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.
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.
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.
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).
Using Custom Firmware — the downsides
The primary issue of custom firmware is that warranty is void ed — most
manufacturers clearly state that any third-party modification or software
is not allowed. Another danger is that if your device is 'bricked' while
trying to install custom firmware (connectivity issues, corrupt files,
incorrect firmware), you cannot ask for a warranty replacement. Sometimes,
custom firmware is not 100% functional — there may be bugs or missing
features. Also, once you choose to install a custom firmware, you may not
be able to upgrade to the latest official firmware issued by the
manufacturer or revert to the original. Bottom line, install custom
firmware at your own peril and know the risks involved.
And the Benefits
The most noticeable benefit is that you get access to a lot of hidden
features that not only enhance performance but also at times improve
battery life. Depending on the device, there are various plugins that can
change the user interface and add features to suit your needs. Sometimes,
you can add enough functionality to put off buying a new device. With
custom firmware on smartphones, you get the best of both worlds — you can
access and download free/paid apps from the official app store, but you
also get access to apps from third parties/custom app stores.
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. Head to
www.
iclarified.
com for
more info.
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