firmware update

Changing the software in a flash memory chip. With personal computers, firmware updates are infrequent but sometimes necessary to recondition older machines. The user can perform such updates, but it can be a tedious job.

On the other hand, consumer products may be designed for periodic firmware updates, and the installation of the revised software should be no more difficult than "click here to update." See firmware, flash BIOS and FOTA.

Update Your Blu-ray Player

Firmware is being updated all over the place. As soon as this Blu-ray player was installed, it prompted the user for a firmware update, which took place over a Wi-Fi connection and TV set.

A Big Apple

The progress bar shows the Apple TV's firmware being updated. The Apple TV media hub streams content to this 50" plasma TV. See Apple TV.