Gadget Hacks How-Tos

How To: Jailbreak an iPhone or iPod Touch 3.1.3 with Spirit

It's official, you CAN jailbreak your cell phone or other device without fear of reprisal from the police or government! If you've been waiting to jailbreak your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad (or other device) there's never been a better time. This video will show you how to use a program called Spirit to load Cydia, the popular jailbreak operating system, on your iPhone 3GS or lower or iPod Touch 2G or 1G. Basically, any Apple mobile device with firmware version 3.1.3 or 3.1.2 is fair game. Th...

How To: Create trending topics with hashtags on Twitter

In this clip, you'll learn how to incorporate hashtags or hash tags into your tweets on Twitter. What do President Obama, the Dalai Lama and Justin Bieber have in common? Why, they're all on Twitter, of course. Join the party. Whether you're new to Twitter's popular microblogging application or just missed a few of the essentials along the way, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial.

How To: View and use trending topics on Twitter

In this clip, you'll learn how to make use of Twitter's trending topics feature. What do President Obama, the Dalai Lama and Justin Bieber have in common? Why, they're all on Twitter, of course. Join the party. Whether you're new to Twitter's popular microblogging application or just missed a few of the essentials along the way, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial.

How To: Unfollow someone else's account on Twitter

In this clip, you'll learn how to unfollow someone on Twitter. What do President Obama, the Dalai Lama and Justin Bieber have in common? Why, they're all on Twitter, of course. Join the party. Whether you're new to Twitter's popular microblogging application or just missed a few of the essentials along the way, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial.

How To: Respond to another person's Tweet on Twitter

In this clip, you'll learn how to post a reply link to another Tweet on Twitter. What do President Obama, the Dalai Lama and Justin Bieber have in common? Why, they're all on Twitter, of course. Join the party. Whether you're new to Twitter's popular microblogging application or just missed a few of the essentials along the way, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial.

How To: Mention someone else's account name on Twitter

In this clip, you'll learn how to properly mention someone else on Twitter. What do President Obama, the Dalai Lama and Justin Bieber have in common? Why, they're all on Twitter, of course. Join the party. Whether you're new to Twitter's popular microblogging application or just missed a few of the essentials along the way, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial.

How To: Jailbreak any iPad using Spirit

The iPad is one of the most popular devices that Apple has ever released, and they've released some doozies. Unfortunately for those who have bought them, their capabilities out of the box are very limited. But they need not be. This video wills how you how to use a free program called Spirit to load Cydia on your iPad, which will allow you to add custom themes, use unofficial software, and do all sorts of other fun things with your iPad. Enjoy!

How To: Use the iPad Photos App to view your pictures

The iPad is the reigning king of the tablet PC's (although it isn't one, strictly speaking) and allows users to do things that they never thought possible with a computer. One of it's coolest and most applicable Apps is the Photo app, which allow you to view high-fidelity photos in a fun and portable way. This video will show you how this App works and how to use it to impress your friends with your awesome photos.

How To: Install and run Google Chrome OS with Virtual Machine

At the end of last year Google released Chromium OS, the source code to their soon-to-be-released operating system Google Chrome OS. This has allowed millions of people to preview the new OS and make suggestions. Do you want in on that action? This video will show you how to install and run Google Chrome OS on a Mac using a virtual machine like VMWare or Virtual Box. Now you can be a part of the future of operating systems. Maybe.

How To: Jailbreak an iPhone or iPod Touch with redsn0w

It's official! You can jailbreak whatever devices you want without fearing reprisal from the federal government! WIN! If you were worried about the legal implications before, worry no longer, and start taking advantage of your devices! This video will show you how to hack an iPhone 3GS, 3G, or 2G or iPod Touch 2G / 1G using a program called redsn0w. It's quick, easy, and will allow you to do so much more with your device there's really no excuse not to do it.

How To: Get a free bumper case for the iPhone 4 with an App

Oh, the iPhone 4 antenna. We've heard so much about how the vile human hand has impeded your perfect designs sublime functionality. But finally Apple has come down from it's high horse, admitted it was wrong, and started distributing free signal-fixing bumper cases to all of their iPhone 4 customers via, appropriately, an App for the iPhone. This video will show you how to use the Free Case Program App to order a free case from Apple or get a refund from them if you've already bought your own...

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: Create map shortcuts on an Android cell phone with GPS

This CNET tip gives you fast and easy access to those locations you frequent most on the map, like your home or workplace. Getting instant directions to those favorite places doesn't get any easier. Navigation on your Android cell phone makes life a little easier. This video will show you how to create these map shortcuts on the Motorola Droid, but it can be used on any Android phone with 2.0 firmware and GPS.

How To: Create and use widgets on Android cell phones

Android cell phones are highly customizable. You can put just about anything on any one of your home screens, but the widgets are an entirely different animal. They can make your home screens more than useful. CNET shows you how to create widgets, use them, and move them about your home screens. You can even put home photos on your Android smartphone's home screens.

How To: Tether an Android phone to Xbox LIVE with Windows 7

Imagine… Xbox LIVE via your Android phone. Amazing… if you can figure out how to do it. But don't worry, this video is here to save the day! Watch and learn how to tether your Android cell phone's internet to your Xbox LIVE using the help of Windows 7. After watching this, you'll have no problem connecting to Xbox LIVE via your Android phone's internet.

How To: Maximize battery life for the HTC EVO Android phone

If you find yourself recharging your HTC EVO from Sprint more than once a day, you might find these tips from CNET more than helpful. In this video, CNET shows you how to maximize the battery life on your HTC EVO running the Android software. These tips can also be applied other smartphones running Android. Basically, you just need to stop programs from running constantly, like WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS. And dropping the screen brightness can help, too. See all the tips to a bigger and better ...

How To: Play the Snake game Easter egg on YouTube

This video will show you how to play the Snake game on a YouTube video. This Easter egg is completely new, and should make for some fun times while waiting for your video to download. Be aware that it only works for videos without extra stuff like ads or annotations, and only in YouTube's newer player.

How To: Play the game Snake on Youtube video

Google's got a nice new Easter egg for you. On YouTube, you can play the game Snake. Playing Snake on YouTube will only work in YouTube's new video player, and it only works for videos that don't have any extraneous stuff like annotations or ads. What are you waiting for? Get started now!

How To: Get better battery life on DROID smartphones

Battery life is a constant problem with cell phones today, and the Droid smartphones running Android software are no exception. If you want to learn how to get the most out of your Droid battery, then check out this helpful video that provides 8 tips on cutting battery-eating apps and features. If you want more battery life and are willing to sacrifice the cool features of the Droid cell phones, then you have to do these things. Don't let you Droid battery get drained!

How To: Navigate the home screen on Droid smartphones

In this video tutorial, anyone who owns a Droid smartphone can learn how to better navigate their home screen. With this Droid phone tips, you'll be able to maximize your time and create shortcuts to your most used applications. The Droid's home screen in much like a computer's desktop; putting an icon on one of your Droid home screens allows you quick access to a program or app. There are numerous Android phones, but this video focuses on the "Droid" versions, but you may need to play around...

How To: Download Wireless Tether for a rooted Motorola Droid X

You've managed to get your Motorola Droid X rooted, so now what? What's one of the first things you could install on your Droid X? What's the most valuable items you need on your cell phone? Everybody knows the answer… wireless tether, a way to suck the internet from your Droid X to your laptop or home computer. Well, this video tutorial will show you how to get the free Wi-Fi tether mobile hotspot app, called Wireless Tether, on your Droid X from Verizon Wireless. You don't have to pay tons ...

How To: Root and wirelessly tether the Droid X smartphone

If you're looking to not only root your new Motorola Droid X smartphone, but tether it wirelessly, then this video tutorial will show you the steps. Follow along closely and download the root files (.ZIP). And if you succeed, your Verizon Wireless Droid X will be fully rooted and you can tether your signal wirelessly to computers.

How To: Root the Motorola Droid X smartphone without ADB

So, a lot of people seem to be having trouble rooting their Motorola Droid X smartphone from Verizon Wireless using ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Well, there is an alternative for those having problems with the ADB version. You will need to have a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth widget handy for this hack. If you follow the instructions in the video, you'll have a completely rooted Motorola Droid X cell phone. Try it out.

How To: Root the Motorola Droid X smartphone with ADB

Yes, the Droid X from Motorola can be rooted, and yes, you can do it at home. Just make sure you follow the directions precisely. If you succeed, you'll have a completely rooted smartphone. eFuse doesn't matter. If you want to expand your options on Verizon Wireless's Droid X, then you just have to take a chance… use this video in conjunction with the links and description below.

How To: Shorten URLs for posting them on Twitter

What do President Obama, the Dalai Lama and Justin Bieber have in common? Why, they're all on Twitter, of course. Join the party. Whether you're new to Twitter's popular microblogging application or just missed a few of the essentials along the way, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial, which offers instructions on how to use URL shorteners to shrink links to Twitter-friendly sizes.

How To: Create a private Twitter profile

What do President Obama, the Dalai Lama and Justin Bieber have in common? Why, they're all on Twitter, of course. Join the party. Whether you're new to Twitter's popular microblogging application or just missed a few of the essentials along the way, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial, which offers detailed instructions on how to create a protected Twitter feed.

How To: Retweet someone else's post on Twitter

What do President Obama, the Dalai Lama and Justin Bieber have in common? Why, they're all on Twitter, of course. Join the party. Whether you're new to Twitter's popular microblogging application or just missed a few of the essentials along the way, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of how to retweet messages on Twitter.

How To: Get your free iPhone 4 bumper case

In this video, you'll get a step by step tutorial on redeeming your free iPhone 4 case. If you have an iPhone 4, you are entitled to a free bumper case to deal with the antenna signal loss problem. All you have to do is download the iPhone 4 Case app, and send in your information. There's nothing to it! Get your free iPhone 4 bumper case today!

How To: Increase your number of followers on Twitter

What do President Obama, the Dalai Lama and Justin Bieber have in common? Why, they're all on Twitter, of course. Join the party. Whether you're new to Twitter's popular microblogging application or just missed a few of the essentials along the way, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial, which offers instructions on how to increase your Twitter following.

How To: Follow someone's Twitter account

What do President Obama, the Dalai Lama and Justin Bieber have in common? Why, they're all on Twitter, of course. Join the party. Whether you're new to Twitter's popular microblogging application or just missed a few of the essentials along the way, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial, which presents detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to follow an account on Twitter.

How To: Send a direct message to a user on Twitter

In this clip, you'll learn how to send an at or direct message to another user on Twitter. What do President Obama, the Dalai Lama and Justin Bieber have in common? Why, they're all on Twitter, of course. Join the party. Whether you're new to Twitter's popular microblogging application or just missed a few of the essentials along the way, you're sure to benefit from this free video tutorial.

How To: Use the Facebook app on a Motorola Droid phone

Looking for a primer on how to use the Facebook application 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.

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.