Gadget Hacks Features
How To: Install Android 2.2 (Froyo) on a Sprint HTC Hero phone
Learn how to install Android 2.2 ("Froyo") on your HTC Hero Google Android smartphone! This hacker's how-to presents a thorough, step-by-step overview on installing Froyo on an HTC Hero smartphone. For detailed instructions, and to get started running Android 2.2 on your own phone, watch this free video tutorial.
How To: Change the background color of Google
Want to change the color of your Google browser window? Learn how you can alter the colors of your Google background.
How To: Get the Samsung Galaxy S6's Newer Smart Switch App on Any Galaxy Device
With only a month left until Samsung's highly-anticipated Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge are released to the general public, it's only natural that some of the devices' features slowly trickle out, like Edge notifications, the new Smart Remote app, and, of course, wallpapers.
How To: Use GPS maps and the compass on the Apple iPhone 3G
Right out of the box, iPhone is incredibly easy to use. If you want to get the most out of every feature, you’ve come to the right place. This video tutorial straight from Apple will teach you how to use GPS maps and the compass on the Apple iPhone 3G. The iPhone redefines what a mobile phone can do.
How To: Fix Deep Sleep Issues Caused by Rooting Your Galaxy S6
As the developer behind the most popular root methods for hundreds of Android devices, Chainfire knows the ins and outs of Android root procedures. But this doesn't mean he's infallible—occasionally, some of his root utilities can cause minor bugs.
How To: Keep Comcast from Using Your Router as a Wi-Fi Hotspot
In a era where cyber security is becoming increasingly important, Comcast has decided to use its customers' routers to provide hotspot access to the public. A new program, outlined by Dwight Silverman over on the Houston Chronicle website, seeks to provide Xfinity customers with city-wide Wi-Fi hotspots by using, well...other customers' wireless routers.
How To: Solve Complex Equations Easier on Your Samsung Galaxy S3 with This Free Handwriting Calculator
Solving long and extensively complicated equations in grade school was tough to do by hand. Keeping track of which part of the equation to solve first took time, training, and lots of bad grades.
How To: Diagnose & Prevent Performance Issues on Your Nexus 7 by Monitoring System Resources
I remember how fast my Nexus 7 was the first time I turned it on. Boy, do I miss it. Now my tablet is pretty buggy and crashes happen frequently, and I'm sure that goes for many of your Nexus 7s as well. Even if you upgrade to the new Nexus 7 next week, it will eventually develop similar issues.
How To: Galaxy S10 Fingerprint Sensor Slow? Enable This Setting Instead
One of the biggest advantages of the front-mounted ultrasonic fingerprint sensor found on the Galaxy S10 and S10+ is that you no longer have to physically pick up your device and reach around the back to unlock it. Instead, you simply place your finger on the screen for easier access and added convenience — at least on paper.
How To: What Do the Leaves Mean in Pokémon GO?
While wandering around in Pokémon GO, you'll occasionally see what appears to be leaves fluttering around nearby. This is actually meant to be Pokémon "rustling in the grass," but whatever the intention, it means that there may be a wild Pokémon in that area. While there's no use in tapping on the leaves (it does nothing), they can be helpful in your search for Pokémon to catch.
How To: Bypass a blocked site on a school computer
In this tutorial, we learn how to bypass a blocked site on a school computer. You will need a proxy to do this safely. First, go to a proxy site like Proxify. Going through here will prevent the school blocking system from coming up and ruining your fun. If you are blocked, you can use a text file document and run CMD on your computer. This would be the more technological way to do it. Try doing the website first to see if it works, if not, then you can try to change the firewall on the compu...
How To: Make a cantenna, an antenna made from a can
Dr. Kiki makes a homemade cantenna, an antenna made out of a can, duh! Moujan reports back from the ultimate DIY event, Maker Faire 2008, and Heather goes beekeeping in the Fringe - all on PopSiren.
How To: Install Cyanogen OS 12 on Your OnePlus One
They might be a little late to the party, but the Cyanogen team has finally released their newest ROM for the OnePlus One, Cyanogen OS 12. The launch had to be pushed back a few times due to some technical issues, but now we finally get to see what the Cyanogen team has cooked up for Android Lollipop.
How To: Install the SNES emulator and ROMs on the iPhone/Touch
Check out this video to learn how to install the Super Nintendo, also known as SNES, on your iPod Touch 1G & 2G, as well as the iPhone, 3G, and 3GS.
How To: Add Notification Count Badges to the Status Bar on Android
As it stands, Android's notification system is one of its biggest strengths—but that doesn't mean it couldn't use a few tweaks here and there. For one thing, when you receive multiple notifications from the same app, there is no indication as to exactly how many notifications you've received.
How To: Use advanced features and settings on the iPhone
In this tutorial, Gary Rosenzweig of MacMost.com lists his favorite iPhone tips, including some typing and browsing tips. You also check out MacMost.com for free iPhone ringtones, iPhone games, and a guide to the iPhone.
How To: Get on a site that's been blocked by your employer
Don’t you just hate it when you try to go on a website while you’re at work—and find out your boss has blocked it? Here’s how to thwart The Man. With these tips, you'll be able to check your facebook or myspace at work (or whatever sites your employer may be blocked). All you need is access to google. Did you know? According to one survey, 78% of employers block employee access to pornography, 47% block gambling sites, 20% block shopping and auction sites, and 4% block news sites.
How To: Find song lyrics and view album information on Pandora
Interested in delving into some of the more advanced features hidden within Pandora? This brief video tutorial from the folks at Butterscotch will teach you everything you need to know. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started finding song lyrics, viewing album information and keeping an eye on what other people are listening to, take a look.
How To: Record the Screen of Your Nexus 5 Directly from the Device
One of the lesser known features brought along by the roll-out of Android 4.4 KitKat is the ability to screen record from within the device. This features isn't overtly obvious, nor is its implementation the most streamlined, but if you were ever looking for a way to capture video of what's happening on your screen, this is now the best way to do it.
How To: Make Your Facebook News Feed STFU
Facebook is a black hole. The constant stream of baby photos, #hashtags, BuzzFeed quiz results, and unintelligible status updates is mind-numbing. I know too much about too many people I hardly know.
How To: Make your own laser diode driver for less than three dollars
You can make a laser diode driver extremely inexpensively - the materials in this tutorial cost less than three dollars in total. Find out what to buy, and then this tutorial shows you how to assemble your purchases for a laser diode. Awesome!
News: Automatically Manage and Sort Files Using Hazel [Mac]
In many of my articles, I will refer to applications designed to empower Mac users to automate various tasks on their computer. One such application is called Hazel. Like smart folders, smart playlists, and smart albums found in Mac OS X and iPhoto, Hazel can automate the task of moving, copying, or deleting files in folders on your Mac. I recommend Hazel as one of the most essential applications for any Mac user. Let's explore how it works.
How To: Access & Control Your Computer Remotely Using Your iPhone
Google's Chrome Remote Desktop, which allows for remote access to your personal computer from your smartphone, has been out for almost a year now. Sadly, it's only been available for Android devices—until now. So, if you got an iPhone (or other iOS device), you can now access and control your computer directly from your smartphone or tablet just like with Android.
News: Making Art on Your iOS Device, Part 1: Drawing
From the onset of the popularization of apps for the iDevice, users have experimented with creating original artwork on their iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch. And when famed British artist David Hockney christened the iDevice with his painterly digital drawings, the trend exploded even more.
News: iOS 12 Public Beta 7 for iPhones Released to Apple Software Testers
Can't say we didn't see this coming — Apple released iOS 12 public beta 7 on Monday, August 20, the same day it seeded the ninth version of the beta to developers. While the two betas may have different names, public beta 7 and dev beta 9 are virtually identical, so public testers shouldn't feel as though they are missing out.
News: HTC U11 Officially Unveiled — Here's the Lowdown
After poor sales of last year's HTC 10 and the terrible reviews their first 2017 flagship received, HTC really needs the HTC U11 to succeed. But they're not taking things lying down, as they've come up with some interesting tech for their latest handset.
How To: Apple's 3rd iOS 7.1 Beta for iPad, iPhone, & iPod Touch Is Out—Here's What's New
Apple has released the third beta of its iOS 7.1 software to developers, just a few weeks after their second beta introduced us to button shapes, a new calendar list view toggle, a hidden Car Display control and several other tweaks and performance improvements.
How To: Automatically Upload Videos to YouTube When Recording Police with Your iPhone
The shooting of Walter Scott (who was unarmed) has been dominating the news these past few weeks. Scott, who ran away from police officer Michael Slager after a routine traffic stop, was shot in the back and pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Unlike similar cases where a cop shoots an unarmed person, the police officer involved in this particular shooting is currently in jail, facing a potential murder charge.
How To: Create a POI database using Google Earth and KML2CSV
Learn how create a Point Of Interest (POI) database using Google Earth and KML2CSV. You can upload this file to your GPS or GPS-enabled phone to create custom tracking searches.
News: Google Is Testing a Redesign for Play Store App Listings
Google updates the Play Store periodically, but the changes are usually subtle. A recent server-side update, however, is shaking things up quite a bit.
Hack the News: Build Your Own Media-Altering Newstweek Device
At first, it seemed like a clever art installation housed on the web, but now we're not so sure... the Newstweek hack may indeed be legit.
How To: A Faster Way to Record Videos of Fleeting Moments on Your iPhone
Something special is happening. Maybe it's your child's first steps or their walk down the aisle. Maybe it's a hit-and-run accident, a flaming meteorite, or your buddy spilling a drink all over himself. These are fleeting moments that need to be captured instantly.
How To: Unlock a Samsung phone
Watch this video to learn how to unlock your Samsung phone. Power up the phone. It shows the boot logo. Take the battery out and insert T-Mobile SIM card. Turn phone on. Shows welcome. Confirm T-Mobile by dialing 611. To unlock phone: Take out the battery and SIM card. Put in an AT&T SIM card. Put the battery back into the phone. Turn on the phone. It says," wrong card". Dial *2767*3855#. The phone will reboot after 15 seconds. Screen says, "Welcome to T-Mobile". To keep service dial *7465625...
How To: Search text within web pages in Safari
To do this, you must be using Safari; make sure you are not using Firefox or another program. This can be very useful for quickly finding information on web pages. Press Command F. This will open up a toolbar on the top of the page which will ask you what you are searching for. Type the word you are searching for into the toolbar. The word will be highlighted on the web page; you can then click the next arrows to find the section of the page you are looking for. This can be used to find speci...
How To: Get More Lock Screen Pattern Attempts Without Waiting on Your Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Lock screen security provides a means of safety when it comes to keeping others from breaking into our smartphones and snooping around on or stealing private information like documents, emails, photos, and videos.
PSA: Don't Update Your Pixel if You're Rooted or Have Custom Recovery Installed
The May 2017 security update has begun rolling out to Nexus and Pixel devices, which is usually great news. It means that your device is now being updated to protect you from the latest exploits and vulnerabilities found in Android. At other times, though, security updates patch root methods like Dirty COW, which is extremely frustrating for users and developers alike. Especially since most OEMs don't condone rooting or even unlocking the bootloader on their devices.
How To: Add a Power Menu to Your iPhone for Quick Reboots, Resprings, Safe Mode, & More
For those of you who have been taking full advantage of the jailbreak for iOS 8 that's available, you can understand and appreciate what this really offers iPhone users—sovereignty.
How To: Change the font on an iPod Touch/iPhone
In this video from iPT2gGeec we learn how to change the font on the iPhone. Your phone needs to be jailbroken. Open up Cydia and search for Fonts. Select Font Swap. Install and confirm. Once loaded, go back to the home screen. It requires no reboot. You will see the Font Swap icon. Click on that. You can change dialer fonts, lock clock fonts, notes font, and system fonts. You can select any font listed that you want to change it to. When you change the font, then restart your iPhone and you w...
How To: Hack a cheap multi-touch whiteboard using the Wiimote
Using infrared (IR) light pens and the Wii Remote, it is possible to create very low-cost multi-point interactive whiteboards and multi-point tablet displays. Johnny Chung Lee, Carnegie Mellon University. The software can be downloaded at http://johnnylee.net
News: iOS 11.2.5 Beta 3 Released with Increased Volume on Keyboard Clicks & Dial Sounds
Apple released the third developer beta for iOS 11.2.5 on Wednesday, Jan. 3, and public beta testers got in on the action the following day. The update comes two full weeks after the release of the second beta, marking an extended update period of Apple. The second beta mostly brought under the hood improvements to 11.2.5.