GCW Zero Game Console Firmware 2014-05-05 Download

Posted at December 22, 2024 by PCI-DB Team

GCW Zero Game Console Firmware 2014-05-05 Description

Root file-system changes:

- Triple buffering in SDL
- Input through joydev instead of evdev for joysticks
- Access point mode (ad-hoc WiFi between two Zeros)
- Integrated WiFi manager (GCW Connect)
- Integrated image viewer (o2xiv)
- WiFi notifier (blinks the green LED slowly)
- Low-power warning (blinks the green LED fast)
- Root file-system based on Buildroot 2014.02
- Root file-system now located on system partition
- On-demand loading of the network daemons
- Added command-line tool to launch OPKs, "opkrun"
- Added WiFi modules for recent units
- Added GNU Screen

Kernel changes:

- Kernel based on Linux 3.12
- Watchdog driver (automatic reboot on kernel crash/panic)
- Optional joystick interface for built-in controls; an application can request the joystick interface using the new X-OD-NeedsJoystick key
- Supports loadable modules
- rfkill (Internal USB bus powered on-demand)
- Boot splash (press A for verbose boot)

GMenu2X:

- UI improvements
- Custom fonts supported
- New themes
- Full navigation with joystick
- Launches OPKs with "opkrun"

Power switch daemon:

- Fix the Power + X bug (crazy input events after the combo is used)
- Sends SDLK_HOME if the switch is quickly flicked

New important libraries:

- Allegro 4
- OpenAL
- Java (JamVM + GNU Classpath)
- JavaScript: NodeJS
- Lua: lua-jit
- SDL2 (experimental)

NOTE:

The update process depends on which firmware version your Zero is currently running. To check the version, go to the "Settings" tab and start "System Info". Look at the dates on the Compiled on lines.

How it works

- First make sure you have a backup of all valuable user data you have on your GCW Zero, such as save games.
- Download the most recent updater application above. Transfer the application (OPK file) to the apps/ directory on your GCW Zero.
- You can select an option with the d-pad and confirm your choice with the start button.
- While the update is in progress, you'll see progress information being printed showing what the updater is doing. The update process takes a few minutes, please be patient while it does its work, even if you don't see anything happening for a while on the screen.
- When you press start again, the system will restart. After the restart you can check that the new kernel and rootfs were installed in the System Info application
- The compile date for the kernel and rootfs should be equal to or very close to the date of the updater application.
- After the update is complete, you can remove the updater application (OPK file).

About Gaming Console Firmware:

Upgrading the firmware version on your gaming console might enhance the unit’s overall performance and stability, include workarounds for various issues, and improve different features (or add support for new ones).

In addition to that, if you have updated the firmware and it either faulty or has caused a drop in the overall performance of the device, applying a previous version is handy as regards recovering the console’s functionality. On the downside, downgrading the firmware isn’t always possible.

When it comes to applying a certain firmware, as this process is not without risks most of the times, it is recommended that this task be initiated by a power user in a steady power environment, such as the one provided by a UPS unit. However, the installation can also be performed by a regular user at their own risk.

As for the installation method, given the large variety of gaming consoles and the various ways for applying a firmware, before even considering an upgrade or a downgrade, it’s best that you carefully read and understand the installation steps, and initiate the process only once you have familiarized yourself with the update method.

That being said, if you have duly considered all these aspects, either click on the download button to get the present release, or check with our website as often as possible to find out first when the firmware that you desire is available.

  It is highly recommended to always use the most recent driver version available.

Try to set a system restore point before installing a device driver. This will help if you installed an incorrect or mismatched driver. Problems can arise when your hardware device is too old or not supported any longer.

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