Cutting through the back and forth surrounding Windows Phone 7 tethering are two new hacks, with one being markedly easier than the other to implement. After discovering the option in Samsung’s Focus and Omnia 7 late last year, engineering minds over at xda-developers have now uncovered a method to allow USB internet tethering on HTC’s smattering of Windows Phone 7 handsets. Unfortunately, you’ll need to unlock your device before any of this will work, but the case is definitely different for Dell’s Venue Pro. For that one, you’ll simply need to modify the .INF file — no unlock required. Hit the links below for the devilish details, and try not to set up a P2P farm using your phone’s 3G connection. We hear carriers are none too fond of that foolhardiness.
Ben Heck has been modding things and making things for a long time. The geek landed his own show doing what he does best not long ago and has made all sorts of cool gear since then. On the latest episode of the show, Heck made a cool charger that lets you power your Android photo on the go by winding a crank.
The kinetic charger uses a LED wind up flashlight and a micro USB charger that can be purchased over the counter. Heck puts some mod juju on it to combine the two parts into a crank powered charger.
The idea is that you can twist the handle to get juice for your Android smartphone on the road. It will work with any micro USB charging phone though. I wonder how much power the thing generates.
Perhaps if there was some sort of Brundlefly-style gadget mix-up five years ago, the outcome would look like this: an HTC Hermes jammed inside a GameBoy Advance housing. This prototype, presented by Windows Phone Hacker, features some fun changes that make it feel more like your beloved handheld gaming console, and less like your dated Windows Mobile Pocket PC, including a startup GIF animation of the original GameBoy Advance boot screen, custom software that keeps the OS in landscape mode, and custom notifications and ringtones from the Mario games. Also included is PocketGBA emulator for playing GameBoy Advance ROMs on the phone itself. Of course, this is just the beginning of the project: we look forward to seeing a version where the buttons work! In the meantime, check out the thing in action after the break.
We’ve seen countless individuals integrate their phone, PMP or tablet into their whip, but for years, we’ve all been thinking the same thing: “There has to be an easier way.” Turns out, there is. One Mr. Romin has seemingly unearthed the solution, which involves a Lilliput FA1042 touchpanel, a Belkin AV dock adapter cable and a critical piece of software by the name of Centrafuse. Working in conjunction, he has enabled his monitor to actually control the iPhone, and when firing up a YouTube video, the content plays back on the big screen while the controls remain visible on the handset. It’s a nifty setup, for sure, and we’re downright excited to see this rig get installed in a vehicle far too small for American roads in a fortnight or so. For now, catch it working in action just past the break.
Even though games like Infinity Blade can be great fun on the iPhone, there’s no getting around the fact that touchscreen-centric, buttonless devices don’t offer the best gaming ergonomics. A modding project gone horribly right, however, might just fix that right up for all of us. Shane Wighton set out to build a robot to try and beat his favorite iPhone game, replete with a webcam and an Arduino setup, but in the process of doing so he “just realized that [he'd] made a mechanism to play tilt based phone games with a joystick.” Yes indeedy, one of the most awesome DIY gaming accessories was built by fluke as much as design. See it revolutionizing mobile gaming just after the break.
Android getting ported to the iPhone may be old news by now, but Android 2.3 (a.k.a. Gingerbread) getting ported to the iPhone? Well, that’s something… new, if entirely expected. As before, it’s the iPhone 3G doing the honors, and the port is still based on the iDroid project, which means you can hang onto iOS in a dual-boot configuration so you won’t be left in the cold when the less-than-stable port decides not to cooperate. And, yes, this once again means that the iPhone has gotten the latest version of Android before many Android devices have. Head on past the break for a video.
It seems that Apple’s AirPlay streaming is ripe for moddery and hacksterism, and if the recently (very recently) released AirMediaPlayer wasn’t proof enough, the kids at Remote HD have released a plugin that adds the AirPlay to your first gen AppleTV. That’s right! Just install the plug-in and the Remote HD iOS app, and you’ll soon be streaming movies, podcasts, photos and more. What are you waiting for? Hit the source link for instructions, and make sure you let us know how it all works out for you.
Lenovo has been courting PC modders in the run-up to CES 2011 this week, and some of the results of the “What’s Your Idea of Fun?” campaign are pretty striking. Taking regular Lenovo computers as their starting point, the modders variously came up with a desktop arcade cabinet, a beautiful Birdseye maple and teak gaming PC, and the bizarre MD-5 robot-themed touchscreen computer shown here.
The MD-5 is a little like a touchscreen coffee table, with an onboard power pack keeping the Lenovo IdeaCentre A700 running while you move it from room to room. Other mods are more subtle, like Alex Wiley’s luxury Lenovo IdeaPad U160 with a platinum-plated top cover and diamond-studded, backlit Lenovo logo.
Unfortunately we don’t think Lenovo is going to actually carry any of these ideas over into production models; instead the company will be showing off the modded PCs at CES this week. More details of all the mods pictured in the press release below.
Press Release:
PC MODDING – AN ART FORM UNTO ITSELF
Most people think of musicians, painters and photographers when it comes to art. As part of Lenovo’s recent “What’s Your Idea of Fun?” campaign, we wanted to shine the light on a very different kind of artist – one who uses soldering irons and dremels as their paint brushes. The kind of artists we’re talking about are called PC “modders,” extremely talented and imaginative people who modify and/or customize typical notebook and desktop PCs into technological works of art.
Lenovo recently approached several of the world’s top PC modders and asked them to transform Lenovo PCs into some of the wildest laptops and desktops ever created. The mods, described in further detail below, will be showcased at CES 2011 at Unveiled, Digital Experience and at Lenovo’s booth space in the Aquaknox restaurant at The Venetian Hotel.
For more information visit WhatsYourIdeaofFun.com
MODDER: Dean Liou
MOD NAME: The Arcade Dock
WEBSITE: Envador.com
MOD DESCRIPTION: Dean Liou finished his first mod—a computer case made out of PVC pipes and Plexiglas—during the summer of 1998. For his Lenovo mod, Liou create a customized arcade cabinet that allows users to dock their Lenovo IdeaPad Y560 and use as a mini arcade. Liou’s goal with this mod was to create something that would enable users to mix work and play. Once you’re home from class or work, all you need to do is hook up the laptop in the dock and it’s time to play!
MODDER: James Fislar
MOD NAME: Lenovo Ice
WEBSITE: WhatsYourIdeaofFun.com
MOD DESCRIPTION: James Fislar enjoys working with epoxy, fiberglass and carbon fibers. For his mod, James created an IdeaCentre K320 that appears to be completely encased in ice. The K320 Ice is created from a custom acrylic mold, special lighting and a custom water cooling and reservoir to keep all the components cool while running. The mod also features an ATI Eyefinity System with custom Acrylic 3 Monitor Bracket.
MODDER: Jeffrey Stephenson
MOD NAME: Level 12
WEBSITE: SlipperySkip.com
MOD DESCRIPTION: Jeffrey Stephenson has been building custom computers as a hobby since 2002. This Lenovo build marked his twenty-ninth project. Jeffrey’s modding M.O. typically consists of creating smaller-sized computers that fit into the decor of executive offices or home living spaces. He does all of his work by hand with basic household tools such as cordless drills, a dremel and the occasional jigsaw.
The Level Twelve mod is a performance-upgraded Lenovo H320 micro tower-style computer embedded within a stylish wooden enclosure. The enclosure — made from Birdseye maple and teak and featuring chrome accents — is equipped with additional fans and supplemental vent ducting. It also features four front-mounted USB 3.0 ports via an internal USB 3.0 hub. The underlying H320 chassis is heavily modified for additional cooling capacity and is fully self-contained. The chassis can be withdrawn from the back of its wooden enclosure even while it is operating.
MODDER: Chris Blarsky
MOD NAME: MD-5
WEBSITE: AbsoluteExtremes.com
MOD DESCRIPTION: Chris Blarsky began modding in 1995 out of necessity; he wanted a computer case that held two working PCs. When he couldn’t find one, he created himself. This time around, Blarsky created a robot-inspired mod, the “MD-5”, from the IdeaCentre A700. The mod’s name is short for mobile desktop while the 5 is a tribute to “Johnny 5” from Short Circuit, a 1986 science fiction film. The MD-5 is able to move from room to room and has a battery pack for added mobility. Additionally, its multitouch screen is attached to an articulating arm that provides ample range of motion and use.
MODDER: Brian Carter
MOD NAME: Lenovo Sensei
WEBSITE: Bods-Mods.com
MOD DESCRIPTION: Inspired to help his son’s school receive a much needed technology upgrade, Brian Cater developed the “Lenovo Sensei” – a unique teaching aid that allows teachers to instruct their classes more dynamically. The Lenovo Sensei boasts an integrated HD DLP projector with 1280 x 800 resolution, hybrid laser technology and a HDMI connection between the A700 and projector. The A700 itself is touch screen controlled and the entire unit has been modified with a well-ventilated cooling system to keep internal components running smoothly. With the new device, teaching possibilities are virtually endless!
MODDER: Alex Wiley
MOD NAME: UberLux
WEBSITE: Computer-Choppers.com
MOD DESCRIPTION: Alex Wiley, owner of Computer Choppers, has been customizing computers since 1996. With more than a decade of modding experience under his belt, Wiley has created a unique niche developing luxury customizations, and the UberLux is a prime example. For this mod, Wiley outfitted a Lenovo IdeaPad U160 with a platinum-plated top cover and diamond-studded Lenovo logo that lights up from behind when the laptop is powered on.
MODDER: Peter Freudenberger
MOD NAME: Lenovo Slice
WEBSITE: http://sliceproject.wordpress.com
MOD DESCRIPTION: Peter Freudenberger is an IT engineer from the greater Boston area who restores vintage motorcycles in his spare time. Using an IdeaPad Y560, Peter created the Lenovo Slice – a desktop PC that combines cutting-edge performance with a form that is elegant and modern. In order to create the mod, Freudenberger used low-profile laptop components and passive cooling, quality construction without exposed edges and minimal aesthetic, including high quality glass and laser cut aluminum.
Ben Heck is a modding guru that can turn big home gaming consoles into portable rigs that geeks can take with them on the road. The latest mod that Heck has come up with is an epic portable PS3 mod that is inside a military-grade portable case.
The mod came to be when Heck got a request from a couple UAV pilots in Afghanistan that wanted a portable PS3 console that was housed inside a military grade iM2600 Pelican Storm Case to pass the time in between flights. The problem with normal gaming gear is that the conditions in the Stan are too harsh for normal gear.
You will have to watch the build episode to see exactly how Heck built the console, but it looks cool. It reminds me of something a James Bond baddie would whip out to destroy the world. I wonder where the discs go on the thing.
With Gingerbread freely distributed to the open-source masses, it probably won’t surprise you to hear there already a custom ROM for Google’s darling Nexus One. But what if we told you Android 2.3 is now available for the HTC HD2 as well? That’s right, the Windows Mobile 6.5 powerhouse can now snap off a sugary piece of the same Android code, and from what we hear in the XDA-developers forums, it works pretty decently, too. Like the Samsung Galaxy S we saw getting the green tie treatment this morning, the HTC HD2 and Nexus One don’t exactly have stable, fully functional builds, but as long as you know what you’re doing and don’t need petty luxuries like cameras, GPS receivers and official Google apps, you’ll probably be just fine. Find files and a modicum of instruction at our source links below.
Update: While these cookies are half-baked, unconfirmed and potentially dangerous to those not well versed in the art of Android hackery, we’re hearing that the HTC EVO 4G, original Motorola Droid and HTC Desire are now sporting early Gingerbread ROMs too. It seems the source code is relatively easy to compile for other phones, so with any luck there’ll be a compatible build for your device soon.
Cutting through the back and forth surrounding Windows Phone 7 tethering are two new hacks, with one being markedly easier than the other to implement. After discovering the option in Samsung’s Focus and Omnia 7 late last year, engineering minds over at xda-developers have now uncovered a method to allow USB internet tethering on HTC’s smattering of Windows Phone 7 handsets. Unfortunately, you’ll need to unlock your device before any of this will work, but the case is definitely different for Dell’s Venue Pro. For that one, you’ll simply need to modify the .INF file — no unlock required. Hit the links below for the devilish details, and try not to set up a P2P farm using your phone’s 3G connection. We hear carriers are none too fond of that foolhardiness.
