Given the attention Apple's iPhone has been getting from the hacking community, we were wondering when somebody would try tricking out the unit's accelerometer. For the guys unfamiliar with this particular function, it allows the iPhone to detect its orientation, which in turn allows it to adjust its screen display accordingly.

And from the looks of this video we've picked up (posted by ealf), it's also become a new source of entertainment and (quite possibly) new homebrew implication - see the segment that demonstrates a tilt-based game in motion. The poster further states that this hack's source code will be available soon. For the moment, we advise readers to enjoy this teaser video, and keep alert in case this hack gives way to new uses for this mobile.

Just a few hours before its release, UniquePhones' iPhone unlocking software was pulled out because of a call from AT&T which hinted at legal action should the program find its way to the public. The software, which would allow the iPhone to use other wireless carriers besides AT&T, would probably not be released.

According to research conducted by Ars Technica, using the software to unlock phones is ok but distributing it is not. Cell phone unlocking is not uncommon and is in fact legal according to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). It's the user's privilege to allow the phone to connect to any carrier; that's what cell phones are for in the first place.

The DMCA, however, does not address direct distribution of unlocking methods and software and so provides no protection for those who release them to the public. This places UniquePhones in a rather vulnerable state, stuck in a legal gray area that AT&T can exploit.

At least, it's legally vulnerable in America where AT&T fiercely guards its territory. UniquePhones may find that distribution in other countries may have a lot more legroom.

An anonymous person is offering US$ 100,000 to any developer who would release software that would unlock the iPhone and distribute it to everyone, free of charge.

Apparently fed up with how developers charge people who are interested in iPhone unlocking software, the person claims that s/he got support from people hailing from other countries and managed to raise US$ 100,000. The money will apparently be given as a reward to any software developer who would freely release the software to everybody in the world.

The offer also includes free control of a domain (most probably for the free distribution of the software). This person assured that AT&T will not be able to do anything (probably regarding legal issues) once the software is widely distributed.

So, are you up for the challenge? Word to the wise: this offer sounds a bit shady, so do take precautions if ever you're interested. You don't want to put yourself into a nasty bind. More details about the offer can be found by clicking on the Read link.

Unlocking the hottest phone in the market, the iPhone, seems to be highest goal attainable right now. The dream is not without its pitfalls however. iphoneunlocking.com of UniquePhones, was about to release its remote software unlocking services today when it received a phone call from the law firm representing AT&T. It promptly halted the release in consideration of the development.

 

The law firm informed UniquePhones of the legal boundaries the software would be breaching if it is released. Issues such as copyright infringement and illegal software dissemination were discussed. UniquePhones is now getting its own legal advice and considering whether this is a warning from AT&T or a direct threat for legal action.

For now they are also considering how the law will apply to the obvious problem of a worldwide release. They are also discussing what to do with the software if it is legally banned since it won't be long before their version will be obsolete in relation to future releases from other developers. As it stands however, UniquePhones will hold off the release until further notice.

Nothing is more annoying than an unwanted wake-up call in the middle of the night. This seems to be exactly the case with UniquePhone's announcement to deliver the promised software unlock for the iPhone.

An update on their iPhone Unlocking site says that a Silicon Valley law firm called them in the middle of the night to "slow down" the release of the software to users everywhere, even after their bold announcement of saying that they already have the software ready and good to go. Already this has caused a lot of clamor everywhere about the veracity of the company's promise to deliver the goods. Apparently, AT&T isn't the only one annoyed with this news.

A press release was already issued shortly after, explaining the hold on the software release until an assessment regarding the potential legal action it may cause. So until any new developments come up, anyone who wants their iPhone unlocked for whatever reason will just have to either look for a different alternative or just hold on to their hats and hope for the best.

The more the merrier, we say (unless it's dinner guests). For the readers who've been keeping up on the matter of iPhone hacks, we'll be reporting on two recently found methods of unlocking your mobile:

The first way is a Do-It-Yourself hardware hack by George Hotz, and will have iPhone owners opening up their mobile. Before you get cracking, remember to have these items handy before heading over to George's blog (here) for the full instructions:

• An iPhone
• Some trusty case opener tools
• A soldering iron
• Fine pitch wire
• An unlock switch

You will also need to download several programming binaries to go along with the hardware hack - we've provided for them here. The tools below include certain software that you might need from Steps 5-8 of the hack (again, check Hotz's site for specific instructions). Now, before you get all gung-ho about this, keep in mind that this hack involves plenty of soldering, and will most likely brick your iPhone if you're not absolutely careful. You have been warned. George is hoping to have a simplified hack method ready by next week - hopefully, it won't be hardware-based.

Download: iPhone Hack Binaries (George Hotz)

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The software-based hack is available for reading in the Full Article

A lot of videos have been floating around the 'net about people finally cracking the mystery surrounding the iPhone code, making it work with any sim card inserted into it. However, unlike most anonymous videos regarding the subject, geohot and his group have found a full hardware unlock for the iPhone and made a careful documentary of it in a video on YouTube and on his site.

Geohot has even gone as far as detailing the steps on how to unlock it on his blog, with the standard disclaimer that doing so may inadvertently brick you phone, so do so at your own risk. Even now they are working on a software unlock for the iPhone as well, telling everyone to stay tuned at their site when more updates arrive.

The "legendary" unlocked iPhone was even put on sale at eBay at a starting bid of US $540. So far it has received up to 10 bids and has risen to US $1,575 as of today. The items in the eBay auction bid include: the phone, the serial dock accompanying it, as well as the official unlock switch depicted from the blog.

While this sort of practice may not exactly be something that Apple may approve, it just goes to show that no matter how fool-proof the technology claims itself to be, the industry itself is an ever changing and ever evolving process that people will continually surpass and even improve it when applied properly.

Hats off to Xerox for this tip!

Are you tired of reading about all the available third party programs for the iPhone, and not being able to use them because you're just not experienced enough? Never fret, because the updated iPhone Installer over at Nullriver will enable less tech-savvy users to install programs over Wi-Fi and EDGE.

Using the iPhone Installer is as easy as pie, just remember to deactivate your iPhone's automatic synchronization to iTunes before you start to install the application. The steps that follow will involve tweaking some of the scripts in your iPhone, but Gizmodo has provided a comprehensive step-by-step procedure in how to install the application.

Once you're done installing the iPhone Installer, launch it on your iPhone, and it will connect to the internet and give you a list of the available third party programs available for download and use. Just click on the Install button (you can also check out more info by taking a look at the "Community Resources" section in the Install tab, before actually installing the program of your choice), and you're ready to go!

The zip file of the installer does not have a read me file, but you can check out the Read link for the installation guide. Enjoy!

Download: iPhone Installer

"Iron Coder Live" is a contest during the C-4 developer conference where attendees develop "hacks" within a given time limit. This year they decided to "hack" the iPhone and first place went to a group who developed two-way video conference calls for the iPhone.

Now anyone who's ever seen an iPhone will know that the camera is in the back of the phone. The first thing that pops to mind then is how you'd be able to see the one you're talking to while you're trying to keep yourself in view of the camera. You can't keep turning it around every time you say something.

Well, the developers have thought of that, too. They took a Huckleberry mirror - a nifty accessory which allows a MacBook to see what's behind the screen instead of in front of it (which would be you) - and modified it to fit the iPhone. The result is that the camera will be aimed directly at you using mirrors. Imagine a little (and more professional) version of the milk carton periscope and you'll get the idea.

Now what the hack really does is transfer the images from the iPhone to a web server and transfers it to another iPhone, and vice versa. It doesn't actually make a phone call but you can make a call then turn on the hack and it makes for a very effective method for a two-way video conference call. Think Apple will be interested in it?

It looks like the NES emulator for the iPhone is making some progress. The developers have released a video demonstrating the iPhone running the classic Super Mario Brothers. It has no sounds yet, which isn't surprising since it's in its development stages.

The speed is a bit slow though, which makes it a little discouraging. Also they seem to have done some liberties with the controls to compensate for it's diminutive scale. When the gamer pressed forward, Mario just kept moving forward even when he released the button. He opened other games but didn't demonstrate the keypads further so we'll have to wait and see how they fare with the developments.