Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Windows Mobile takes up roost in Windows Phone, thanks to WML project (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/wml-shows-windows-mobile-running-within-windows-phone-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/wml-shows-windows-mobile-running-within-windows-phone-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/wml-shows-windows-mobile-running-within-windows-phone-video/#comments Windows Mobile takes up roost in Windows Phone, thanks to WML project (video)
Whether you're looking for a good laugh or a simple trip down memory lane, seeing Windows Mobile 6.1 hobble around like a grumpy old man within Windows Phone might just satisfy both those urges. The technical stunt comes courtesy of the Dark Forces Team, which is now previewing a bit of hackery known as WML (Windows Mobile Loader?). While details of the project have yet to be made public, a video posted to YouTube clearly shows the elderly OS accessible from within Windows Phone on an HTC Gold (HD7). Support for Windows Mobile 6.5 is also in the works, but for the moment, just take a peep at the most important visual treat in the above clip.

Windows Mobile takes up roost in Windows Phone, thanks to WML project (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark forces teamDarkForcesTeamdftgoldhackhackedhackshd7htchtc goldhtc hd7HtcGoldHtcHd7mobilepostminivideowindows mobilewindows mobile 6.1windows mobile 6.5windows mobile loaderwindows phoneWindowsMobileWindowsMobile6.1WindowsMobile6.5WindowsMobileLoaderWindowsPhonewmlFri, 17 Feb 2012 16:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Doodle Defense game uses Kinect to turn white boards into displays, dry-erase markers into weapons]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/doodle-defense-game-uses-kinect-to-turn-white-boards-into-displa/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/doodle-defense-game-uses-kinect-to-turn-white-boards-into-displa/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/16/doodle-defense-game-uses-kinect-to-turn-white-boards-into-displa/#comments Tower defense games have been done in damn near every way possible: on consoles, mobile apps, and online flash-based games. However, there's a new Kickstarter project, called Doodle Defense, that's putting a new spin on that simple gaming idea using some open source algorithms, a whiteboard, computer, Kinect and a projector. The game works by projecting the battlefield and bad guys on the whiteboard, while users can draw in obstacles using a black marker and towers of varied attack abilities in red, green, and blue. Kinect tracks where your drawings are onscreen, and reroutes the invaders accordingly, while also keeping track of how much ink you have left to use. Check out the video after the break to see the game in action, and if you want to pitch in to the inventor port Doodle Defense to the iPad, hit the source link below.

Continue reading Doodle Defense game uses Kinect to turn white boards into displays, dry-erase markers into weapons

Doodle Defense game uses Kinect to turn white boards into displays, dry-erase markers into weapons originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doodle defenseDoodleDefensegamegaminghackhackskickstarterkinectprojectortower defenseTowerDefensevideoThu, 16 Feb 2012 23:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Refresh Roundup: week of February 6th, 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/refresh-roundup-week-of-february-6th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/refresh-roundup-week-of-february-6th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/12/refresh-roundup-week-of-february-6th-2012/#comments Your smartphone and / or tablet is just begging for an update. From time to time, these mobile devices are blessed with maintenance refreshes, bug fixes, custom ROMs and anything in between, and so many of them are floating around that it's easy for a sizable chunk to get lost in the mix. To make sure they don't escape without notice, we've gathered every possible update, hack, and other miscellaneous tomfoolery we could find during the last week and crammed them into one convenient roundup. If you find something available for your device, please give us a shout at tips at engadget dawt com and let us know. Enjoy!

Continue reading Refresh Roundup: week of February 6th, 2012

Refresh Roundup: week of February 6th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon kindle fireAmazonKindleFireandroidandroid 2.3android 4.0.2Android2.3Android4.0.2asusasus transformer primeAsusTransformerPrimebellbell mobilityBellMobilitybioniccanadadroid xyboarddroidbionicDroidXyboardg-tabletgalaxy nexusGalaxyNexusgingerbreadhackhackedhacksice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichkindle fireKindleFirelglg phoenixLgPhoenixmiuimobilepostminimotorolamotorola droid bionicmotorola xoomMotorolaDroidBionicMotorolaXoomphoenixrefresh roundupRefreshRoundupromromsrootrootedrrsamsungsmartphonesmartphonessonysony tablet sSonyTabletStablettablet sTabletStransformer primeTransformerPrimeupdateupdatesverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessviewsonicviewsonic g-tabletViewsonicG-tabletxoomxyboardSun, 12 Feb 2012 19:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile Miscellany: week of February 6th, 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/mobile-miscellany-week-of-february-6th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/mobile-miscellany-week-of-february-6th-2012/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/11/mobile-miscellany-week-of-february-6th-2012/#comments Mobile Miscellany: week of February 6th, 2012
Not all mobile news is destined for the front page, but if you're like us and really want to know what's going on, then you've come to the right place. This week, we've learned that T-Mobile is offering some of its best phones free after rebate (today only), and we've also spotted a new power management feature that seems destined for BlackBerry 7.1 OS. These stories and more await after the break. So buy the ticket and take the ride. Let's explore the "best of the rest" for this week of February 6th, 2012.

Continue reading Mobile Miscellany: week of February 6th, 2012

Mobile Miscellany: week of February 6th, 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackberryblackberry 7blackberry 7.1blackberry os 7blackberry os 7.1Blackberry7Blackberry7.1BlackberryOs7BlackberryOs7.1bold 9790Bold9790dealdealsfreehackhacksjaxbotleakleakedleaksmmmobile miscellanyMobileMiscellanymobilepostminimodmodsnuanceorientation lockOrientationLockpromopromotionresearch in motionResearchInMotionrimsalesalessmartphonesmartphonest-mobiletmobileus cellularusage controlsUsageControlsUsCellularverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvideovoicemailwindows phoneWindowsPhoneSat, 11 Feb 2012 15:06:00 EST<![CDATA[APK puts Windows 95, 98 and XP, plus Linux on the EVO 3D]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/apk-puts-windows-95-98-and-xp-plus-linux-on-the-evo-3d/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/apk-puts-windows-95-98-and-xp-plus-linux-on-the-evo-3d/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/apk-puts-windows-95-98-and-xp-plus-linux-on-the-evo-3d/#comments And here you thought Microsoft bringing Windows 8 to ARM was big news. Turns out, a member of the xda-developers forum has managed to make an APK that puts a variety of Redmond's x86 operating systems on the HTC EVO 3D and its 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon silicon -- Windows 95, 98, XP and even your favorite flavor of Linux are all available for the three dee-equipped handset. All you need to do is install the Bochs Pentium emulator APK and the OS disk image of your choice, modify a couple files, and you'll be doing yesteryear's desktop computing on a handheld in no time. Feeling nostalgic? Detailed instructions how to do it yourself and the necessary files can be found at the source link below, but all we want to know is: does it do the blue screen of death or the force close dance when things go awry?

APK puts Windows 95, 98 and XP, plus Linux on the EVO 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apkarmbochsevo 3dEvo3dhackhackshtc evo 3dHtcEvo3dlinuxmobilepostcrossqualcommsnapdragonsoftwarewindowswindows 95windows 98windows on armwindows xpWindows95Windows98WindowsOnArmWindowsXpx86Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Nook Tablet gets easy root shortcut via SD card (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/nook-tablet-gets-easy-root-shortcut-via-sd-card-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/nook-tablet-gets-easy-root-shortcut-via-sd-card-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/29/nook-tablet-gets-easy-root-shortcut-via-sd-card-video/#comments Nook Tablet gets easy root shortcut via SD card (video)As the (admittedly niche) battle for root access wages on between the Nook Tablet creators and its end users, a new shortcut's been discovered for unlocking the Android-based slab -- and you'll need an SD card to do the business. The new technique, courtesy of xda-developers forum member Indirect, works on all tablets up to version 1.4.1, requiring the installation of some key files onto the card and a reboot to unleash the might of Google's Android Market. Those interested in a Google app hook-up for their Nook should check the video below and visit the source for those all-important files.

Continue reading Nook Tablet gets easy root shortcut via SD card (video)

Nook Tablet gets easy root shortcut via SD card (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android marketAndroidMarketbootloadergooglehackhackinghacksIndirectmodnooknook tabletNookTabletrootrootedsdSD cardSdCardsoftwaretabletunlockvideoxdaxda developersxda forumsXdaDevelopersXdaForumsSun, 29 Jan 2012 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[The Love Box is an analog video mixer, house of mirrors for your iPhone (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/the-love-box-is-an-analog-video-mixer-house-of-mirrors-for-your/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/the-love-box-is-an-analog-video-mixer-house-of-mirrors-for-your/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/27/the-love-box-is-an-analog-video-mixer-house-of-mirrors-for-your/#comments There's something romantic about hacking the iPhone, especially when it means finding ways to personalize the massively popular handset. Apps like Instagram may help you realize artistic talent, but software just doesn't get those creative juices flowing like an old-fashioned piece of hardware can. Despite its taboo-sounding name, The Love Box isn't an adult toy in the traditional sense, instead serving as an analog video (and stills) mixer for your iPhone 4 or 4S. Consisting of a wooden box and an angled sliding mirror, the homegrown contraption lets you simultaneously capture the action in front of and behind you in a single image. It was originally designed in Barcelona to capture two people conversing for a documentary called "The Love Box Conversations," hence the name. The "lowest-tech accessory for the highest-tech phone" is available now as part of a very limited initial run of 100 units, and can be yours for €57.63 (about $77.50) if you hit up the source link below.

Continue reading The Love Box is an analog video mixer, house of mirrors for your iPhone (video)

The Love Box is an analog video mixer, house of mirrors for your iPhone (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple iphoneAppleIphoneartisticcameracamerashackhackinghacksinstagramiphoneiphone 4iphone 4sIphone4Iphone4slove boxLoveBoxmobilepostcrosssplit camsplit camerasSplitCamSplitCamerasthe love boxTheLoveBoxvideoFri, 27 Jan 2012 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Open source controller framework lets you add the finishing touch]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/open-source-controller-framework-lets-you-add-the-finishing-touc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/open-source-controller-framework-lets-you-add-the-finishing-touc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/26/open-source-controller-framework-lets-you-add-the-finishing-touc/#comments

There are plenty of off-the-shelf controllers out there, but what if you fancy something a little more... you? How about fully customized, with a good seasoning of affordability and style? Design student Alex S has built a framework to help you build just that. The units shown above are for DJ-based programs, but you can create interfaces for any software that takes HID or MIDI input, and as they're modular, create endless ultra-custom set-ups. Keen to dismantle any technical barriers, Alex created a step-by-step Instructable, but you'll still need to get your hands dirty with Arduino and some circuitry. The whole project is open source, and while it's a step up from Lego, until we can just print these things, it seems like a great option to us.

Continue reading Open source controller framework lets you add the finishing touch

Open source controller framework lets you add the finishing touch originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllercontrollerscustomDIYframeworkhackhackshardwareHIDhid controllerHidControllerhobbyhomegrowninput deviceinput devicesInputDeviceInputDevicesinstructablesinterfacemidimidi controllerMidiControlleropensourceprojectsoftware controllerSoftwareControllervideoThu, 26 Jan 2012 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Whited00r lets you install iOS 5 look-alike on old-gen iPhones and iPod Touches]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/whited00r-installs-ios-5-on-old-iphones-and-ipod-touches/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/whited00r-installs-ios-5-on-old-iphones-and-ipod-touches/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/20/whited00r-installs-ios-5-on-old-iphones-and-ipod-touches/#comments
If you're still rockin' an ancient iPhone or iPod Touch and are fed up with friends teasing you at every chance with their new-style multitasking and reminder features, we've got some good news for you. A new software, dubbed Whited00r, will let you install portions of iOS 5 on the first two generations of the iPod Touch, iPhone 3G and even your O.G. iPhone. Whited00r accomplishes this by simply acting as a custom firmware -- à la CyanogenMod 9 on Android handsets. There are, however, a few traits that devs haven't been able to mimic, which include core services like the App Store (though, you can install apps via iTunes on your home machine), Notification Center and iCloud. So, for those of you clinging to your outdated hardware while you wait for the "next big thing," you can at least freshen up its features (at your own risk) with a coat of whitewash at the source below.

Whited00r lets you install iOS 5 look-alike on old-gen iPhones and iPod Touches originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applehackhacksiosios 5Ios5iphoneiphone 2giphone 3gIphone2gIphone3gipod touchipod touch 2gIpodTouchIpodTouch2gjailbreakmobilepostcrosswhited00rwhitedoorFri, 20 Jan 2012 08:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Android-style FaceUnlock ported to iOS (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/faceunlock-on-ios/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/faceunlock-on-ios/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/09/faceunlock-on-ios/#comments
Just because it's CES doesn't mean that other amazing innovations aren't going on elsewhere. We've spotted this video of an app being built (from scratch) for iOS that duplicates the FaceUnlock technology we know and love on Android 4.0. Simply stick your face in view of the camera and it'll start identifying your fizzog -- with live detection and rejection all demoed in the clip we've got after the break. From the video, it's promised to make a trip to the App Store soon, hopefully without earning the ire of the retail guardians of Cupertino.

Continue reading Android-style FaceUnlock ported to iOS (video)

Android-style FaceUnlock ported to iOS (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid 4.0Android FaceUnlockAndroid4.0AndroidFaceunlockAppApp StoreAppStoreDevFaceUnlockHackHackingHacksiDeviceiOSiPhonemobilepostcrossPortvideoMon, 09 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hackers planning homespun anti-censorship satellite internet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/hackers-planning-homespun-anti-censorship-satellite-internet/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/hackers-planning-homespun-anti-censorship-satellite-internet/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/03/hackers-planning-homespun-anti-censorship-satellite-internet/#comments
SOPA is making ordinary, decent internet users mad as hell, and they're not gonna take it anymore. Hacker attendees of Berlin's Chaos Communication Congress are cooking up a plan to launch a series of homemade satellites as the backbone of an "uncensorable (sic) internet in space." Like all good ideas, there's a few hurdles to overcome first: objects in lower-Earth orbit circle the earth every 90 minutes, useless for a broadband satellite that needs to remain geostationary. Instead, a terrestrial network of base stations will have to be installed in order to remain in constant contact as it spins past, at the cost of €100 ($130) per unit. The conference also stated a desire to get an amateur astronaut onto the moon within 23 years, which we'd love to see, assuming there's still a rocket fuel store on eBay.

Hackers planning homespun anti-censorship satellite internet originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmateurAmateur SpaceAmateurSpaceBerlinCensorshipChaos Communication CongressChaosCommunicationCongresseBay IncHackHackerHackersHackingHacksOpen InternetOpenInternetrocketryRocketsSatelliteSci/TechSOPASpaceSpace TravelSpaceTravelTue, 03 Jan 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[CyanogenMod 9 may feature a 4G LTE toggle switch for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/cyanogenmod-9-may-feature-a-4g-lte-toggle-switch-for-the-verizon/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/cyanogenmod-9-may-feature-a-4g-lte-toggle-switch-for-the-verizon/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/cyanogenmod-9-may-feature-a-4g-lte-toggle-switch-for-the-verizon/#comments
We were slightly disappointed when we discovered the Verizon-branded Samsung Galaxy Nexus didn't come with an easily-accessible LTE toggle switch, but we had a feeling it wouldn't be long before the development community came in with an acceptable solution. Thanks to Gregory Sarrica, we may be seeing a fast toggle button for the next-gen internet connectivity included in a future build of CyanogenMod 9. According to Gregory, it's getting tested right now and still needs to be reviewed before it gets accepted into the build, but he hopes it'll show up in builds as early as next week. There's no guarantees yet, of course, but he's provided us with video evidence of the new functionality to whet our appetites for now.

[Thanks, @gsarrica]

Continue reading CyanogenMod 9 may feature a 4G LTE toggle switch for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus

CyanogenMod 9 may feature a 4G LTE toggle switch for the Verizon Galaxy Nexus originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gandroidandroid 4.0Android4.0cm9cyanogenmoddevdevelopersgalaxy nexusGalaxyNexusgregory sarricaGregorySarricahacksice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicsltemobilepostminisamsung galaxy nexusSamsungGalaxyNexustoggleverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvzwMon, 02 Jan 2012 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Mimo Magic Touch screen combined with WP7 emulator to make impromptu Windows Phone tablet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/mimo-magic-touch-screen-combined-with-wp7-emulator-to-make-impro/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/mimo-magic-touch-screen-combined-with-wp7-emulator-to-make-impro/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/mimo-magic-touch-screen-combined-with-wp7-emulator-to-make-impro/#comments
When Mimo's Magic Touch monitor came out it was pitched as just that: a secondary, USB-powered display. But Windows Phone developer Social Ebola immediately eyed it as a potential programming tool. In a video demo, you can watch him drag and drop an emulator onto the Mimo display, and use it as the WP7 tablet we always wanted. As you can see, the emulator doesn't fit the Magic Touch's 10-inch screen perfectly, but gestures like scrolling and pinch to zoom seem buttery smooth from where we're sitting. Self-explanatory, yes, but oh-so mesmerizing. Have a look for yourself, just past the break.

Continue reading Mimo Magic Touch screen combined with WP7 emulator to make impromptu Windows Phone tablet

Mimo Magic Touch screen combined with WP7 emulator to make impromptu Windows Phone tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developerdevelopersemulatoremulatorshackhacksMimomimo magic touchMimoMagicTouchminipostSocial EbolaSocialEbolavideoWindows PhoneWindows Phone 7Windows Phone emulatorWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhoneEmulatorwp7Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[iOS apps shown running on Apple TV at 720p in new video demo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/01/ios-apps-shown-running-on-apple-tv-at-720p-in-new-video-demo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/01/ios-apps-shown-running-on-apple-tv-at-720p-in-new-video-demo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/01/ios-apps-shown-running-on-apple-tv-at-720p-in-new-video-demo/#comments
We've seen a jailbroken Apple TV running iOS apps but admittedly, the last demo we were treated to was brief, dimly lit and light on commentary. Now, the developers behind the Apple TV MobileX project are back with a longer, more explanatory video, and this time you can see apps like Facebook, YouTube, Safari and Maps running at 720p resolution. As you can see, the hack generally runs smoothly, though the dev narrating the video is quick to admit that certain apps such as Safari are sluggish due to the fact that he's using VNC instead of a direct input method like a remote or mouse and keyboard. Curious? We've got video of the setup just past the break.

Continue reading iOS apps shown running on Apple TV at 720p in new video demo

iOS apps shown running on Apple TV at 720p in new video demo originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleApple TVApple TV MobileXAppleTvAppleTvMobilexhackhackshdpostcrossjailbreakjailbrokenMobileXSeas0nPassvideoSun, 01 Jan 2012 14:05:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT scholar builds a self-balancing unicycle to roll fast and furious around campus (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/mit-scholar-builds-a-self-balancing-unicycle-to-roll-fast-and-fu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/mit-scholar-builds-a-self-balancing-unicycle-to-roll-fast-and-fu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/28/mit-scholar-builds-a-self-balancing-unicycle-to-roll-fast-and-fu/#comments Sure, we've shown you the goofy SBU v2.0 unicycle, but what's better than a glorious DIY project? MIT student Stephan Boyer has built his own electrical uni-ride, which he's dubbing the "Bullet." The single-wheel transporter packs a custom MIG-welded steel body, two 7Ah 12-volt batteries, an ATmega328 chip and a 450-watt electric motor. While the Bullet isn't the speediest of solowheel demons (15mph max), it's on par with its $25,000 Ryno Motors counterpart. As far as power efficiency, the Bullet can go up to five miles on a single charge -- more than enough juice to hit a few classroom round-trips. There's some "Learning to Ride" tips from the creator himself at the source link, but in the meantime you can watch this unified purple rider in action after the break.

Continue reading MIT scholar builds a self-balancing unicycle to roll fast and furious around campus (video)

MIT scholar builds a self-balancing unicycle to roll fast and furious around campus (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diydo it yourselfDoItYourselfelectricelectric unicycleelectricalelectrical unicycleElectricalUnicycleElectricUnicyclehackhacksmitself-balancedself-balanced unicycleSelf-balancedUnicycleself-balancingself-balancing unicycleSelf-balancingUnicyclestephan boyerStephanBoyerunicyclevideoWed, 28 Dec 2011 22:14:00 EST<![CDATA[WindowBreak Project seeks universal developer unlock tool for Windows Phone (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/windowbreak-project-seeks-universal-developer-unlock-tool-for-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/windowbreak-project-seeks-universal-developer-unlock-tool-for-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/26/windowbreak-project-seeks-universal-developer-unlock-tool-for-wi/#commentsThe developer known as Jaxbot is becoming quite familiar around these parts, who's known for bringing instant app resuming and multitasking to Windows Phone -- long before these features had gone mainstream. Now, he's back at it with WindowBreak, a project that seeks to deliver an interop unlock tool that can be used on any Windows Phone. As you can see in the video after the break, his tool already works on Samsung phones, and now, Jaxbot needs the help of like-minded hackers to perform similar feats with HTC and Nokia handsets. If you're willing to give 'er a go during the holiday weekend, just check the source links below.

Continue reading WindowBreak Project seeks universal developer unlock tool for Windows Phone (video)

WindowBreak Project seeks universal developer unlock tool for Windows Phone (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsdevdeveloperdevelopershackhackedhacksinterop unlockInteropUnlockjaxbotmicrosoftmobilepostcrossrootunlockunlockingutilityvideoWindowBreakwindows phoneWindowsPhoneMon, 26 Dec 2011 15:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck delivers holiday cheer to gamer with modded macro controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/ben-heck-delivers-holiday-cheer-to-gamer-with-modded-macro-contr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/ben-heck-delivers-holiday-cheer-to-gamer-with-modded-macro-contr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/ben-heck-delivers-holiday-cheer-to-gamer-with-modded-macro-contr/#comments Patrick Crowley Benjamin J. Heckendorn is no stranger to game pads designed for people with disabilities, but the macro controller he just whipped up for Patrick Crowley (pictured above) might be his most impressive accessibility hack yet. On the latest episode of his show the modding extraordinaire crafts a breakout box that allows a complex set of commands to be triggered with just the touch of a button or foot switch. The box at the heart of the project is powered by a PIC microcontroller that takes inputs from a series of modular switches (up to eight) and turns them into virtual button presses that are fed to an Xbox 360 through a standard controller. In addition to being able to swap in eight different inputs, each one can be programmed to perform a different macro. We won't ruin all of the fun -- check out the PR and full episode in the source link to watch everything from Ben Heck's holiday epiphany through the final testing.

Continue reading Ben Heck delivers holiday cheer to gamer with modded macro controller

Ben Heck delivers holiday cheer to gamer with modded macro controller originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityaccessibility controllerAccessibilityControllerben heckBenHeckbenjamin heckendornbenjamin j. heckendornBenjaminHeckendornBenjaminJ.Heckendorncontrollerhackhacksmacro controllerMacroControllermodpatrick crowleyPatrickCrowleythe ben heck showTheBenHeckShowxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Nook Tablet update closes sideloading loophole, lacks holiday spirit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/nook-tablet-update-closes-sideloading-loophole-lacks-holiday-sp/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/nook-tablet-update-closes-sideloading-loophole-lacks-holiday-sp/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/nook-tablet-update-closes-sideloading-loophole-lacks-holiday-sp/#comments Remember all that extra functionality your Nook Tablet used to have? Well, that's what memories are there for. The recently-released Nook 1.4.1 firmware update apparently prevents the Nook Tablet from installing Android apps from non-Barnes & Noble sources. As a result, the unit is confined to the roughly 2,000 apps available through B&N's app store (many of which are priced higher than their Android Market equivalents). This lockdown has already been performed on the Nook Color and trying to sideload a new title will pop up a warning that only apps from the Nook store can be installed on the device. At least it appears that third-party apps already on the tablet will continue to run and there's always the hope of a custom ROM that could reenable the feature on Christmas morning.

Nook Tablet update closes sideloading loophole, lacks holiday spirit originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblefirmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdatehackhacksnooknook tabletNookTabletsideloadsideloadingslatetabletTue, 20 Dec 2011 16:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Win Recovery Project 2.0 goes gold, tells your volume rocker to kiss off]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/team-win-recovery-project-2-0-goes-gold-tells-your-volume-rocke/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/team-win-recovery-project-2-0-goes-gold-tells-your-volume-rocke/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/20/team-win-recovery-project-2-0-goes-gold-tells-your-volume-rocke/#comments TWRP 2.0 It took a little longer than we would have hoped, or initially anticipated, but Team Win Recovery Project 2.0 is finally here and ready for mass consumption. Ever since we got our first glimpse of the touch-based recovery tool back in September, we've been eagerly anticipating the ability to flash ROMs, back up our Android phones and wipe our Dalvik cache without the need to rely on our volume rockers for navigating menus. The finger-friendly ClockworkMod alternative is compatible with both tablets and phones, but the list of officially supported devices is reasonably small at the moment. It does, however, include the Nexus S, the Kindle Fire and the TouchPad. If you need a refresher of what TWRP (that's pronounced "twerp") 2.0 looks like, check out the video after the break and hit up the source to download it now.

Continue reading Team Win Recovery Project 2.0 goes gold, tells your volume rocker to kiss off

Team Win Recovery Project 2.0 goes gold, tells your volume rocker to kiss off originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidhackhacksmobilepostcrossrecoveryROMsrootteamwinteamwin recovery projectTeamwinRecoveryProjectTWRPTWRP 2.0Twrp2.0videoTue, 20 Dec 2011 09:49:00 EST<![CDATA[iFaith v1.4 allows downgrade to iOS 5.0, jailbreaker's dream come true]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/ifaith-v1-4-allows-downgrade-to-ios-5-0-jailbreakers-dream-com/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/ifaith-v1-4-allows-downgrade-to-ios-5-0-jailbreakers-dream-com/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/ifaith-v1-4-allows-downgrade-to-ios-5-0-jailbreakers-dream-com/#comments
In the game of Apple versus the jailbreakers, Cupertino threw the community a curveball with iOS 5's newly restricted downgrade system which blocks devices from restoring to old 5.x firmware. With the help of his noble steed iFaith (a custom Windows tool), hacker iH8sn0w has found a way around the firmware block, making it possible for dumped iOS 5 signature hash blobs (SHSH blobs) to permit unsigned restores. Why all the fuss about downgrading to prohibited firmware? Prominent iOS hackers MuscleNerd and pod2g have stated that the first untethered jailbreak will arrive on iOS 5.0 and, as such, may require iFaith's downgrade process to facilitate user restores. While the jailbreak is still under construction, iFaith should assure disheartened users in the community that all is not lost. Want to learn about blobs, blobs, and more blobs? Continue past the break to view iH8sn0w's informative video.

Continue reading iFaith v1.4 allows downgrade to iOS 5.0, jailbreaker's dream come true

iFaith v1.4 allows downgrade to iOS 5.0, jailbreaker's dream come true originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 07:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleblobscydiadowngradedowngradinghackhackerhackershacksifaithih8sn0wiosios5ipadipad2iphoneipodipod touchIpodTouchitouchjailbreakjailbreakerjailbreakersjailbreaksmobilepostminimusclenerdpod2grestorerestoringSHSHSHSH blobsShshBlobstooltoolsuntetheruntetheredwindowsMon, 05 Dec 2011 07:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Too lazy to grab your TV remote? Use Siri instead]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/too-lazy-to-grab-your-tv-remote-use-siri-instead/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/too-lazy-to-grab-your-tv-remote-use-siri-instead/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/too-lazy-to-grab-your-tv-remote-use-siri-instead/#comments

Siri hasn't been caught cooking dinner yet, but hackers worldwide have boldly taken Apple's personal assistant to a whole new level by incorporating its functionality with a plethora of different devices. We've seen Siri use custom commands, change the temperature in your house, and even allow select car owners to utilize their automobile's Bluetooth integration. Nifty, no doubt, but this assistant's evolution towards greater heights isn't over yet. Vimeo user toddtreece has whipped up a slick demo of the iPhone 4S' right hand gal (or guy) taking command of his television set. From changing channels to turning off devices, with the help of a proxy and a few parts, you can get your own home setup running on voice activation. Feeling a bit guilty for your sudden interest in slothfulness? Fret not -- Siri's apparently quite good at calling you out. Have a look just after the break.

[Thanks, Jesse]

Continue reading Too lazy to grab your TV remote? Use Siri instead

Too lazy to grab your TV remote? Use Siri instead originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleautomationbluetoothhackhackershackshomeIos5iphoneIphone4smobilepostcrossmodproxyremoteSIRISiriProxytvuniversal remoteUniversalRemotevideovimeoWed, 30 Nov 2011 21:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Developer teases voice control of Zune, using PC and Windows Phone (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/developer-teases-voice-control-of-zune-using-pc-and-windows-pho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/developer-teases-voice-control-of-zune-using-pc-and-windows-pho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/developer-teases-voice-control-of-zune-using-pc-and-windows-pho/#comments The great thinkers of the world have long known a secret that we're now happy to disclose: it's not necessity that's the mother invention, but rather laziness. Fortunately, expending a great deal of effort on a project -- simply to perform a task effortlessly -- sometimes brings very cool results. A concept app known as ZuneVoice easily passes muster in this realm, which is used to control Zune software on the PC with only a standard microphone and spoken commands. As you can see in the demo video, its creator, keyboardp, is able to play individual songs, issue commands such a "pause" or "next song", and even display full-screen music videos from YouTube. The developer even crafted an app for his Lumia 800 known as PhoneZune, which serves as a remote control for times when he's away from the box. Neither application is yet publicly available, though feedback is welcome. Next, we're told to expect Kinect integration. Perhaps one day, these gems will see the light of day.

Continue reading Developer teases voice control of Zune, using PC and Windows Phone (video)

Developer teases voice control of Zune, using PC and Windows Phone (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappshackhackskeyboardpkinectlumia 800Lumia800microsoftmobilepostcrossmusicnokiapcphonezunespeech recognitionSpeechRecognitionvideovoicevoice controlvoice recognitionVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionwindowswindows phoneWindowsPhoneyoutubezunezunevoiceTue, 29 Nov 2011 19:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Wallet unofficially finessed into Galaxy Nexus, complete with complimentary cash]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/google-wallet-unofficially-finessed-into-galaxy-nexus-complete/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/google-wallet-unofficially-finessed-into-galaxy-nexus-complete/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/28/google-wallet-unofficially-finessed-into-galaxy-nexus-complete/#comments Galaxy Nexus owners may start looking to their phone whenever that pesky bank account is dying for some hurt. Although Google's latest smartphone doesn't officially support its mobile payment scheme, a few clever developers have introduced a functional workaround. Early reports suggest that Citi MasterCards can't be added (yet), but thankfully, the gratis Hamilton courtesy of Mountain View comes without a hitch. To get started, you'll need to unlock your phone's bootloader and install MoDaCo's custom ROM. From there, a Google Wallet patch must be applied, and its permissions then changed. The process isn't exactly for the faint of heart, but we know our readers are more than capable -- you'll find instructions in the source. Best yet, the crew at BGR verified this newfound functionality by purchasing enough sugar to make our teeth hurt. And why not? After all, it was on Google's dime.

Google Wallet unofficially finessed into Galaxy Nexus, complete with complimentary cash originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappscustom romCustomRomdiygalaxy nexusGalaxyNexusgooglegoogle walletGoogleWallethackhackedhacksmobile paymentmobile paymentsMobilePaymentMobilePaymentsmobilepostcrossmodmodacomodsnfcsamsungsmartphonesmartphonesMon, 28 Nov 2011 21:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Arduino kit beams low-fi Google Weather to VGA screens]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/arduino-kit-beams-low-fi-google-weather-to-vga-screens/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/arduino-kit-beams-low-fi-google-weather-to-vga-screens/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/22/arduino-kit-beams-low-fi-google-weather-to-vga-screens/#comments

Looking for another way to use that aging VGA CRT screen hogging space in the closet? Try making your own dedicated weather screen by mixing together Google's meteorological data stream and some Arduino magic. It looks like parsing that Google Weather data was a bit of a challenge on the miniscule 2KB of RAM, but a tinkerer going by the handle Zmashiah has managed to do it. He's even managed to cram in a few extra graphical flourishes, including icons and background themes that change depending on the temperature and time of day. The entirely PC-free device grabs the data through an Ethernet connection and flashes up all the weather goodness in stunning VGA. Any meteorological mavens reading this can grab the full shopping list and procedure at the Instructables link below.

Arduino kit beams low-fi Google Weather to VGA screens originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoDIYgooglegoogle weatherGoogleWeatherHackhackslow-firetrovgavga displayVgaDisplayweatherweather forecastWeatherForecastxmlyboxTue, 22 Nov 2011 08:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Galaxy Tab gets a taste of Kindle Fire, but things aren't all silky smooth]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/galaxy-tab-gets-a-taste-of-kindle-fire-but-things-arent-all-si/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/galaxy-tab-gets-a-taste-of-kindle-fire-but-things-arent-all-si/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/galaxy-tab-gets-a-taste-of-kindle-fire-but-things-arent-all-si/#commentsDid you jump on the bandwagon when the tablet craze hit by getting an original Galaxy Tab, but now you feel a tinge of jealousy seeing the more modern UIs on newer slates? Well, you can rid yourself of that envious feeling by loading the Kindle Fire's software onto that old Tab of yours. Giga OM did the deed, giving us an overview of the process -- it's mainly a matter of extracting the code from Amazon's slate and installing it on Sammy's -- along with its results. Turns out, the Tab doesn't have all of the Fire's functionality, though the basic bookshelf interface (which is akin to an app launcher), video app, books, and magazines are all available along with the Fire's custom Amazon Store. Unfortunately, the Silk browser has yet to be enabled, and the UI still crashes on the regular, but teaching an old dog new tricks isn't easy, okay? Head on down to the Source for the full rundown, and there's even more details at XDA-Developers for those daring enough to do this bit of software switcharoo themselves.

Galaxy Tab gets a taste of Kindle Fire, but things aren't all silky smooth originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgalaxy tabGalaxyTabhackhackskindle fireKindleFiresamsungsamsung galaxy tabSamsungGalaxyTabsilksilk browserSilkBrowserxda-developersMon, 21 Nov 2011 18:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Hackers attempt to access AT&T customer records, prompts millions to Rethink Passwords]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/hackers-attempt-to-access-atandt-customer-records-prompts-million/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/hackers-attempt-to-access-atandt-customer-records-prompts-million/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/hackers-attempt-to-access-atandt-customer-records-prompts-million/#comments
See that door above? Well, a few fellas who know their ones and zeroes appear to have gotten close to busting down its virtual equivalent, AT&T admitted in an email to customers this morning. It turns out that hackers were hard at work trying to access online account information, but we were told by company reps that the carrier discovered the attempt and shut it down before any security breach occurred. According to the company:
We recently detected what could have been an organized attempt to obtain information on a number of customer accounts. The people in question appear to have used "auto script" technology to determine whether AT&T telephone numbers were linked to online AT&T accounts. No accounts were breached and our investigation is ongoing to determine the source or intent of the attempt to gather this information. In the meantime, out of an abundance of caution, we are advising the account holders involved.
The incident is eerily reminiscent of similar attacks made against the carrier last year that revealed the email addresses of 114,000 iPad owners. The person responsible was found and arrested, and AT&T is promising to investigate today's matter in a similar fashion. Spokesperson Mark Siegel mentioned this morning that less than one percent of subscribers were targeted by the attack -- but hey, that means only a million people were targeted. No biggie, right?

Continue reading Hackers attempt to access AT&T customer records, prompts millions to Rethink Passwords

Hackers attempt to access AT&T customer records, prompts millions to Rethink Passwords originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atthackershacksmobilepostcrossoops i did it againOopsIDidItAgainsneakersMon, 21 Nov 2011 17:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Nook Tablet gets rooted, bootloader stays under lock and key]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/20/nook-tablet-gets-rooted-bootloader-stays-under-lock-and-key/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/20/nook-tablet-gets-rooted-bootloader-stays-under-lock-and-key/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/20/nook-tablet-gets-rooted-bootloader-stays-under-lock-and-key/#comments Jealous of that root-ready Kindle Fire, but not ready to trudge through the Amazon to get it? Don't worry, you can stay huddled up with your Nook Tablet and get all the device rooting you want -- with a few caveats. Although the good folks on the XDA Forums haven't unlocked the slab's bootloader just yet, they've managed to root the tablet all the same. Jumping through a few technical hoops (or stumbling across forum user Indirect's one-click Windows utility) will score you access to the Android market and another way to sideload apps on the souped up slate. Custom ROMs? Not yet; in addition to killing the root with every device reboot, the locked bootloader is keeping the Nook's tweaked build of Android 2.3 front and center. Hit up the source link below to get started.

Update: Indirect has updated his forum post to clarify that the root is permanent.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Nook Tablet gets rooted, bootloader stays under lock and key originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bootloaderhackhackinghacksmodnooknook tabletNookTabletrootrootedsoftwaretabletunlockxdaxda developersxda forumsXdaDevelopersXdaForumsSun, 20 Nov 2011 18:23:00 EST<![CDATA[The Engadget Interview: Dr. Charlie Miller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/the-engadget-interview-dr-charlie-miller/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/the-engadget-interview-dr-charlie-miller/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/the-engadget-interview-dr-charlie-miller/#comments Dr. Charlie Miller -- a man who has been covered extensively here at Engadget -- snagged a doctorate in Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame. He spent five years working on cryptography for the National Security Agency. And, after heading into the wilds of security analysis, he was the first to find a bug in the battery of the first MacBook Air, various bugs within Mac OS X and the Safari web browser and assorted bugs within iOS itself, all while racking up thousands of dollars in hacking contest prize money.

Last week, this came to a head, as Miller created a controversial proof of concept application that both proved the existence of an iOS security hole as well as got him expelled from the App Store's developer network. Given that he's driven Apple Inc. somewhat nuts over the past few years, we sat down with the good doctor to see how he felt about Apple, iOS, security, technology, sandboxing, the pros and cons of modern security and the ups and downs of one of the weirdest career paths for any aspiring technologist today. Join us after the break for the full interview in both textual and audio form.

Continue reading The Engadget Interview: Dr. Charlie Miller

The Engadget Interview: Dr. Charlie Miller originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applecharlie millerCharlieMillerengadget interviewEngadgetInterviewhackhackerhacksinterviewiosios 5Ios5macmobilepostcrossos xOsXsecuritythe engadget interviewTheEngadgetInterviewFri, 18 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ice Cream Sandwich ported to a Galaxy S II... and the people rejoice (update: LG Optimus 3D too!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/ice-cream-sandwich-ported-to-a-galaxy-s-ii-and-the-people-rej/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/ice-cream-sandwich-ported-to-a-galaxy-s-ii-and-the-people-rej/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/ice-cream-sandwich-ported-to-a-galaxy-s-ii-and-the-people-rej/#comments Man, these hackers work fast. It was just earlier this week when Google released the source code for Ice Cream Sandwich, and a mere four days later the new OS has made its way onto Samsung's Galaxy S II. While ICS is looking good on the GSII's gorgeous AMOLED display, the port is still an alpha -- the Bluetooth, WiFi and other radios aren't functioning just yet, but work is ongoing, and future releases are coming soon. Sound good? Well, wait'll you get a load of the port in action in the video after the break.

Update: And the ports are coming fast and furious now -- somebody gave the ICS treatment to an LG Optimus 3D.

Continue reading Ice Cream Sandwich ported to a Galaxy S II... and the people rejoice (update: LG Optimus 3D too!)

Ice Cream Sandwich ported to a Galaxy S II... and the people rejoice (update: LG Optimus 3D too!) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 4.0Android4.0galaxy s iiGalaxySIigooglehackhacksice cream sandwichIceCreamSandwichicslglg optimus 3dLgOptimus3dmobilepostcrossportsamsungvideoFri, 18 Nov 2011 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[aTV Flash (black) leaves beta, grants your Apple TV media-playing super powers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/atv-flash-black-leaves-beta-grants-your-apple-tv-media-playin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/atv-flash-black-leaves-beta-grants-your-apple-tv-media-playin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/atv-flash-black-leaves-beta-grants-your-apple-tv-media-playin/#comments aTV Flash (black) We're definitely of the opinion that the dedicated devs who do all the heavy lifting so you can tweak and hack your pile of gadgets deserve a little something for their troubles. That being said, Firecore's aTV Flash (black) is still going to be a tough sell at $30 (now that it's left beta). But, before you go, perhaps you'd like to know what that chunk of cash will enable your 2nd-gen Apple TV to do. For one, it blesses Cupertino's hobby set-top with an all new media player that can open AVI, MKV, MP4, ISO and host of other file formats. There's also an HTML5 browser for surfing the web and streaming media. Want more apps? How about a Plex client and Last.FM radio? Perhaps best of all, though, it allows you to play back files stored on a PC, Mac or NAS without the need for iTunes. Check out the video demo after the break.

Continue reading aTV Flash (black) leaves beta, grants your Apple TV media-playing super powers

aTV Flash (black) leaves beta, grants your Apple TV media-playing super powers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple tvAppleTvatv flashatv flash blackAtvFlashAtvFlashBlackfirecorefirecore atv flash blackFirecoreAtvFlashBlackhackhackshdpostminijailbreakjailbrokenset top boxSetTopBoxstreamingvideoFri, 18 Nov 2011 02:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploit discovered in Siri servers, promises cross-platform access to the foolhardy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/exploit-discovered-in-siri-servers-promises-cross-platform-acce/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/exploit-discovered-in-siri-servers-promises-cross-platform-acce/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/14/exploit-discovered-in-siri-servers-promises-cross-platform-acce/#comments
A few clever folk have had some fun with Siri lately, first by making it do the time warp with the Fat Mac and then by shoehorning it into an iPhone 3GS. Neither development is quite so intriguing, however, as a purported exploit that enables any device to access to Siri's remote server. While this certainly holds great potential for Siri apps on numerous platforms, the mystical floodgates to the masses are unlikely to open any time soon. You see, the hackers have since learned that for seamless communication to take place, a unique identifier from an iPhone 4S must be provided to the mothership in Cupertino. While it's certainly feasible to spoof these bits from an existing device, it's also likely that Apple would simply blacklist any "unique" identifiers submitted en masse. In other words, unless you have a very trusting friend who's willing to risk her handset join the naughty list, your best bet is to purchase an iPhone 4S -- simply for the identifier alone. At any rate, it seems like a steep price to find a locksmith.

Exploit discovered in Siri servers, promises cross-platform access to the foolhardy originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applediyexploitexploitshackhackedhackinghacksiosios 5Ios5iphone 4sIphone4smobilepostcrosssirismartphonesmartphonesMon, 14 Nov 2011 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Siri talks to Mac 512k, plays telephone with intermediary computers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/siri-talks-to-mac-512k-plays-telephone-with-intermediary-comput/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/siri-talks-to-mac-512k-plays-telephone-with-intermediary-comput/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/siri-talks-to-mac-512k-plays-telephone-with-intermediary-comput/#comments
Possibly fueled by the same geeky instinct that pushes our kind to build SD card readers for ancient game consoles and port Doom to just about everything, YouTube user Napabar recently bridged the 27 year gap between the Macintosh 512k and the iPhone 4S. That's right, Siri and the Fat Mac are talking. Sort of. Most of the heavy lifting is being done by a pair of intermediary machines, an iMac that's been configured to run an AppleScript upon receipt of a Siri dictated email, and a bridge computer that passes on the resulting text file to the Mac 512K's floppy drive. Result? Dictate an email to Siri, get a text file with its contents on the Mac 512k. Old and new technology, talking like old pen-pals. And to think, all it took was two middlemen.

Siri talks to Mac 512k, plays telephone with intermediary computers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applescriptfat macFatMachackhacksiphone 4siphone4smac 512kmac512ksirivideoTue, 08 Nov 2011 01:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Google+ laser hack, Hangout shoots first (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/google-laser-hack-hangout-shoots-first-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/google-laser-hack-hangout-shoots-first-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/google-laser-hack-hangout-shoots-first-video/#comments We've all been in those boring meetings where you just want to let rip on marketing with a laser blaster. And now you can... kinda. Best of all, you don't even need to leave your La-Z-Boy. House4Hack, a Johannesburg based hackerspace knocked up a dual-servo, Arduino-controlled webcam for its entry into the 2011 Google+ hackathon. Deciding that this wasn't nearly awesome enough, they made the logical improvement of adding a splendiferous laser attachment for the perfect Google+ Hangout accessory. Now, colleagues can 'show-up' remotely when they can't be present in person, and register their disapproval in the way nature intended -- radiation amplified light. To see it in action, tap the video after the jump.

Continue reading Google+ laser hack, Hangout shoots first (video)

Google+ laser hack, Hangout shoots first (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle plusgoogle plus hangoutGooglePlusGooglePlusHangouthackhackathonhackshangouthouse4hacklaserlasersmodmodssocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingMon, 07 Nov 2011 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Siri port now talking to Apple servers, avoiding Cydia]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/30/siri-port-now-talking-to-apple-servers-avoiding-cydia/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/30/siri-port-now-talking-to-apple-servers-avoiding-cydia/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/30/siri-port-now-talking-to-apple-servers-avoiding-cydia/#comments

A little cajoling from a clever developer got Siri talking to the iPhone 4 and the iPad, but Apple's tight-lipped servers kept the conversation effectively one-sided. The last-gen port was still missing something, and developer Steven Troughton-Smith knew where to find it: a jailbroken iPhone 4S. In an interview with 9to5Mac, Troughton-Smith said that getting Siri to talk to Cupertino's data servers only took ten minutes after he had all of the pieces in place. Ready for your personal assistant port? Hold the phone, the process is a bit dodgy -- our hacking hero said that getting Siri on the older device is a 20-step process, and it requires files from the iPhone 4S that he says aren't his to distribute. When asked about distributing the hack over Cydia, Troughton-Smith said it was something he couldn't be a part of. On Twitter he suggested that a release would "anger the hive," but promised to post detailed notes on the hack after a iPhone 4S jailbreak drops.

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Siri port now talking to Apple servers, avoiding Cydia originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 03:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4sappleassistantCydiadeveloperhackhackerhackinghacksiOS 5Ios5ipadiPad iOS 5IpadIos5iphoneiphone 4iphone 4sIphone4Iphone4sjailbreakjailbrokenmobilepostcrossportportssirisiri virtual assistantSiriVirtualAssistantvideovoice comVoiceComSun, 30 Oct 2011 03:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Siri shows up on an iPod Touch, no longer plays favorites in the iOS family]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/siri-shows-up-on-an-ipod-touch-no-longer-plays-favorites-in-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/siri-shows-up-on-an-ipod-touch-no-longer-plays-favorites-in-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/siri-shows-up-on-an-ipod-touch-no-longer-plays-favorites-in-the/#comments That Siri gal is certainly making the rounds these days. When she's not answering your questions on a 4S, she's showing up on iPads and elder iPhones. Not one to play favorites, Siri's now lending her considerable talents to an iPod touch. Two enterprising young hackers, euwars and rud0lf77, are the ones who put Siri on the iPod, and you can see the results of their labor in the video after the break. Of course, Apple's servers still aren't as friendly as the virtual voice assistant, so Siri's latest cameo remains a silent one -- but some Siri's better than none, right?

Continue reading Siri shows up on an iPod Touch, no longer plays favorites in the iOS family

Siri shows up on an iPod Touch, no longer plays favorites in the iOS family originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleassistanthackhackerhackinghacksiosios 5Ios5ipodipod touchIpodTouchportsirisiri virtual assistantSiriVirtualAssistantvideovoice commandvoice commandsvoice recognitionVoiceCommandVoiceCommandsVoiceRecognitionTue, 25 Oct 2011 19:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Arduino-powered glove brings real sound effects to your make believe gun show (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/arduino-powered-glove-brings-real-sound-effects-to-your-make-bel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/arduino-powered-glove-brings-real-sound-effects-to-your-make-bel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/arduino-powered-glove-brings-real-sound-effects-to-your-make-bel/#comments
The days of air-punching invisible Daleks and making your own sound effects are over: a team from Carnegie Mellon's Human-Computer Interaction course have built a glove that does it all for you. The Augmented Hyper-Reality Glove can identify upper-cuts and karate chops using flex and tilt sensors and play the accompanying sound effect using an Arduino-powered Adafruit wave shield. We can see some potential downsides -- flirtatious finger-gun fusillades accompanied by the sound of cannon fire might just ruin your date. If you're undaunted by such social faux pas, see the toy your inner-child always wanted in action after the break.

Continue reading Arduino-powered glove brings real sound effects to your make believe gun show (video)

Arduino-powered glove brings real sound effects to your make believe gun show (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdafruitAdafruit Wave ShieldAdafruitWaveShieldArduinoAugmented Hyper Reality GloveAugmentedHyperRealityGloveCargenie Mellon UniversityCargenieMellonUniversityCarnegie MellonCarnegieMellondiyGlovehackinghacksHCIHuman Computer InteractionHumanComputerInteractionModModdingsound effectssound fxSoundEffectsSoundFxtags: hackTags:HackvideoMon, 24 Oct 2011 14:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Siri ported to iPad, still getting silent treatment from Apple servers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/siri-ported-to-ipad-still-getting-silent-treatment-from-apple-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/siri-ported-to-ipad-still-getting-silent-treatment-from-apple-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/siri-ported-to-ipad-still-getting-silent-treatment-from-apple-s/#comments
Developers wasted no time bringing Siri to the iPhone 4, and nine days later, it's been brought to the iPad as well. This version, running on a first-generation jailbroken Apple tablet, suffers from a similar problem as past non-iPhone 4S ports: it's still not talking to Apple's data servers. This means that until devs manage to get voice commands recognized and initiated, the iPad's unofficial virtual assistant will remain effectively gagged.

Siri ported to iPad, still getting silent treatment from Apple servers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4sappleassistantdeveloperhackhackerhackinghacksiOS 5Ios5ipadiPad iOS 5IpadIos5iphoneiphone 4iphone 4sIphone4Iphone4sjailbreakjailbrokenportportssirisiri virtual assistantSiriVirtualAssistantvideovoice commandsvoice recognitionVoiceCommandsVoiceRecognitionMon, 24 Oct 2011 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Siri ported to an iPhone 4, old phone learns a new trick (Update: Better performance!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/siri-ported-to-an-iphone-4-old-phone-learns-a-new-trick/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/siri-ported-to-an-iphone-4-old-phone-learns-a-new-trick/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/15/siri-ported-to-an-iphone-4-old-phone-learns-a-new-trick/#comments Apple's iPhone 4 may not have the fancy dual core CPU of its successor, but thanks to the efforts of developer Steven Troughton-Smith and the folks at 9to5 Mac, it may soon have Siri. The port of the sultry voice assistant was accomplished by using the 4S Siri and Springboard files, and some serious elbow grease, no doubt. As you can see in the video below, it's far from perfect, but it can recognize spoken commands without issue. Currently, the hack is missing an iPhone 4 GPU driver that keeps things running buttery smooth on the elder phone, and Cupertino won't authenticate Siri's commands coming from it either. So, it isn't quite ready for primetime, but it should only be a matter of time before all you iPhone 4 owners can tell Siri what to do, too.

Update: And in the space of just a few hours, Mr. Troughton-Smith has already managed to improve performance of the app on the iPhone 4 significantly, although Apple's servers are still unreachable. Check out a newer YouTube video showing off some seriously smooth scrolling action after the break. [Thanks, Ramzi]

Continue reading Siri ported to an iPhone 4, old phone learns a new trick (Update: Better performance!)

Siri ported to an iPhone 4, old phone learns a new trick (Update: Better performance!) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 01:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4sapplehackhackerhackinghacksiphoneiphone 4iphone 4sIphone4Iphone4smobilepostcrossportportssiriSteven Troughton-SmithStevenTroughton-smithvideovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionSat, 15 Oct 2011 01:38:00 EST<![CDATA[CyanogenMod for TouchPad alpha released, is surprisingly functional (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/cyanogenmod-for-touchpad-alpha-released-is-surprisingly-functio/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/cyanogenmod-for-touchpad-alpha-released-is-surprisingly-functio/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/13/cyanogenmod-for-touchpad-alpha-released-is-surprisingly-functio/#comments


Tired of seeing TouchPad Android demos that you can't quite get your hands on? Buck up buttercup, CyanogenMod 7.1.0's unique flavor of Gingerbread has finally made its way to HP's disowned slate; but beware -- they're calling this one the "lower your expectations" edition for a reason. A new video and forum update belabors the point that the alpha is an early, buggy build that is not intended for the general public. However, if you're brave enough to install CyanogenMod anyway, you'll wind up with a neat assortment of usable features, including multiboot support, ten-point multitouch, functional WiFi, camera support for video chat, limited GPU acceleration and a ton of other features that are either working now, or are near completion. The team says there are too many nonfunctional features to properly list at the moment, but advise brave testers to expect app incompatibility and poorly optimized power consumption. Ready to throw caution to the wind? Hit the source link below, as it's chock full of cautionary tales, installation instructions, and download links.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

CyanogenMod for TouchPad alpha released, is surprisingly functional (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-finger multitouch10-fingerMultitouchandroidandroid 2.3android on touchpadAndroid2.3AndroidOnTouchpadcm7CyanogenModCyanogenMod 7Cyanogenmod7demodiydriverdriversgingerbreadgoogle androidGoogleAndroidhackhackinghackshphp touchpadHpTouchpadmodmultitouchportslatetablettouchdroidTouchPadvideoweboswifiThu, 13 Oct 2011 04:20:00 EST<![CDATA[IRL: AirPort Express, Jabra Freeway and rooting the Nook Color]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/irl-airport-express-jabra-freeway-and-rooting-the-nook-color/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/irl-airport-express-jabra-freeway-and-rooting-the-nook-color/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/irl-airport-express-jabra-freeway-and-rooting-the-nook-color/#commentsWelcome to IRL, an ongoing feature where we talk about the gadgets, apps and toys we're using in real life and take a second look at products that already got the formal review treatment.

Now that we've gotten all the dirty details on the new iPhone, we Engadget editors have a few precious days to kick back, unwind and futz around on our aging gadgets before Google and Samsung team up to announce a certain something something next week. Until then, Darren's traveling from Japan to San Francisco and back -- most likely with his AirPort Express in tow, Joseph is rooting the snot out of his Nook Color and Brad's just trying to keep up on podcasts while driving the kiddies around.

Continue reading IRL: AirPort Express, Jabra Freeway and rooting the Nook Color

IRL: AirPort Express, Jabra Freeway and rooting the Nook Color originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AirPort ExpressAirportExpressAppleApple Airport ExpressAppleAirportExpressBrad MolenBradMolencm7cyanogenmodCyanogenMod 7Cyanogenmod7darren murphDarrenMurphengadgetIRLhackhackinghacksIRLJabrajabra freewayJabraFreewayJoseph VolpeJosephVolpenook colorNookColorrootedrootingThu, 06 Oct 2011 17:08:00 EST