Hack your iPod in five easy steps

Want your beloved iPod to play dozens of free games or better-quality music files, such as “lossless” FLAC files? What about changing the look of your iPod interface? You can do this -- and for free -- with clever open-source software called Rockbox. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit Rockbox and download the free open-source software and manual. Rockbox works with first through fifth generation (video) iPods, iPod minis and first generation iPod nanos. For video iPods, you’ll need to download the free fonts package, too.
2. Connect your iPod to your computer. Because you need your iPod recognized as an external hard drive, open iTunes and check off where it says to enable disk use. Now close iTunes.
3. Extract the Rockbox zip file to the iPod. You should now see a file called .rockbox on your iPod drive (e.g. F:, viewed in Windows Explorer). Unzip the fonts folder onto the .rockbox folder, too. But you also need something called a “bootloader,” so the iPod knows how to run this new software. The Rockbox manual tells you where to snag it online. With the iPod still plugged into your PC, run the bootloader software.
4. Disconnect the iPod, reboot it and you’ll see the Rockbox theme. You can change the theme if you don’t like the way the interface looks, or better yet, download new ones from Rockbox themes. Click “initialize” under Database to access all of the music you already have on your iPod.
5. Customize your “new” iPod by installing fun and free third-party plug-ins to your iPod, such as great games (Texas Hold ‘Em, Duck Hunt, a Bejeweled clone) and some handy utilities, too (word processor, paint program). Or drag and drop new music files onto the iPod to play them -- including increasingly popular audio formats like Ogg Vorbis and FLAC files.

Oh, and if you want the original iPod interface, don’t worry as it’s still here. Simply reboot the iPod by holding down Select and Menu; when you see the Apple logo, set the hold switch to On.

Twing gets you to real talk

Web surfers preferring to find real people talking about a particular subject -- as opposed to info provided by companies, online stores or news sites -- might find value in a new search engine called Twing.

Twing is a specialized search engine created as a quick and easy way to search and discover opinions, conversations and communities that match your interests. It also features its own blogs and forums.

"Online forums are an established medium people have been using to communicate since the early days of the Internet, even predating the Web," says Kevin Shea, general manager for Twing, in a company release. "Our goal is to help Internet users participate in discussions, ask questions, get answers and offer advice by providing a resource that organizes this category of online content and uncovers the discussions that interest them."

Currently in beta, Twing says these online forums have been growing year after year, with recent estimates of U.S. users alone exceeding 50 million. The search engine uses proprietary software and algorithms to find relevant online communities and forums. Users can register for free to participate in forums and personalization options.

Condemned 2 delivers serious scares

Unlike Hollywood, video game sequels are usually better than their predecessor -- and Sega’s frighteningly fun Condemned 2: Bloodshot is no exception.

Gamers once again play as Ethan Thomas, a down-and-out Serial Crimes Unit (SCU) investigator called back to duty to track down his missing partner. While this visceral and atmospheric dark tale involves some forensic analysis and character interaction, combat is the name of the game in this first-person thriller with a greater emphasis on melee weapons this time around.

Be forewarned that the game has some gruesome (and graphic) moments including bashing heads, complete with bone-crunching sound effects and high-pitch violin crescendos that peak before impact.

Thanks to its slick graphics and clever lighting techniques, Condemned 2 (available for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3; rated “Mature” by the ESRB) delivers plenty of nail-biting moments. After all, it was created by Monolith, who brought us the creepy F.E.A.R. series, Aliens vs. Predator 2 and the Blood titles.

Multiple online modes for up to eight players also deliver some chills, thrills and spills.