Originally posted by emr Has Pentax usually listed everything they've changed in firmware upgrades? They mention only SR.............
If I were Pentax and found a way to improve AF with firmware, I would do so WITHOUT publicizing it. Saying that you fixed a problem is a de facto admission that there was a problem. I don't consider the AF characteristics a problem, some people do. Regardless, I think it best in (from Pentax's point of view) to make any improvements without any fanfare.
I too think the AF speed improved, but I am open to the possibility that it is a placebo effect. I would also allow for the possibility that if there is an improvement it was an "unintended consequence" of the SR improvement; i.e. faster SR = less SR processor time allowing for quicker autofocus, but that is pure and absolute guessery on my part.