Hacked Nook Reveals MMS, Speech Recognition

The Nook has MMS and speech recognition locked away... for now.

Yesterday brought reports that the just-released, Android-based Nook e-reader from Barnes & Noble was hacked and its innards revealed like fresh roadkill. The hackers also gained access to the device's root system by pulling out the Android OS--installed on a microSD card--and editing the init.rc file via a Linux computer. Once that was done, Nook could serve as a portable Linux-based computer with a built-in Internet connection (Wi-Fi or AT&T's 3G service) and a battery that lasts for days.

This guide here provides step-by-step instruction on how to "root your nook." Hackers will need a microSD (HD) card adapter, a small screwdriver, the Android SDK, a Linux Unix based computer, a sharp knife, and around 45 minutes. Included are a few screens to help interested hackers along the way, including one image that reveals the motherboard layout. This image reveals the location of the device's cellular modem (Sierra Wireless), the internal battery, the SIM, the microSD expansion bay, and the microSD housing the Android OS (2 GB SanDisk).

But there's more potential than what meets the eye. After digging around in the root, it was discovered that the device shipped with multimedia messaging service (MMS) support, and support for a speech recognition engine. Future official updates may unlock those two "hidden" features (like Apple unlocking Bluetooth in the iPod Touch), however it's likely homebrewed MMS and voice recognition apps may hit the scene first.

To learn more about the Nook's innards, check out the how-to guide listed above. As always, hacking will void the warranty on the device, so tread those waters at your own risk.

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