Gadget Hacks: Page 279

In this clip, you'll learn how to install a web browser like Mozilla Firefox on a portable thumb drive. For more information, including a complete demonstration, and detailed, step-by-step instructions, as well as to get started using this trick yourself, take a look.

In this clip, you'll learn how to circumvent Internet filters with Ultrasurf. For more information, including a complete demonstration, and detailed, step-by-step instructions, as well as to get started using this trick to access blocked websites at your own school or workplace, take a look.

In this clip, you'll learn how to use the Instapaper web app to save an Internet article for later (with the option to have it delivered to your mobile phone, tablet computer or Kindle). For more information, including a complete demonstration, and detailed, step-by-step instructions, as well as to get started using Instapaper.com yourself, take a look.

Even though your Blackberry Curve comes with MMS capabilities, the factory settings do not have this turned on. To turn on MMS, you'll have to go within several settings on your phone and adjust them in order to be able to receive MMS messages.

Yes, there's an app for that - even video editing. You can get the Reel Director app from the Apple store for five dollars, and then use it it edit video stored on your iPhone. You can even add opening and closing credits!

Hide your valuables in plain sight! This tutorial shows you how to take an empty can of whipped cream and then add a few discreet mods. When you're done, it'll still look like a can of whippped cream, but now there will be a way to hide your valuables!

Start with just a few hula hoops, and then get some polyethylene film and a small soldering iron. Fit the film to your hoops, then gently mod your soldering iron and make a few spot welds. Be careful not to melt anything! Make a few vent bubbles, and you now have a pool warmer!

In this clip, you'll learn how to use the automatic transcription feature of Google Voice. For more information, including a complete demonstration, and detailed, step-by-step instructions, as well as to get started using this trick to record your own thoughts, take a look.

Recycle your plastic CD or DVD cases into a holder for parts. This tutorial shows you how to make your own container. Remove the spindle, then mount to a piece of wood. Once mounted, you can use this to hold and organize small parts.

Earbuds can be great for filtering out distraction, but they certainly aren't built for every ear. This tutorial shows you how to create your own pair of custom fit earbuds using just a custom earplug kit. Follow the instructions, and you'll have your own pair of noise-cancelling headphones!

In this clip, you'll learn how to create and use bookmarklets to simplify tasks within the Mozilla Firefox web browser. For more information, including a complete demonstration, and detailed, step-by-step instructions, as well as to get started using this trick yourself, take a look.

In this clip, you'll learn how to use Google Voice from within your Gmail inbox. For more information, including a complete demonstration, and detailed, step-by-step instructions, as well as to get started using this trick yourself, take a look.

In this clip, you'll learn how to make a free (as in "free beer") domestic phone call from your Google Gmail inbox . For more information, including a complete demonstration, and detailed, step-by-step instructions, as well as to get started using this trick yourself, take a look.

In this clip, you'll learn how to a transfer a call from your Google Gmail inbox to your mobile phone using Google Voice. For more information, including a complete demonstration, and detailed, step-by-step instructions, as well as to get started using this trick yourself, take a look.

In this clip, you'll learn how to view the list of your previously searched addresses on MapQuest Maps. It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in about two minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

In this clip, you'll learn how to pair a stereo Bluetooth headset to an Apple mobile device (in this case, an iPad). It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this home-computing how-to can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in about three minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

In this clip, you'll learn how to browse, read and expands tweets on the new version of Twitter. It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just under two minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

Get onto Xbox Live using your home computer. This tutorial shows you how to use your PC as a wireless adapter for your Xbox. All you need is a home computer with a spare ethernet plug and an ethernet cable. This tutorial shows you the rest.

Have you seen odd, square codes on some specific merchandise? These are called QR codes, or quick-response codes, and they are a type of bar code which your smartphone can read and then take you to a particular website, give you coupons or even a business card. Here's how you can get the most out of QR codes.

You can view Flash content on your iPad without having to jailbreak it by using a VNC (virtual network computing) app. You can't zoom, and there is no audio capability, but you can otherwise view Flash content on the web through your iPad.

'Rooting' (also called jailbreaking) will let you install third party software or applications which the manufacturer may not allow (or get rid of apps that you don't want). It will void your phone's warranty, so make sure this is really what you want to do!

A screen protector is a thin piece of plastic you can apply to your iPhone or iPod to protect the screen from dings and scratches, though it can sometimes wiggle loose and get dirty. This tutorial shows you how to use a steam bath to firmly apply the screen protector without damaging your phone.

First, you'll need to download the Bootstrap application from the market (it costs about two dollars). You'll also need a phone with root access. Then, once it's installed on your phone, you can use to set up the custom recovery features!

If you enter in your password incorrectly too many times, your iPod will lock. If it locks too many times, you may need to unlock it. This tutorial shows you how to reset your iPod to undo the lock so you can keep using your iPod. This will let you unlock someones password on an ipod or iphone touch.

Rooting your phone grants you superuser access to your phone. And while this will void your warranty, it will also allow you to download third party applications (among other things). This tutorial shows you the process for getting root access on a Samsung Captivate cell phone.

Rooting (also called jailbreaking) a phone grants you superuser access, which allows you to download third party applications and otherwise alter your phone. This tutorial shows you how to give yourself root access on a T-Mobile G1 cell phone. Be careful, because rooting will often void your warranty!

The split view display is a useful function of an iPad application, which, by virtue of a larger screen, was not available to iPhone developers. This tutorial shows you how to work with a split view app, especially when changing your orientation.

The popover is a useful bit of interactivity you can add to your iPad applications. This tutorial shows you how to go into Xcode and use a few other application development tools to code a popover or view controller into your iPad application.

A slingbox takes content from your TV or cable box and then 'slings' it to another location - such as your smartphone or computer. This tutorial shows you how to set up a slingbox for your home entertainment network and then start using it!

You don't need to sync your phone to get your pictures. Many phones offer the capability to send photos taken with the camera to send to either someone else or to yourself through email. This tutorial shows you how to send!

Planning a trip abroad? Stay connected even when you're traveling far away! This tutorial shows you how you can set up your phone (depending on your service provider) to ensure you can still get service no matter where you're visiting.

More and more jurisdictions are mandating drivers use hands-free sets when they make or receive cell phone calls. This tutorial shows you how you can use a Bluetooth or hands-free headset to make and receive calls, or how to use the hands free functionality in some cars.

This tutorial shows you how to get the most out of your Blackberry PDA by demonstrating a few keyboard shortcuts you can use to create and send emails, navigate through documents, get the most out your spacebar, and switch between open applications!

Want to set up an email signature for a Hotmail account? It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just five seven For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

The BlackBerry Bold is a nifty new PDA, with a lot of hidden functionality. This tutorial shows you how you can use keyboard shortcuts to navigate, in addition to using applications, managing your contacts and customizing the appearance of your screen.

Charge your cell phone, mp3 player or other USB-equipped device with the power of the Sun! All you need is a 6-volt solar panel and a female USB cable. Solder them together (this video demonstrates how), and then you have a solar powered USB charger!

In this clip, you'll learn how to change your default mail client when using the Mozilla Firefox web browser. It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over a minute. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

In this clip, you'll learn how to view zip code boundaries with Google Earth. It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over two minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

Looking for a guide on how to resize fonts on a per-website basis? It's easy. So easy, in fact, that this video tutorial can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in just over six minutes. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

Cell phones and mobile devices are getting more and more advanced everyday, and so is the equipped camera technology. You can now shoot HD (high-definition) video on newer mobile phones, which makes it easier to start your filmmaking projects, because it's a lot cheaper to buy a phone than a video camcorder. But, phones come in small packages, which means the video from your camera will be extremely shaky, no matter how steady of a hand you have. That's when it's necessary to have a camera...