Gadget Hacks Features

News: Apple's First iOS 14.2 Beta for iPhone Developers Adds New Control Center Tile for Shazam Music Recognition

Apple released the first beta for iOS 14.2 to iPhone developers on Thursday, Sept. 17. A significant new feature that iOS 14.2 brings to the table is a new Control Center tile for Shazam music recognition. A simple tap of the tile will launch the operating system's built-in Shazam capabilities, scanning for music playing in the immediate area.

How To: Write with upside down text

In this tutorial, we learn how to write with upside down text. To do this, go to the website Funicode. First, type some text into the box and as you type it, you will see code pasted underneath in different styles. You can use this text on any website that supports Unicode text. There will be several types of lettering styles, including an upside down text. This is a great website to use if you want to spice up the text that you write, and want to change things up! When you type in something ...

How To: Install a custrom ROM on an HTC Magic Google Android smartphone

Learn how to load a custom ROM onto a rooted HTC Magic Google Android smartphone! Custom ROMs help you to unlock your phone's hidden potential and allow you to, among other things, turn your mobile phone into a 3G wireless modem with free WiFi tethering. For all of the details, and to get started running custom ROMs on your own rooted HTC Magic, watch this three-minute hacker's how-to.

How To: Make the x-axis motor mount for a CNC router

A CNC router machine is probably the most useful tool a hobbyist can own, but the price for a CNC machine on the market is way more than the average hobbyist is willing to spend. You can build your own CNC with very basic tools, little knowledge of machinery, mechanics, or electronics, but be warned, these machines are inherently dangerous, so wear the proper protection and use common sense. At the very least, read the instructions and precautions on every tool you use.

How To: Update the firmware on the Nokia N900

In this tutorial, we learn how to update the firmware on the Nokia N900. To start, go to your app manager on your phone and make sure the battery is fully charged. Next, click on the "updates" button and wait for your phone to load and search for updates. When it's finished, the updates for the phone will appear. Click on them to download and install them to your phone. You will have the option to backup your data, you can do this if you choose, but you don't have to. When finished, your phon...

How To: Use MeBeam video conferencing

Once in a great while something comes along on the internet that’s so unbelievably simple and yet works so well. Twitter is one of them. On the video conferencing side, now we have MeBeam. MeBeam, which requires no software or drivers to be installed, is a web application that will permit you and up to 15 of your closest friends to hold a video/audio conference (provided you and said friends all have webcams or, at the very least, microphones). For further details consult this simple how-to!

How To: Build a 19th century arc light

While it is common knowledge that Thomas Edison created the first light bulb, he was not the first to create a means of creating artificial light. That distinction goes to a man by the name of Humphrey Davy who created a means to light up a room called an arc light. The following video will give you a detailed step by step procedure for creating your own 19th century arc light using materials that can often be found right around the home.

How To: The 4 Best Apps for Watching NCAA Sweet Sixteen Games for Free on Android or iOS

It's March once again, and while that might signify the beginning of spring for some, basketball fans have this month marked on their calendars for one good reason: NCAA March Madness. Though the tournament is already underway, the Sweet Sixteen leg begins Thursday, March 23, 2017. If you fear you may miss the upcoming games, worry not, as free apps for smartphones and tablets are available to help you watch all the action.

How To: Use the web browser on a Motorola Droid phone

Interested in using the built-in web browser on a Droid phone? This clip will show you how it's done. Whether you're the proud owner of a Motorola Droid Google Android smartphone or are considering picking one up, you're sure to benefit from this hands-on guide. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.