More features thanks to firmware tuning

Where there is a will is usually also a way: resourceful hobbyists and programmers use every opportunity to eliminate unwanted restrictions. There are enough starting points: If interfaces such as a memory card slot or a USB port are available, you may be able to inject and execute your own program code. However, this only works if a vulnerability can be exploited in the hardware or software.


Dangers with firmware hacks


Pure software modifications are not always enough: some game consoles require the installation of a special chip in order to leverage the system. This is hardly possible for technical laymen without damaging the device. In addition, the manufacturers are familiar with common gateways and control them by various methods: program parts are encoded or stored in non-modifiable ROM memories. As with Apple's iPhone and iPod, interfaces are reduced to a minimum or restricted in their function.


Hacks for game consoles


Nevertheless, in most cases there is a possibility to open the closed system (jailbreak) and the execution of its own program code. You do not have to be a hacker: Many modifications can be handled with average PC experience thanks to detailed instructions. Especially for popular devices like game consoles, smartphones or routers, well-visited communities have formed which help newcomers with difficulties.


Hacks for routers


Nevertheless, a firmware modification is always associated with a variety of risks, ranging from the loss of warranty to the destruction of the device.


Alternative firmware for other routers


Alternative firmwares also contain some dangers. The loss of guarantee and warranty is the first priority. Almost all manufacturers refuse such services if any hardware or software modification has been made. The firmware change itself can also have undesirable consequences: in the best case, the alternative firmware does not work and a reset to the original variant is necessary.


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In the worst case, the device is completely unusable (called "bricked" in the scene). Also, check the source of the alternate firmware to avoid being a victim of a malware. The websites we refer to are considered as safe, but we can not give them a guarantee for the successful firmware installation.


Freetz uses the existing software architecture of the Fritz! Box and replaces, modifies or supplements components. This results in an individual firmware that meets all the needs of the user. One part of Freetz is free software, another part is based on AVM's own code. For legal reasons, the Freetz makers are therefore not allowed to offer ready-made installation packages and leave the firmware compiled to the user.


For this, no Linux system is necessary, even a virtual machine under Windows is sufficient. A suitable variant is, for example, "Freetz Linux". Before one is to the modification of the firmware makes, all settings of the Fritz! Box secured and under ftp://ftp.avm.de/fritz.box a suitable recovery image to be downloaded. If the firmware modification fails, the original state can be restored.


In addition, the firmware of the Fritz! Box must be up to date. So that Freetz also finds the way to the Fritz! Box, must be set for the access to the router a password. A simple "0000" is completely sufficient. The latest version of Freetz is available for download at freetz.org. A list of all supported Fritz! Box models can also be found on the freetz.org page.


Check there before any installation of a modified firmware, whether Freetz supports your Fritz! Box variant. After this, Freetz is started in the virtual machine or on a Linux-based computer. The required functions can be assembled via a menu interface. Freetz independently monitors for compatibility problems to ensure the smooth interaction of the components.


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If the desired firmware is compiled, it is imported via the Fritz! Box administration as an update. A detailed installation guide for Freetz novices is available at freetz.org. In order for everything to work, it should be strictly adhered to.


Hacks for smartphones


If you do not have an AVM router, DD-WRT finds a tuning option for more than 200 devices from various manufacturers. DD-WRT not only extends the functionality of the devices, but also provides a user-friendly interface.


On the project homepage, preconfigured installation packages for different models are waiting for the download. Routers with a USB port are equipped with NAS functions, if an external hard drive is connected, Wake-on-LAN or Voice-over-IP can also be retrofitted. In addition to DD-WRT, there are other projects devoted to router tuning. These include, for example, OpenWRT or Tomato.


Hacks for cameras


For iOS devices like the iPhone, iPad or iPod you need a suitable jailbreak. Jailbreaks are available in the versions "Tethered" and "Untethered". In the "tethered" version, the iOS device must be connected to a PC during the boot process, on which a special tool controls the boot process. The more convenient and recommended method is "Untethered": The iOS device can boot without external support.


Before the jailbreak, be sure to back up all the data on your Apple device. Also, keep in mind that Apple does not provide any warranties for cracked devices. The jailbreak of the current operating system iOS 5.1.1 is possible via the absinthe.


To do this, download the appropriate tool from the website and run it while your iPhone / iPad / iPod is connected to your computer. The Redsn0w tool helps with older iOS versions. After the jailbreak, full access to all data and to the alternative Cydia appstore is possible.


Android smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S2 can be upgraded by means of a firmware modification ("Custom ROM") contrary to the manufacturer's restrictions. To do this, you need AdyScorpiusMIUI v4, found at forum.xda-developers.com.


It is now on the Galaxy S2, the new Android version 4.0 ("Ice Cream Sandwich"), which the manufacturer is later to be officially delivered later. Detailed instructions on how to install and custom ROMs for many other Android smartphones can be found at www.xda-developers.com.


There are also so-called Interop-Unlocks and even Custom-ROMs for smartphones with Windows Phone 7. In the normal case, you can install programs only via the volume, after an Interop-Unlock you get the possibility to play apps.

CHDK is strictly speaking not a firmware modification, but the addition of the existing firmware. CHDK runs directly from the inserted memory card and can be removed at any time without a trace. There is therefore no reason to limit the manufacturing guarantee. CHDK has many features that can only be found in expensive professional cameras.


These include recording RAW images, live histograms, manually adjustable aperture and ISO values ​​as well as exposures for HDR recordings and a customizable menu. Whether the Canon's own camera is suitable for use with CHDK, a glance at the compatibility list at forum.chdk-treff.de.


After that, you only need to follow the short guide to install CHDK on a memory card. The tool starts automatically as soon as the memory card is in the camera. You can get more useful tips and help in the extensive forum.


There are only isolated projects for cameras from other manufacturers, such as PTool for Panasonic cameras.