Apple TV's USB port hacked
updated 09:50 am EDT, Fri March 30, 2007
Apple TV USB Port Hacked
Hobbyists have successfully reverse-engineered the Apple TV's USB port. Although the port is officially reserved for diagnostics and service, those curious about the device have documented steps that change the media hub's Mac OS X code to allow more than just the handful of approved USB devices. Devices such as keyboards and mice are already known to work, the testers have written. The technique has already been demonstrated running third-party media center interfaces (pictured) and could be used to run general programs. (More details and video in the full story)
The discovery marks the latest in a series of compromises to the Apple TV's security, which began first by using a Unix-based security workaround to install XviD and later to run the customized OS outside Apple TV. No programmer has yet managed to run a full version of Mac OS X on the entertainment device. An example of the current progress made in altering the device's functions is available below.
Now Lets get to work
03/30, 10:17am reply
on getting my EyeTV from Elgato to work over the USB and hello Apple DVR!!!
mmmdoughnuts
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Joined: Feb 2006
imagine
03/30, 10:34am reply
imagine the possibilities!
doemel
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Joined: Jul 2006
useless
03/30, 10:37am reply
that video was completely useless.
Fishtank22
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Joined: Oct 2001
Like all great geeks...
03/30, 10:50am reply
He lives in a basement, most likely his parent's.
TonyIC
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Joined: May 2002
Andy
03/30, 11:07am reply
A picture is worth a thousand words....
...although it seems a video is completely worthless !
Gee4orce
Mac Elite
Joined: Dec 2000
leak
03/30, 12:19pm reply
and it wasnt leaked... Leaked is unauthorized (especially deliberate) disclosure of information. Since Apple themselves posted the info on their own website, it could hardly be categorized as a leak.
eldarkus
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Joined: Feb 2004
And...
03/30, 12:34pm reply
And usually, they are white and male.
cho
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Joined: Sep 2006
hack software...
03/30, 03:51pm reply
he might do - but a videographer he is Not_
FishTank22 has the right idea_
UberFu
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Joined: Oct 2002
Basement dweller
03/31, 05:08pm reply
You can hear the dryer running in the background.
This guy seriously need to move out of his mother's basement.
aristotles
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004