# What Is Firmware?  ## Metadata - Author: [[Mesh Flinders]] - Full Title: What Is Firmware? - Category: #articles - Summary: Firmware is a type of software embedded in hardware devices that helps them function properly. It is regularly updated to fix issues, enhance features, and improve compatibility with new technologies. Many everyday devices, like smartphones and smart TVs, rely on firmware to operate and connect with other devices. - URL: https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/firmware ## Highlights - Firmware is used to provide control over consumer devices, such as phones and TVs. Manufacturers frequently update firmware to add new features, enhance security and protect against vulnerabilities. As any user of an [Android](https://www.ibm.com/topics/android-development) or [iOS](https://www.ibm.com/topics/ios-app-development) phone—or even Smart TVs and gaming consoles—know, firmware version updates need to be downloaded and installed regularly or they affect device performance. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jw2j48z03dx8st945nx3qbyg)) - Software, on the other hand, is installed on a device to improve user interaction with activities like browsing the Internet, checking email, word processing, watching videos, streaming music and more. Software isn’t as closely connected to the hardware as firmware and needs firmware to communicate with the hardware its providing functions for. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jw2j4pasqx07ryvb2kzj5qm0))