14 DAY TRIAL // Dell has rolled out the fifth BIOS update for one of its most popular tablets, namely the Dell Venue 8 Pro. And so far users are reporting significant improvements, the most important being enhanced battery life.
Apparently, some Dell Venue 8 Pro users have been holding on the third version BIOS update, because it reportedly brought about battery drainage issues. This, however, doesn't seem to be the case anymore.
According to Dell, these are some changes one should expect to notice after updating to the new version:
- enhances LAN dongle function, LTE module function; - improves performance of eMMC write/read speed, BIOS setting for Enable/Disable fTPM through SCMOS tool; - adds upgrade to Embedded controller firmware version for charge behavior and LTE module; - adds upgrade to GOP driver to 7.0 1005 to match PR7 driver, FRC to 1.6.1 and MCU to 30673/321, 30678/80A for better functioning system; - adjusts CPU temperature against thermal over the SPEC; - improves system info allowing correct battery info to be display.
Users on the Tablet PC Review forum have reported they have also noticed cooler temperatures using benchmark software, despite actually running programs that can usually prompt the tablet to get quite warm. Performance increases have also been spotted, but caveats as well. Like one user says:
“Just upgraded from A03. My test result shows that the eMMC with A05 is even faster than A03's HS200, but SD is as slow as DDR25 (my SD card is Sandisk Extreme).”
“Since most of my files and x86 programs (except Office) are on the SD card (my V8P is 32GB version, so I have no choice), I think it's still a big limitation.”
Nevertheless, most of the feedback on the pretty extensive threat is positive, and the “feel good” factor seems to dominate those who have jumped onboard with the new BIOS update.
Dell is usually consistent in the release of BIOS and firmware update and this new one is pretty substantial, especially counting in the cooling factor (since summer is coming most Dell Venue 8 Pro users will be happy to have a tablet irradiating less heat).
As we get nearer and nearer to the release of the Windows 8.1 Update 1, improvements in system efficiency are expected to arrive our way. Anyway, for those of you who want to go ahead and download the new BIOS (DV8P A05), you can go ahead and download it right here.