacBook Pro 15 2.33GHz $1,499 ($1,649)
• MacBook Pro 15 2.4GHz $1,649 ($2,499)
• MacBook Pro 17 2.33GHz $1,899 ($2,799)
• MacBook Pro 17 (with 1,950 pixels high resolution display) 2.5GHz $2,349 ($3,049)
• MacBook Pro 17 2.6GHz $2,349 ($3,049)

[Apple Store]

Vudu Adds Fox TV Shows to its VOD Lineup, Kicks off HD Downloading

Wilson Rothman — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:17:16 EST

Starting today in beta, Vudu owners can pay $1.99 a piece for episodes of 24, Family Guy, Firefly and other Fox-produced shows in standard-def video. Today also marks the availability of the Bourne Ultimatum for purchase in high-def. Though the $399 Vudu's signature attribute is immediate viewing of movies, we're told HD downloads won't be ready pronto, but will take a buffering period that could be long if your network isn't hot. In other words, if you do plan to buy it—for $25—buy it early. [Crave and Vudu]

24's Unaired 1994 Pilot Sticks Jack Bauer with Dialup, Lycos, Dot Matrix Printers

Adam Frucci — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:40:00 EST

Our friends over at CollegeHumor heard that 24 was delayed due to the writer's strike, so they combed through the archives and found this pilot from way back in 1994. As you can see, Jack Bauer is just as intense when stuck dealing with pagers, 1-800-Collect, and AOL as he is using more modern accoutrements. Damn it! [CollegeHumor]

In Japan, 24 Has a Theme Song, and It's Ridiculous

Adam Frucci — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 13:55:00 EST

24 ~~is coming back~~may or may not be coming back due to the strike, but there's a teaser freshly available on Xbox Live to whet your palate for yet another highly improbable, explosion-filled day, whenever it's coming. To give you an idea of what the show's like in the Far East, here are a couple of commercials for it from Japan featuring the Japan-only theme music. Yes, there are lyrics, and they include "Ore wa Jack Bauer!" Why oh why is this song not played in the States? Hit the jump for a second ad.

[YouTube]

Jack Bauer Bearbrick Set

Jason Chen — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 16:00:57 EDT

This is much better than the Apple Bearbricks. It's Jack Bauer. Enough said.

P.S. Please don't make next season suck as bad as this one. – Jason Chen

Product Page [HMV]

Slate Explains How to Make Your Cell Phone Jack Bauer-Worthy

Matt Buchanan — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 21:13:30 EST

Coming off a story about a Wal-Mart employee intercepting conversations and text messages between Wal-Mart PR and a NYT reporter, Slate takes it upon itself to teach you how to do just that with your own dinky cell phone.

First on the list, predictably, is copying the interceptee's SIM card, sending all of their phone calls (if you're on the same tower) and texts straight to you. The second method uses a (very illegal) firmware update to turn your phone into a radio, picking up "all the texts broadcast on a given channel," though obviously you'd need to know the network and be close to the base station for it to work. While less precise, it's also cheaper than buying the equipment to clone your mark's phone.

Lastly, you could get ahold of some actual Bond-style toys used by the DHS and other three-lettered agencies, but that sounds like a ticket straight to either the front page of the NYT or the bottom of some classified prison in a country whose name we can't pronounce. Not that the first two methods are any less illegal, so get your Linda Tripp on with caution. – Matt Buchanan

How Do You Intercept a Text Message? [Slate]
Image via Kiefer Sutherland 24

Stuff We Love: CTU The Rookie

Jason Chen — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 14:29:59 EST

Although this online campaign is sponsored by Degree Men and features none of the regular stars, our love for anything 24 makes us enjoy this all the same. It's a series of webisodes starring some skinny kid as a rookie at CTU. What does a rookie do? Well, fetch coffee, mostly. Well, he does do some other stuff, but we'll leave that for you to find out.

What's this have to do with gadgets? Absolutely nothing. – Jason Chen

CTU Rookie

Jack Bauer vs. Boston's ATHF Scare

Jason Chen — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:20:39 EST

If there's one man that can take down the threat to national security that is the Aqua Teen Hunger Force Mooninites, it's Jack Bauer. – Jason Chen