Softmod

A Softmod ( software modification for short ) is an unofficial modification of the software of an electronic device. Due to the modification, it is possible in most cases to enable the manufacturer disabled functionality again or to bypass many security measures, other softmods however, add only add new controls.

Popular examples

• The iPod could be equipped in early types with a phone extension
• The Nintendo Wii can be extended by a softmod with homebrew games, USB Loading is possible, it can be played games from other regions
• Microsoft's Xbox can be operated by a softmod with a hard drive, as well as the Wii region free
• The PlayStation 3 can be started again with the alternative operating system Linux
• The d-box as well as other SAT-/Kabel-Receiver can possibly thereby use the large program packages (Sky, Kabel Digital Home) without having to have a subscription

Advantages of a softmods

With a Softmod a device can receive many more features, which were entirely or only in part not to use for the end user. It is thus also possible to unlock special features for all regions of the world, which otherwise only specific regions were available. Or take his device when moving to another region and continue to make use of the content available in that country. Often it is also possible to change the region of a country, or the like, not only for DVD but also for the online features. This can be, for example, shopping with a European unit in a Japanese online shop.

Disadvantages of a softmods

• In some cases, your device may suffer irreparable damage software
• The manufacturer's warranty goes lost entirely
• Manufacturer updates will no longer be possible in most cases
• The online ability for the Xbox and PlayStation will no longer be possible
• Not in every country is the extension of the software or the exploitation of vulnerabilities allowed ( eg United States of America)
• Reverse engineering is also not compatible in any country with the prevailing laws

Creation of softmods

The preparation of softmods is usually achieved by the targeted search for a security hole by means of reverse engineering. This makes it possible to use the PC to write a program and copy it to an external drive, which further code reloading in the software of the device, and this already extended ipso facto in some cases.

Some softmods, for example, the Xbox 360, require an intervention in the hardware ( in this example, the DVD drive). The further procedure can then be experienced in corresponding scene boards or other specially written on the subject sites.

Problem: piracy

Due to the extensions of the software it is possible to use non- purchased content anyway ( USB loading, film packages without subscription see ... ). This constitutes an act of piracy and is not to bring copyright into line. Although there are differentiated opinions concerning the exercise of the business of various content owners, must be held to the respective national laws.