Hot Gadget Hacks Posts
How To: Manually set up your music playlist on an iPad
Set up a basic music playlist on your iPad. The iPad is currently the only Apple device which lets you build a playlist directly in the device, instead of having to sync. This tutorial demonstrates the most efficient way to use the playlist app to make your own playlists.
How To: Get Flash to run on your iPad using a VNC app
You can view Flash content on your iPad without having to jailbreak it by using a VNC (virtual network computing) app. You can't zoom, and there is no audio capability, but you can otherwise view Flash content on the web through your iPad.
How To: Access special features on the iPad with hidden keyboard shortcuts
Access your iPad's capabilities for foreign languages, special characters, Caps Lock, and more. Start with the Keyboard Setting in your General section, where you can find numbers, symbols and extra characters, as well as typing shortcuts (like tapping the spacebar twice to insert a period).
How To: Root (or jailbreak) your Android cell phone
'Rooting' (also called jailbreaking) will let you install third party software or applications which the manufacturer may not allow (or get rid of apps that you don't want). It will void your phone's warranty, so make sure this is really what you want to do!
How To: Firmly attach a screen protector to your iPhone or iPod
A screen protector is a thin piece of plastic you can apply to your iPhone or iPod to protect the screen from dings and scratches, though it can sometimes wiggle loose and get dirty. This tutorial shows you how to use a steam bath to firmly apply the screen protector without damaging your phone.
How To: Add a microscope lens to your iPhone camera
You can get a microscope lens online for five dollars or less. Then, attach it to the camera lens, and you can even take pictures of microscopic images. This tutorial shows you how to add microscopic imaging functionality to your iPhone or iPad.
How To: Install the custom recovery app for your Motorola Droid
First, you'll need to download the Bootstrap application from the market (it costs about two dollars). You'll also need a phone with root access. Then, once it's installed on your phone, you can use to set up the custom recovery features!
How To: Fix a password locked iPhone or iPod Touch
If you enter in your password incorrectly too many times, your iPod will lock. If it locks too many times, you may need to unlock it. This tutorial shows you how to reset your iPod to undo the lock so you can keep using your iPod. This will let you unlock someones password on an ipod or iphone touch.
How To: Disassemble and reassemble your iPhone 4
This tutorial shows you first how to take apart your iPhone 4 (you'll need a set of specialized tools, like a very small screwdriver and a pair of tweezers). Then, after you've taken it apart, you're also shown how to put it back together. Make sure you don't lose any screws!
How To: Root your Samsung Captivate cell phone
Rooting your phone grants you superuser access to your phone. And while this will void your warranty, it will also allow you to download third party applications (among other things). This tutorial shows you the process for getting root access on a Samsung Captivate cell phone.
How To: Get superuser root access on your G1 phone
Rooting (also called jailbreaking) a phone grants you superuser access, which allows you to download third party applications and otherwise alter your phone. This tutorial shows you how to give yourself root access on a T-Mobile G1 cell phone. Be careful, because rooting will often void your warranty!
How To: Protect your iPhone or iPod Touch from theft with the Cylay app
This app will only work on Apple devices that have already been jailbroken. Once you have, you can set up an account with Cylay. And once you have an account with Cylay, you can protect your phone or mp3 player against theft.
How To: Develop a split view application for the iPad
The split view display is a useful function of an iPad application, which, by virtue of a larger screen, was not available to iPhone developers. This tutorial shows you how to work with a split view app, especially when changing your orientation.
How To: Code a popover in your iPad Xcode application
The popover is a useful bit of interactivity you can add to your iPad applications. This tutorial shows you how to go into Xcode and use a few other application development tools to code a popover or view controller into your iPad application.
How To: Make or host conference calls with your iPhone
The iPhone supports conference calling capabilities with up to six people. You can even transition from a single-person call to a conference call, or transition from call to call. This tutorial shows you how to make the most of your multi-line call functions in your iPhone.
How To: Slingbox your cell phone so you can watch TV on your phone
A slingbox takes content from your TV or cable box and then 'slings' it to another location - such as your smartphone or computer. This tutorial shows you how to set up a slingbox for your home entertainment network and then start using it!
How To: Listen to FM radio on your Motorola Q cell phone
Access your favorite FM radio station with your Motorola Q! This tutorial also shows you how to load your favorite music onto your cell phone, and then choose segments to turn into ringtones, which you can personalize further by assigning them to individual callers.
How To: Use your cell phone even when traveling overseas
Planning a trip abroad? Stay connected even when you're traveling far away! This tutorial shows you how you can set up your phone (depending on your service provider) to ensure you can still get service no matter where you're visiting.
How To: Use Bluetooth or speakerphone to make a hands-free call
More and more jurisdictions are mandating drivers use hands-free sets when they make or receive cell phone calls. This tutorial shows you how you can use a Bluetooth or hands-free headset to make and receive calls, or how to use the hands free functionality in some cars.
How To: Increase the efficiency of your Blackberry PDA with keyboard shortcuts
This tutorial shows you how to get the most out of your Blackberry PDA by demonstrating a few keyboard shortcuts you can use to create and send emails, navigate through documents, get the most out your spacebar, and switch between open applications!
How To: Create a custom email signature for a Windows Live Hotmail account
Want to set up an email signature for a Hotmail account? It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just five seven For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Send a text message to a landline from your cell phone
Send a text message to a landline? You can! If you're on a Verizon or Sprint network, you can write the text message and include the landline number. This will convert your text to a voicemail, and ask for approval before sending.
How To: Utlize the different functions of your BlackBerry Bold PDA
The BlackBerry Bold is a nifty new PDA, with a lot of hidden functionality. This tutorial shows you how you can use keyboard shortcuts to navigate, in addition to using applications, managing your contacts and customizing the appearance of your screen.
How To: Charge your small electronics with a solar powered charger
Charge your cell phone, mp3 player or other USB-equipped device with the power of the Sun! All you need is a 6-volt solar panel and a female USB cable. Solder them together (this video demonstrates how), and then you have a solar powered USB charger!
How To: Create emails with inline images in Yahoo! Mail, Gmail or Hotmail
Looking for a quick guide on how to display inline images within an email? It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over five minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Change the default MailTo application in Mozilla Firefox
In this clip, you'll learn how to change your default mail client when using the Mozilla Firefox web browser. It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over a minute. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Display zip code boundaries with Google Earth
In this clip, you'll learn how to view zip code boundaries with Google Earth. It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over two minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Remove a subscriber from your YouTube channel
In this clip, you'll learn how to delete a subscriber on YouTube. It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over a minute. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: Resize the font size of a specific website on a Windows PC
Looking for a guide on how to resize fonts on a per-website basis? It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over six minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.
How To: DIY a cheap camera stabilizer for cell phones & small camcorders
Cell phones and mobile devices are getting more and more advanced everyday, and so is the equipped camera technology. You can now shoot HD (high-definition) video on newer mobile phones, which makes it easier to start your filmmaking projects, because it's a lot cheaper to buy a phone than a video camcorder. But, phones come in small packages, which means the video from your camera will be extremely shaky, no matter how steady of a hand you have. That's when it's necessary to have a camera st...
How To: Create simple animated videos in Adobe Photoshop CS5
If you didn't know you could make videos in Photoshop, you've got to watch this video tutorial! It's a simple process in PS CS5, much like making an animated GIF, but you can save (export) these files to video formats such as .MOV, .AVI, .MP4, and more! Just follow along through the various examples presented in this Photoshop tutorial.
How To: Create your own stylus for the iPhone, iPad, or other touch based devices
If you've lost your current stylus and don't feel like paying Apple another $15 or $20 for a new one, there's a simple and cheap way of making your own! All you need is an anti-static sock, a pencil (or a pen) and a needle and some thread! In this video you will learn how to make your own!
How To: Get the Swype feature running on your Android phone
Swype is a function for the Android phones which lets you input words by dragging your fingers across the keyboard instead of tapping. While newer phones have this feature, some older phones may not. This tutorial shows you how to equip your Android phone with Swype.
How To: Display your iPad screen on a computer monitor
Have you been watching a lot of the iPad tutorials on this website, and been wondering how some people can get their iPad screen to display on a computer screen? Turns out all you need is a VGA adapter and Spirit jailbreak for your device!
How To: Locate missing voice mails stored on your iPhone
Has it been awhile since you've notice a new voice mail appear in your iPhone inbox? You may need to reset your network settings to ensure that your voicemail appears properly. Follow these steps to fix your missing voicemails on your iPhone.
How To: Turn a Palm Touchstone into a dock for your Droid phone
Trigger dock mode on your phone using a few strong magnets or a Palm Touchstone to attach a little bit of metal (you can even use duct tape!). You'll still need the USB cord to charge it, but this makes a handy holder for your device!
How To: Sync your iTunes music collection with your Android phone
You can get music from your iTunes library onto your Android phone! You won't need anything special to make this happen - it's a free download from DoubleTwist. Download and install (it only takes a few minutes), then boot up your phone and start syncing your music!
How To: Read .PDF files and books on your iPad
Turn your iPad into a portable reader. While epub files are easy to read, .pdfs are far more common formats for files. To get the most out of your device, you'll want to set it up to turn it into a .pdf reader. This tutorial shows you how
How To: Control your Android phone using voice actions
Send text messages, conduct Google searches, play music, get directions and even send emails (complete with emoticons!) using the voice actions function available on your Android phone. This tutorial demonstrates this awesome new voice input functionality for your Google Phone.
How To: Turn a 9-volt battery into a small safe
Hide your money, small candies or other tiny items you want to keep hidden! Pry off the top of the battery, take out the innards and then rebuild the casing to re-camoflauge the battery. Then you're ready to hide your goodies!