Tips to unlock hidden features

With a little know-how and some custom firmware, you can enable all sorts of extra features in gadgets like cameras, mp3 players and smartphones. DSLR: Available only for Canon DSLRs, MagicLantern is a custom firmware that boots from the memory card and adds extras such as extended exposure, more ISO settings, manual audio settings, bracketing, motion detection, timelapse and HDR abilities. You can check if your DSLR is supported and download a specific firmware from http://magiclantern.wikia.com. Simply copy the files to the memory card to get the additional features. MP3 Players: RockBox (www.rockbox.org) is a free replacement firmware available for mp3 players from Apple, Cowon, Sandisk, Archos and many others. Depending on the device, it can add functionality like gapless playback, 5-band equalizer, crossfeed, stereo voice recording, FM recording and album art. You can also customise the player's interface to your liking. Installation is a lengthy process but the website provides detailed manuals for all supported devices along with relevant links. Prosumer Cameras: CHDK (Canon Hack Development Kit) is to Canon point & shoot/prosumer cameras what Magiclantern is to DSLRs. It works in the same manner - download the suitable firmware for your camera from http://chdk.wikia.com and copy it to the memory card. Start up the camera with firmware from the SD card and you will see additional settings such like RAW support, bracketing, advanced exposure control and live histogram among others. Media Players: The WDTV forum (www.wdtvforum.com) hosts custom firmware for WDTV media players with step-by-step instructions on how to install them (or revert back to the original). A custom firmware will not only change the user interface but will also enable installation of plugins for video thumbnails, screen grabs and downloading files. On some devices, you can even enable support for external CD/DVD drives (connected via USB). Android Devices: By using a custom firmware on your Android device, you will get access to the latest Android version (even if it's not officially available). It may also enhance your device's performance and battery life. You need to find firmware specific to your phone (from sites such as http://forum.xda-developers.com) and install it. Note that to install the custom firmware, you first have to root your device (equivalent to jailbreaking). IOS Jailbreaking: Jailbreaking an iOS device allows you to install various third party apps that are not available in Apple's App Store. Many of the apps for jailbroken devices have not been approved by Apple. These apps can enable many features that are otherwise inaccessible on an iOS device. For instance, Bluetooth file transfer, custom icons, wired tethering, video recording on old iPhones, interface customisations, custom keyboards, extra widgets and so on. Note that jailbreaking is not illegal, but it voids your warranty.