modification
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iPad drag-to-edit keyboard prototype shows Apple how easy it could be (video)
Text editing on the iPad is a bit of a slog unless you have a dedicated keyboard. One Daniel Hooper, however, has a simple but clever idea to fix this: use the keyboard as a pseudo-trackpad. As he shows in the prototype video below, his idea has touchscreen typists just drag one or two fingers along the keyboard to whip through text. Need to select something? Hold the Shift key while you swipe. While the concept is the sort of addition you'd normally only expect to appear in a jailbreak mod, Hooper sees the convenience as worth petitioning Apple directly -- and while there's no guarantee Apple will ever implement it, that he's been told Apple now sees it as a "known issue" suggests that someone in Cupertino is contemplating the possibilities.
Step inside MechWarrior Online's MechLab and choose your weapon
Over the past weeks, we've been seeing a steady drip of information about MechWarrior Online's various BattleMechs and the customization options available to players to make each 'Mech unique. Today, Piranha Games is giving players an inside look at the MechLab, which is the in-game interface players will use to modify their machines of death and destruction. The MechLab uses what the studio calls a hardpoint system, which essentially means that weapons can only be swapped out for other weapons of the same type. For instance, energy weapons can be swapped only for other energy weapons, while ballistic weapons can be changed out only for other ballistic weapons. 'Mech customization also relies on a weight system meaning that each 'Mech has a maximum weight that it cannot exceed, so players will have to pick and choose between numerous lightweight enhancements or fewer, heavier ones (or some combination thereof). The full system, as fans of the series undoubtedly expect, is quite robust, so hop in the cockpit and jump-jet your way over to the official dev blog for the full details.
Call of Duty case mod has spinning gatling gun, energy drink fridge (hands-on)
We've had our fill of Ultrabooks and tablets at CeBIT, so now it's finally time to move on to the crazy stuff. This over-the-top case mod was awaiting unsuspecting attendees at the far back end of the China pavilion, of all places, and only caught our eye (or ear, rather) thanks to its squeaky gatling gun. It seems that this case first made an appearance at the Taipei Game Show last month, and has now landed on German shores, making a miraculous pass through EU customs to settle here, hidden amongst a hodgepodge of accessories on the outskirts of Hannover. This Thermaltake Level 10 GT chassis was modded by Brian Carter, and is highlighted by a six-barrel rotating gatling gun. There's a bazooka up top where the handle would be, a .50 caliber cartridge on the side and a combination energy drink / hand sanitizer compartment just below. Yes, hand sanitizer. The rotating (and rather noisy) gatling gun makes our hands-on video a must-watch if you're looking to get the full mod experience, so jump past the break and check it out.
Colorware spills its inks on your iPhone 4S, charges dearly for it
You didn't think the latest iPhone would be saved from Colorware's paint-dipped hands, did you? Lo and behold, the company's swatches are currently ready for application on the 4S. Similar to its iPhone 4 treatments, you'll be able to spice up your device -- and its earbuds -- with a mixture of glossy, metallic and soft-touch coatings (excluding mainly the front face, which remains stock black or white). Colorware'll gladly sell you a fresh 16 or 64GB model for a whopping $1,500 or $1,700, respectively, or you can mail yours in to get a Benetton-esque makeover for just $250.
Ben Heck crafts Atari-styled Xbox-360, takes us back to the '70s
Our man Ben Heck has done it again -- this time, he's taken modding to a new, retro level. Atari requested that Heck create a modded system as a promo for its new games, so our man teamed up with element14 and did what he does best. The master of mods has gutted an Xbox 360 and shoved it into a one-of-a-kind Atari 2600-esque case that he calls 'Xbox 360 1977 Edition.' The system's got switches from old Atari systems had that control disc-ejection and controller synchronization. Just like the classic Ataris, Heck's portable gaming laptop's got wood panels and a black finish -- and it's huge. The best part of this mod? Well, playing Street Fighter on Xbox 360 hidden inside of what would be a modern version of a classic like Atari is pretty cool, in our opinion. As cool a classic like the Virtual Boy though? We'll leave that for you to decide. Oh, and be sure to hit the source link to watch the mod get formed in 23 glorious minutes.
Google's Androidify app lets you create your very own bot avatar (video)
While we're probably still years or decades away from getting our very own animatronic clones, Google's released the next best thing for the time being. Available on the Android Market is this Androidify app, which, as the name says for itself, lets us mere mortals craft our Android mascot lookalikes. Hell, you can even slap on some facial hair or a baby droid while you're at it. We'll say no more -- see the app in action after the break, if you're not already busy dishing out your new avatar across the web.
Waging WAR: Guide to addons
This week in WagingWAR Greg takes a look at the basic interface offered in Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Well, he said he would take a look, but then he mumbled something about needing a blindfold first. Instead, he writes about all the great ways it can be changed via third-party add-ons and shows us why WAR's modding community really is just the bee's knees. Let's be honest with ourselves right off the bat and agree that the WAR default interface, although functional, is lackluster in some respects. That's not to say that the developers of WAR made a disastrous UI for us to play with; in fact, the truth is quite the opposite. The standard UI is functional, genre-standard, and provides all the necessary information at a glance. It gets the job done. It also offers a layout editor that allows for simple, easy customization. But sometimes, someone else's idea for a UI element is simply better. Thankfully, WAR supports the Lua programming language and enjoys a strong and talented modding community. Continue reading for the lowdown on what I consider to be the best of the best of what WAR's mod community has to offer as of patch 1.4.
MacBook Air 2010 meets Colorware, births skinny rainbow children
Not feeling like enough of an individual owning the same ultrathin Apple laptop as everyone else? We feel your pain, you need something more in your status symbol hardware. This is where Colorware enters, asking for (at least) $1,850 in exchange for a MacBook Air -- made in 2010, exactly to your chromatic specifications. Come on, we can mock and we can decry the price, but if this were ever within the disposable income portion of your budget, wouldn't you jump at the opportunity? Alas, there's no option for repainting an Air if you've already bought one, so whether you want the 11.6-inch or 13-inch version, you'll have to buy it directly from Colorware. Update: It originally seemed as if the 11-inch Air wasn't available, but it is, hence the body of the post has been updated accordingly.
Wind U100 magically modded into tablet-thing, iPad UI along for the ride
Are you desperate for an iPad-like device, short on cash, and long on the desire to completely jack up your netbook? Well you're in luck, friend, as the proprietor of MSI Wind fansite Insanely Wind has crafted a device which may satiate your tablety desires. By taking a U100, removing the keyboard, relocating a touchscreen display to the bottom half of the unit, and doing some simple rewiring, user alexbates has fashioned a tablet which he says bests a device like the iPad or JooJoo with "10 times the storage, twice the speed, external video (VGA), webcam, USB ports, and built-in multi card reader." Of course, as you can tell by the photos, this mod has a ways to go before it's got the fit and finish of the aforementioned devices, and you'll have rev up a compatible, hackintosh build of OS X to make it appropriately Apple-ish -- but it can clearly be done. While this isn't the first time we've seen this type of modification, it's nice to see the love spreading to various devices (and done in a fashion that doesn't seem overly complicated). From the sounds of things, this project hasn't hit its zenith yet, so we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for a more complete variation of the Windlet (our name). For now, hit the read link and keep up with the unfolding saga. [Thanks, MistaBishi]
Turn that old Mac into a functioning clock
Let's say you have a Mac collecting dust in the corner of your garage. Rather than succumb to your spouse's demands and send the old friend to computer heaven, why not re-purpose that Mac into something both functional and beautiful? Cult of Mac points us to one enterprising hardware modder who has converted the base of his iMac G4 into a round wall clock. Take a look above on the left for the final result of his Dremel-sourced endeavor. This Apple fan from Japan was also kind enough to post photos of his DIY adventure [Google Translate link]. Check out another image below; the aluminum really pops on the dark wall. Additionally, it seems that the inspiration for the iClock came from another Japanese modder who converted his PowerMac G5 into a functioning timepiece as well. Seen at the top on the right is the completed product. When all is said and done, it seems as though the PowerMac is still usable as computer. This qualifies the creator's work to be considered a "case mod" rather than an all out butchering -- which is ideal because a chopped Mac is a sad Mac. The PowerClock owner also posted in-progress shots of his work [Google Translate link]. I tend to fall in the camp that favors "software" modification, believing that for any piece of computing hardware there is some flavor of Linux that can breathe in new life. Unfortunately, however, sometimes Macs and PCs alike simply bite the dust and are only good for conversion into clocks or lamps.
Wiimote modded with terrifically minor results
Remember DHRECK, the modder who modded a Wiimote by covering it in hemp and calling it a day? Well, he's back, and this time he's made one that's slightly smaller than the original. That's right: not totally teeny, or miniaturized (it's not lethal, either) -- just somewhat smaller than an actual, unmodified 'mote. He's made some other minor cosmetic changes to it as well, and the results are attractive. Check the gallery of fantastic photos after the break. [Thanks, John] %Gallery-43817%
The Gears of War Nerf Lancer modification scares a locust horde of parents
If you haven't seen it by now, behold, the Gears of War, Nerf Lancer modification. Forsaken_angel24's genius is rooted in the combination of a regular Nerf Longshot and toy chainsaw. Neither of which would cause the average Wal-mart parent cause for concern. Combined, they take on the form of this foreboding assault rifle with working chainsaw bayonet, LED lighting and sound effects... which shoots squishy balls at little girls. Full instructions for modders are posted over at the Nerfhaven forums. We've added a video after the break -- not so much a how-to as a loving tribute to man's god-given right to war. [Via Hack n Mod, thanks Nick L.]
Wii circuitry changed to thwart modchips?
Reports are coming in from Taiwan and Germany that Nintendo has updated the Wii's motherboard with its latest shipments of the console. According to MaxConsole, one of the solder points has been removed from the altered board, shutting out quicksolder modification chips like WiiKey. Other similar tools that don't use the missing solder point should not be affected. DigiTimes suggests that these changes to the circuit layout were made with the sole intent of preventing piracy by blocking these warranty-voiding installations. If that's the case however, why did Nintendo only take steps to block just the WiiKey, a modchip that was released only several weeks ago?There were similar concerns in the past about Mario Kart DS updating the Nintendo DS' firmware as an anti-piracy measure, but it was quickly discovered that the handheld was only saving its WiFi settings. It seems far more likely that Nintendo has had the Wii's revised motherboard planned for months, and that locking out any modification methods was an unintended result.
Nunchuck LED mod tutorial
We have featured LED mods for the Wii remote in the past, but today we have a tutorial for adding colored LEDs to your Wii nunchuck! Despite the instructional photos and well-documented walkthrough, we wouldn't suggest this sort of hardware hacking to an electronics novice. You won't have much to brag about if you accidentally set your circuit board on fire or unintentionally scar yourself with a triwing screwdriver. Hey, it could happen! "MCWORLD!"If you happen to be skilled with a soldering iron though, this tweak might be for you. Following the tutorial, your nunchuck should have a swank LED glow right underneath the thumbstick whenever you've got it attached to a Wii remote in use. You'll be the talk of the town!
iPod mini maxed out with CF card
It looks like iPod minis aren't obsolete just yet thanks to Mark Hoekstra's flash card mod, which entails switching out the original Microdrive with a 4GB flash card. iPod minis served a short term in Appledom, but come to think of it, they're a manageable size, have one of the more durable iPod casings, and they don't look half-bad either. After the modding is complete, a quick restore in iTunes reloads the card with Apple's firmware (you can also upload other software like Podzilla), then you're all set to jam out. So if you own a member of this dying breed (and have a steady hand), use this little proof-of-concept to extend your mini's lifespan while one-upping Apple at the same time.[Via digg]
$3000 piano mod reminds George Clinton of the mothership
Resourceful tinkerer "Proximasolaris" has put together a piano mod that would make even some Samic owners a bit envious. Retrofitting a Korg Triton Extreme, hiding two monitors behind a motorized cabinet, and placing a slew of blue LEDs and other mechanics, he managed to put $3,000 worth of gadgetry into an old fashion vertical piano. While it is not the first modification we have seen like this, you should still click on through to see the vid of his tricked-out instrument -- go ahead, bask in the glory of what's possible with a little extra loot and 250 solid man hours.
Roundup of 10 Mac OS X UI modification apps
Mac OS X's Aqua UI is a mighty purty thing, what with its oh-so-slightly transparent menus, gun metal finish and lickable blue dialog buttons. But what if you want to mold the look of the Mac OS to your bidding or apply a new theme? We've blogged about the likes of ShapeShifter and CandyBar here at TUAW before, but Appleication just put together a roundup of 10 UI modification apps that can enhance your Mac's look and feel in just about every way possible. Armed with this list, you'll have everything you need to set movies and websites as your desktop background, dim apps in the background to get your concentration on, bring that unified look to all your apps and even add the power of multiple desktops to your workflow. Even better for those of you still trying to recover from the blow to your budget after the holidays, most of the apps on this list are free.
Wii classic controller hack, now with more classic
It's hard to deny the nostalgia we get from having a cord dangle off our next-gen controllers while reminiscing about our Gradius days. However, some Wii gamers are wishing Nintendo's classic controller was a bit less Dreamcast-inspired, and a bit more NES-like in terms of cord placement. Rather than just moaning about it though, the resourceful folks at NintendoGal have a simple hack involving nothing more than a dremel saw and a triwing screwdriver to make your controller more 1984. Personally, we would like to see a hack to make it wireless like its motion-sensor enabled brother, but we all know that doesn't free it from having cord issues. Take note, though: Nintendo won't be sending out any replacements if you hurt yourself with this mod.
Roomba obeys MacBook tilt sensor commands
If there ever was a hack that could be assured of a mention on Engadget, it would be this: the MacBook tilt-sensor controlled Roomba. Once again utilizing the accelerometer inside each and every MacBook, the guys over at Hacking Roomba managed to get a Bluetooth-enabled Roomba to listen to the Mac's tilting orders. Practicality isn't the aim here -- lets face it, the Roomba will willingly clean a floor on its own. Instead, it's a mix of ingenuity and "because we can" mentality that draws us to these sorts of projects. That and the possibilty of freaking out the Engadget HQ house cat, of course.
Linux box built out of an Apple Studio Display
While the vast majority of recent Mac modifications have dealt with the headless Mac Mini, the Toolman decided to go a different route with his gutted 17-inch Apple Studio Display. As with most mods, he simply had too many enticing parts lying around without a proper home, and chose to combine them using whatever it took, resulting in a Mac-ish clone at worst, and a sweet all-in-one computer at best. After heavy modifications to front button PCBs, adding a mic for VoIP usage, rewiring everything numerous times, "butchering" an i2c bus, and using a heat gun to make the pesky plastic conform to his wishes, he still had to get the thing to boot up. After initial memtest errors and a few bouts with frustration, he finally loaded Ubuntu Linux successfully from the external optical drive. He also noted that the possibility remained open to one day affix a slot-loading drive, but left it out initially due to the inability to truly find an "elegant place" to install it. Regardless, this well-constructed mod most certainly didn't come easy, and for those who'd dare give something like this a go on their own, be sure to continue on for a look at the YouTube demonstration, and hit the read link for a bevy of photos.[Via Digg]
