Hot Gadget Hacks How-Tos

How To: Scratch-proof the top layer of an audio CD

If your audio discs aren't playing anymore or constantly skip, then your problem might be scratches. Not just the bottom layer matters on an audio CD. The top layer can scratch just as easily and cause just as many problems. That's why it should be protected, and this video shows you a great hack for protecting your music compact discs. You just need to add an extra thin cover to the top of your CD, which comes from a trashed CD or DVD, for which you need to boil to remove the thin plastic la...

How To: Send SMS text messages on a Windows Phone 7 smartphone

In this clip, we learn how to send and receive text messages on a Windows Phone 7. Whether you're the proud owner of a Microsoft Windows Phone 7 smartphone or are merely considering picking one up, you're sure to be well served by this video tutorial. For more information, including detailed instructions, and to get started using the messaging app on the Windows Phone 7 yourself, take a look!

How To: Use the desktop/SMS background app on the iPhone

In this video, we learn how to use the desktop/SMS background app on the iPhone. First, you will go to your photos and then go to any photo you want. Then, press the box to use as wallpaper. From here, you will see a left "i" and a right one. Choose which one you want for your SMS or your desktop background. From here, go back to your springboard and it will be there on your screen! You don't have to re-start your phone to do this, it's just that simple. To remove it, go back to your photos a...

How To: Download ROMS to & play video games on your Droid

In this video, we learn how to download ROMS to & play video games on your Droid. First, go to the App Market and search for the ROM that you want. Install this, then go back and download Astro. From here, go to: www.freeroms.com on your phone and download Nesoid or Sega Master System. After this, exit out of the internet and click the download Astro from earlier. Then, extract this to your phone and delete the zip file from your computer. From here, you will be able to use the ROM on your ph...

How To: Increase the power of a 5mw green laser pointer

In this tutorial, we learn how to increase the power of a 5mw green laser pointer. First, you will need to gather the parts you will need, which include a vise, the laser, a soldering iron, and a block of wood. After this, cut the block of wood in half and then put your laser pointer in the middle. Pull and twist so the module comes out, then pull the foam protector off. Don't lose any small parts that come out. Next, unscrew the silver cap and then put on your new laser module. Replace all p...

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: 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: Automatically Clear Browser Cache in Internet Explorer

In this video, we learn how to automatically clear browser cache in Internet Explorer. This will help your internet run faster and it will also help protect your computer from your personal information being store. First, open up Internet Explorer, then click on the tools drop down menu and go to internet options. From here, go to temporary internet files and click on the button that says "automatically", then adjust the disk space to use to what you prefer. After you have changed the setting...

How To: Do a free reverse cell phone lookup for call records

In this video, we learn how to do a free reverse cell phone look up for call records. This will work for some cell phones, but not all of them. First, go to the website Your Spying Eyes. This is a great search tool where you can look through records of cell phones to find out who someone is and more information about them. There is a small fee you will have to pay to get this information, but it's worth it. You can also look up phone numbers on Google, by simply searching for the phone number...

How To: Add the Gmail button to Toolbar

In this video, we learn how to add the Gmail button to the toolbar. First, log onto Google and go to your Gmail account. After this, drag the icon for the Gmail to the toolbar on the screen. After you do this, test out if it is working correctly. Exit out of your browser, then go back into it. Now, click on the icon that has the envelope with red outlining. Once you click this, a new tab should open up with your Gmail opened up! This is great if you want to check your e-mail quickly, without ...

How To: Listen to a ringtone on a BlackBerry Curve 8520

Learn how to browse all of the ringtones or ring tones available on your BlackBerry Curve 8520. This clip will show you how it's done. Whether you're the proud owner of a BlackBerry smartphone or are merely considering picking one up, you're sure to be well served by this video guide. For detailed information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Open up a web page on a BlackBerry Curve 8520 phone

Need some help figuring out how to browser the web on your Curve 8520? This clip will show you how it's done. Whether you're the proud owner of a BlackBerry smartphone or are merely considering picking one up, you're sure to be well served by this video guide. For detailed information, including step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Untethered jailbreak any iDevice with Spirit (<3.2)

Now that you're officially allowed to do it, jailbreaking your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad is a better idea than ever before! This video will show you everything you need to jailbreak a wide variety of Apple devices, including the iPhone 3G and 3GS, the iPod Touch 2G and 3G, and the iPad wifi or 3G model. All you need is a program called Spirit, iTunes version 9.2, and you device and you're good to go! This particular method is great because the jailbreak is untethered, meaning that you can t...

How To: Use the free iPhone 4 Case Program App to get a case

Apple really ate some mud in the media over the iPhone 4's blatant antenna problems, but they're finally trying to make good by offering free problem-solving bumper cases to all of their iPhone 4 customers. Keeping true to their "There's an App for that" slogan, they've made an App that allows you to order the free bumper case that they're promised you right from you iPhone. If you have service that is! This video will show you how to use it and get what you deserve from Apple.

How To: Create new folders on an Android cell phone

It's really tempting to put every app and widget you can think of on your Android cell phone's home screen, but eventually you'll have a hard time finding anything in the clutter. That's where folders come in. Creating a folder on your home screen makes life a little easier, and a little more organized. Think about dragging all your games into a one consolidated folder. CNET shows you how to make a folder, how to rename it, and how to manage it on your Android smartphone.

How To: Find out your exact location with an Apple iPhone

See how to use the Maps application and the iPhone's built-in GPS function to find your exact location when out and about. Whether you're the proud owner of an Apple iPhone 4G or perhaps just considering picking one up, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial. For more information, including a detailed overview, watch this iPhone user's guide.

How To: Auto refresh on Firefox with Tekzilla

In this video, we learn how to do auto refresh on Firefox with Patrick. This will be convenient for those website that you refresh often. This plug-in will automatically refresh the page for you. First, go to the website reloadevery.mozdev.org and click "install" on this page. Next, restart Firefox and when you click on any page now, you will see a new option to refresh every 1 minute, 5 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. This will save you time from pressing the refresh button or F5 manually, and ref...

How To: Make a DIY vehicle immobilizer to stop car thieves

We all know the G-spot as that sensitive area that drives women crazy, but for auto enthusiasts, it has a whole new meaning. The G-Spot, designed by Daniel Davies, is a vehicle immobilizer, which keeps your vehicles safe from car thieves. And you don't need to pay a huge amount of money to get one, either! You can make on yourself, right at home, provided you have all the right materials.

How To: Create, share & embed a C-SPAN library video clip

C-SPAN is one of the best ways to get your news on the web. Watching their videos from their website will get you up-to-date on all of the new headlines, and it will always give you a history lesson with all of the past headlines. See something interesting while watching a C-SPAN video and want others to see it, too? C-SPAN makes it easy to clip the exact portion you want, and share it with friends or embed it on a website or blog. Just follow these instructions.

How To: Build a custom iPod/iPhone dock out of K'Nex

In this video, learn how to put together a bunch of plastic K'Nex and make a super cool, functioning iPod or iPhone dock. This stand is easy to make and cheap, plus it's always fun to build with this classic kid's toy. So, follow along and build this easy, cheap dock and start listening to music hands free. This dock works in landscape or portrait so whichever you like best, you can use.

How To: View a Myspace page with hidden comments and friends

There are times when people want to keep certain things a secret from others. That includes rumors, relationships with other people, etc. So what happens if you want to try and view hidden comments and friends on Myspace? Well, you go online and search for a tutorial about how to do just that. In this video you'll find out what you need to do in order to view a Myspace page with hidden comments and friends. Good luck and enjoy!

How To: Put music, photo and video files on a Motorola Droid

Looking for a guide on how to move your favorite MP3s, photos and video files to your Motorola Droid smartphone? It's easy! So easy, in fact, that a complete, step-by-step overview of the process can be presented in just over two and a half minutes' time. To start moving your media to your own Motorola Android mobile phone, watch this video guide.