The Easy Guide To Flashing An Android Phone. Stock ROMs

For many Android users, the process of flashing a new ROM – a phone’s firmware or operating system – seems shrouded in mystery. But it’s actually a doddle. Jason d’Allison shows you how...

In this two-part guide (Windows-only, sadly), I’m going to explain how to flash an Android phone with a new ROM. This week, it’s the turn of stock ROMs, ones provided by a phone’s manufacturer or network provider. Next week, I’ll venture on to custom ROMs, ones developed by enthusiasts to give improved functionality.

Chrome Alone

Ian McGurren looks at the future of Google's oddball operating system

Chrome OS – it's the operating system that's not quite an operating system in the traditional sense, but which has found favour with those who need a light OS for simple, fuss-free, safe computing. Could its time be coming to an end, though? Is Google going cut its OS portfolio by one?

Improving your video soundtracks

From capturing dialogue on location to adding narration and music, Ben Pitt reveals the best ways to liven up your video project’s soundtrack

Sound is a critical part of video production. We’d argue that it’s even more important than the video. After all, recorded sound without accompanying pictures is common, but moving pictures without sound are virtually non-existent.

Bare Conductive Touch Board Starter Kit

Last month I discussed Rachael Moat’s musical bowls that I saw at Manchester MakeFest – conductive audio-playing magic that helps children with special educational needs to broaden their dietary horizons – and promised that I’d be reviewing the hardware that made it happen. Here, then, is that review, of the Bare Conductive Touch Board Starter Kit.

Compulab Fitlet

Do you remember when you first saw the Intel Next Unit of Computing, and thought, ‘Blimey, that’s small?’ When the Fitlet arrived from Israel-based Compulab, I had a similar reaction made more impressive by the fact that the box I thought would be dominated by the machine itself was in fact mostly full of cables, accessories and a wall-wart PSU. If you need a small yet powerful computer, the Fitlet measures 108 x 83 x 24mm (W x D x H), with a volume of 0.215 litres. The smallest NUC model, by contrast, measures 115 x 111 x 32.7mm with a 0.417-litre volume.