Software Updates Can Fix (Almost) Everything Now

howtogeek.com:

Have you updated your toaster recently? Though this may sound silly and far-fetched, we’re rapidly approaching the stage where everything is connected and able to receive over-the-air updates.

Update Your iPhone for Faster Charging

Apple’s iOS 17.2 update was a bit special, particularly if you have an iPhone that’s a few years old. Though we’re used to smartphone manufacturers adding new apps and features in their updates, rarely does an update go as far as doubling the wireless charging speed.

But that’s exactly what happened with iPhone 13 and later devices. As part of the introduction of the Qi2 wireless charging standard, Apple upped the wireless charging speed of these devices from 7.5w to 15w. You don’t even need a proprietary Apple MagSafe charger to take advantage of the speed boost, since Qi2 is an open standard.

Announced by the Wireless Power Consortium, Qi2 has been designed as a universal wireless charging system that incorporates magnets for more efficient (and less fiddly) wireless charging. Over time, Qi2 speeds are set to increase beyond the 15w ceiling so it’s possible we’ll see further improvements delivered over-the-air in the future.

Perhaps Apple planned this move years ago, or perhaps the standard evolved in such a way that the company realized existing hardware already met specifications. Either way, it’s a welcome addition for anyone who prefers charging pads to cables.

Sony Keeps Improving the PlayStation 5 With Updates

Software updates are part and parcel of owning a console, but for PlayStation 5 owners software updates have been transformative. In September 2021 the ability to upgrade system storage using the built-in M.2 slot was added to the PS5 among other features like 3D audio for TV speakers.

Later came “Hey, PlayStation” voice controls in early 2022. But arguably the biggest update came a year later in March 2023, when Sony added variable refresh rate (VRR) support, a feature that matches a display’s update rate to the frame