So far, custom ROMs for so-called Gen 2 devices like the HTC Titan and Radar are nonexistent. This has to do with changes to the bootloader which has proved to be a difficult beast to unlock and therefore, reflash a new ROM onto. As a result, devices like the HD7 and even the HD2 are getting some of the latest, cutting edge OS builds while Gen 2 devices are left waiting with official releases.

That may (we stress, may) all be changing as the Dark Forces Team (DFT) are reportedly working on getting those custom ROMs for the Titan and Radar, or so says Cotulla (@CotullaCode) who recently tweeted "DFT team is working under ability to flash custom ROMs for Omegenka and Titanchik"

Nothing else was revealed like an ETA or progress of such a project, but honestly what more can we ask other than those fine DFT folks at least try to work on this? DFT has made a lot of headway in making custom ROMs for Windows Phones in the past (and even for Samsung devices), so if any group can do this, it'll be them.

We'll keep you posted if and when any developments occur.

Source: @CoutllaCode; via Windows Phone Hacker

Little over two weeks since it was released, the custom Windows Phone "Tango" (build 8773) ROM for the Samsung Omnia 7 has been bumped to version 3.1. The Windows Phone 7.5 Refresh contains a number of minor changes (most notably lower RAM requirements), including MMS improvements and an SMS bug fix.

The changelog for the v.3.1 custom ROM is as follows:

• Image update now working
• Custom apps updated
• CSC file cleaned
• Removed HTC drivers
• Fixed known glitches & carried out optimisation
• Pagepool set back to 3/1 mb

Be sure to head on over to the XDA thread to download the custom Windows Phone "Tango" (build 8773) ROM for the Samsung Omnia 7.

Source: XDA, via: Plaffo

The presence of WP7 Root Tools demonstrates this Lumia 800 is interop-unlocked

It has certainly been a very exciting 24 hours for Nokia fans between the early release of the 900 data-fix, that hilarous video from India or the prospect that "the Woz" may pick up a Lumia. And now we can add one more.

Over at XDA they have successfully figured out how to get the Lumia devices into unlocked bootloader mode (or rather, to detect if your phone has an unlocked bootloader). In turn, you can install a custom ROM with build 12070 (RM819_059P453_1600.2487.8107.12070_002) on board plus an interop-unlock.

The interop-unlock method goes deeper than developer unlocked on Mango phones but not as deep as a full-unlock. However, it will allow users to install some more sophisticated homebrew apps (e.g. registry editors) as opposed to just sideloading signed apps.

Unfortunately a lot of Lumia 800's won't have an unlocked bootloader (you'll need to check your phone first) but biktor_gj and the rest of the crew over at XDA will surely get to devices with newer firmware on board and unlock their bootloaders eventually.

At time of this writing, biktor_gj is still uploading the custom ROM for the Lumia 710 with interop unlock, though it should be up shortly and use the same process.

Certainly this is a big day for Lumia owners and just the tip of the iceberg for the custom ROMs to follow on these devices.

Source: XDA Forums; via Nokia HD Blog; Thanks, niccolo, for the tip

Metro^7 is a custom Lumia 710 ROM built on the Tango release, and is now available over at the XDA developer forum. The author, XDA member vova1609, states that you need to have your Lumia 710 interop unlocked, but then you should be good to go with flashing. 

Some highlighted features:

• Fully unlocked
• Install XAPs using Internet Explorer
• Bazaar pre-installed
• Bluetooth File Transfer by DFT pre-installed
• Exclusive wallpapers "metro ROCK"
• Added tethering functionality
• Deleted Nokia's apps (Nokia Music, etc.)
• Added Google and Yandex as available search engines

As well as the ROM and included functionality, an exclusive pack of 'metro ROCK' wallpapers are included, featuring multiple designs to match the system theme. Please note that Windows Phone Central does not take any responsibility for any issues your device may develop using this (or any other) available ROM. Use at your own discretion.

Source: XDA, via: Plaffo

It was only yesterday that we covered the availability of Metro^7, a custom ROM for the Lumia 710. Now we're pleased to announce another custom ROM has been published on the XDA forums - RainbowMod. This custom mod, by XDA Forum member lucifer3006, is based on Windows Phone "Tango" and is available in Spanish, French, Hungarian, Swedish, Czech, German, English US, Italian, Polish, Russian, Dutch, Finnish, Greek, Portuguese (Portugal & Brazil), and Danish.

So what's featured in RainbowMod?

• Full Unlock from UltraShot
• Removed OEM applications (Nokia Drive, Maps, etc.)
• Search key remapping
• QuickLaunch menu for quick switching the state of WiFi, 3G, Flight mode, Power save, etc.
• Ability to access file system via WiFi/USB
• Integrated Live ID, DppImplant no longer needed, but the new key can also be banned
• Orientation locker
• Added many color themes
• Easy installation xap from a browser or file manager
• Added Google and Yandex search engines
• xb0xmod cert for cab-updates
• Cab-updatable
• Lots of minor changes
• Updatability via Zune (not guaranteed)

Check out the video below for a quick glance at the ROM.

Two versions are available, the full version and a 'lite' version that strips most languages (leaving English and Russian) and bundled apps away. As always, Windows Phone Central cannot take any responsibility for damaged Lumia 710s, especially if they startup Skynet.

Source: XDA, via: Plaffo

RainbowMod? Sounds familiar, right? We previously covered a custom ROM for the Lumia 710 sharing an identical name, and now it's out for the Lumia 800. Built on Windows Phone "Tango" (7.10.8773.98) and based on Chinese firmware, RainbowMod is shipped with both English (US) and Russian languages.

It's required that the owner has configured the Qualcomm boot loader on their Lumia 800. So what's included in RainbowMod?

• Full Unlock from UltraShot
• Removed OEM applications (Nokia Drive, Maps, etc.)
• Search key remapping
• QuickLaunch menu for quick switching state of WiFi, 3G, Flight mode, Power save, etc.
• Ability to access file system via WiFi/USB
• Integrated Live ID, DppImplant no longer needed, but new key can also be banned
• Orientation locker
• Added multiple colour themes
• Easy installation xap from browser or file manager
• Unlocked Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts (limitation of Chinese firmware)
• Added Google and Yandex search engines
• xb0xmod cert for cab-updates
• Cab-updatable
• Lots of minor changes
• Updatability via Zune (not guaranteed)

It must be noted that the ROM creator does not own a Lumia 800, and thus this may well bust a cap in your Lumia's ass. Windows Phone Central takes no responsibility for any damage caused to your device. Proceed with caution and at your own risk. Head on over to the XDA thread for more information and support.

Source: XDA; thanks Maersk for the heads up!

"Enthusiasts" can now load custom ROMs on devices like this HTC Titan

Good news for those with "2nd generation" Windows Phone like the HTC Radar and HTC Titan, the Dark Forces Team (DFT) have released their custom Hard Secondary Program Loader (HSPL) for those devices, including a "wizard" to guide you through the somewhat complicated process. Announced back in March, the team has made solid and steady progress over the last few months on the project.

HSPLs are needed to "unlock" the bootloader of certain smartphones in order to get custom ROMs to load onto them (think of it as a layer of security). Without this tool-set, modified OS's for those devices simply have nowhere to go. Now that these tools are available comes the second step: the creation of custom ROMs which will require some "chefs" to cook them up,

Second generation HTC devices have been notoriously difficult to crack for DFT so this is a fairly big win for the homebrew community. Unfortunately, devices like the Titan II still won't work with this tool so it's best to still wait for DFT to get that going.

In a well planned release, there are at least two custom ROMs now available too:

1. HTC Titan by mwang- Tango OS (8773), Replace HTC Apps software,add Registry editor,file explorers ...etc; Few tweaks ,DFT FullUnlock support XAP IE download and install,full play XBL games; ISharing,Static MAC Address
2. HTC Radar by mwang - Tango OS (8773), Replace HTC Apps software,add Registry editor,file explorers ...etc; Few tweaks ,DFT FullUnlock support XAP IE download and install,full play XBL games; ISharing,Static MAC Address

Once again we need to stress to proceed with caution when attempting these modifications as this can "brick" your phone if you don't follow the directions carefully.  Regardless, it's exciting to finally see some movement on these two fantastic Windows Phones. We're sure the community will be releasing some fantastic creations over the next few months.

Source: XDA Forums; via: WP7.com.pl; Thanks, Tony and dragonide, for the tips

…and when we say "borrow", we’re being generous. As it turns out, the HTC Titan over at XDA has been getting some custom-ROM-love and a new one called 'WPV 8779 Nokia Edition v3' has certainly raised the bar.

The ROM of course requires a full-unlock, something that was achieved a few months ago for those who want to go through the somewhat arduous process. But what makes this ROM interesting is the inclusion of some of Nokia’s platform exclusive apps made to work with the Titan.  Such apps include Camera Extras, Counter and Contact Share. That is a fairly nice start even if Nokia would frown upon such practices.

Other additions include a built in XAP deployer for 3^rd party marketplaces and some “WP 8 tiles” for some added effect.  Full feature list:

• Full Unlock v3.
• Windows Mobile Device Center.
• XAP deployer.
• Nokia Camera Extras, Contact Share, Counter...
• Some WP8 tiles.
• Nokia Ringtones.
• Search key settings.

Overall it’s not too shabby and we may just have to take the time to go load this on our international Titan to see what all the hub-bub is about. If this ROM is of interest, head over to XDA forums for more information.  Thanks, rockstarzzz and Linh H., for the link!

The brains over on the XDA Developers forum have cooked up another custom ROM for the HTC TITAN. The Deepshining custom ROM bundles a number of features and improvements on top of the already butter smooth operating system. We previously looked at the Deepshining custom ROM for the HTC HD7, which introduced custom themes among other tweaks.

So what's included in this ROM? It sports a number of features that reminds us of the 'WPV 8779 Nokia Edition v3' ROM we covered not so long ago. dotcompt highlights the following of Deepshining:

• Tango (build 7.10.8779.8) with Internet sharing
• Developer Interop unlock + Max number unsigned apps + prevent re-locking
• 25 Languages
• 13 available themes and 19 accents
• OEM apps from HTC Omega like HTC Hub, Notes, Attentive phone.
• Deepshining apps: Spot On, Devstore8 and WP Extended
• Nokia Camera Extras, Nokia Contact Share and Nokia Counters

As always with any custom ROM or modifications to your Windows Phone, you should proceed with caution and at your own risk. Windows Phone Central can not take any responsibility should your device become self-aware after loading this ROM. Should it plan for world domination, it unfortunately comes down to you as the owner. Head on over to the XDA Developers thread for more information and to download.

Source: XDA Developers; thanks, rockstarzzz, for the heads up!

File this under shocking, but wonder hacker Dotcompt has gone ahead an managed to port over Windows Phone 7.8 (early build) from a Nokia phone to a the venerable HTC HD7.

The ROM is now live and ready to be downloaded though like all ROMs, there are some caveats and things to pay attention too, including the fact that this has not yet been widely tested. For the most part, it looks like you just get a new Start screen but it's too early to tell.

Dotcompt’s notes on the release are quite specific and if you are willing to flash your HD7 for the new OS, it should be quite a wild ride:

• OS Version: 7.10.8835.35
• ONLY FOR HTC HD7 (I will try to port it to other devices as soon as I have some free time)
• Available languages: only English
• You can now have the the new Windows Phone 8 Start Screen.
• I did not test it properly, I was in a hurry to share with you guys.
• For sure, it is still a Microsoft Beta Build so some thing may not work, specially in none Nokia Devices.
• The Rom was dumped from a Nokia device and is based on Tango 12180, because it won't boot if we use WP 7.8 kernel.dll and probably most 3d party apps from Marketplace might crash.
• The Rom is almost untouched, this means it is not full unlocked or rooted and homebrew apps will not work (for now). It has only a few Deepshining customizations.
• You can always flash back a WP7.5 Rom if you wish.

Of course we’re not sure if its more astonishing that Dotcompt managed to get his hands on WP7.8 (which is most likely unfinished) or that he went so far as to port it over to the HD7.

For those wanting this on other Windows Phone, we’re sure that it is just a matter of time before other ‘chefs’ pick up and do just that.

Source: XDA Forums; Also see Jaxbot's take from Windows Phone Hacker here.

A custom ROM with Windows Phone 7.8 bits on the HTC Titan

Although Windows Phone 7.8 is not expected to arrive until after Windows Phone 8 launces, bits of the OS are evidently floating around and are being incorporated in custom ROMs for various 1st and 2nd gen Windows Phones.

One of those is the ‘EB Edition’ found at XDA Forums and meant for the venerable HTC Titan. We decided to flash it on to one of our devices and give it a go, so make sure to check out the video after the break…

Truth be told, so far Windows Phone 7.8 (build 8835.35) is just a new Start screen (with multi-sized Tiles) and nothing more. The custom ROM itself features of a bunch of neat things, including the Bazzar homebrew Store and even USB Video Out, but none of that is part of 7.8.

So how does it run? It’s actually quite neat, as to be expected. We’re really excited for the new Start screen as it makes organization a lot  easier, with lower priority apps getting a tiny tile, while important ones can go ‘double wide’. It is odd seeing the Tiles that large, due to the removal of the “gutter” to the right but you get used to it quickly. The EB Edition ROM also handles quite well and we have yet to experience any major issues.

Is it worth unlocking (HSPL), flashing on a compatible ROM and then re-flashing 7.8? Depends on your time and ability to follow directions. The actual process only took about 25 minutes, but it is considerably longer if you have to read up on it. And you should, the risks here are substantial if you don’t do things right.  And although the 7.8 beta Start screen is nice, there are some quirks here and there that makes this optional only for those who have the spare time and strong desire.

We should note that there is an AT&T Titan edition, but hard-unlocking an AT&T phone may be more work (needs Y-cable and GoldCard; correct us if we’re wrong).

The Focus gets some life breathed into it

The other day we gave you folks a quick tour of some bits of Windows Phone 7.8. The upcoming OS update is not yet finished but pieces of it are being incorporated into custom ROMs and are hitting all generation 1 and 2 devices, including the HTC Arrive, Titan and even now the Samsung Focus.

The Focus is considered by many to be the “classic” Windows Phone as it had a great design, sold well and many are in fact still using it. For that reason, it’s kind of neat to see it get this cobbled together 7.8 ROM, which has some other nice bonus features like some Nokia apps and USB Video out.

We haven’t loaded up the ROM ourselves, as our Focus’s battery would need to be brought back to life, so you’ll be taking a risk. We should also note that the Focus hardware version number matters here: version 1.3 are good to go, while version 1.4 are not.

Will the Samsung Focus get an official Windows Phone 7.8 upgrade? We have no idea, but that update is not due until after Windows Phone 8 is released and when it does finally hit, once could always use the CAB method for updating just like in the past. Unfortunately by doing a custom ROM, you will have to hard-reset the device.

For more information, you can head to XDA Forums. Thanks, Philip A., who says this ROM is working out great for him

 Although we believe the amount of people running custom ROMs on their Windows Phone is very small, it’s still a consideration for some of you who don’t want to wait until Microsoft (and your carrier, OEM) releases the next big update.

Luckily over the weekend the supposed RTM build of Windows Phone 7.8, version number 8858, has managed to slip out into ROM chef hands, allowing them to create multiple custom ROMS for various devices. Should you be lucky to have one of these phones and brave enough to install, you can find 7.8 ROMs here...

• HTC Titan
• HTC Mozart
• HTC HD2
• HTC Radar
• HTC HD7
• Samsung Omnia7
• HTC Trophy
• HTC 7Pro
• Nokia Lumia 710
• Nokia Lumia 800

Personally, we’re going to wait a little while ourselves to see how this whole 7.8 update rolls out. Specifically we’re wondering if Microsoft will allow users to update themselves or is this going to be another carrier/OEM fiasco. If it’s the latter, then bookmark these ROMs as they may be your only method for getting 7.8, at least in a timely manner.

To see what's in 7.8 you can read our detailed post on the update here.

Via: WP7RootTools; WMPU

No, the HTC HD2 will evidently never die. First released in November 2009 with Windows Mobile 6.5, the device has been successfully hacked with every OS including Windows Phone 7, 7.5 and 7.8 in addition to Android.

Now, according to legendary mod team Dark Forces Team (DFT), the HTC HD2 will also brandish Windows Phone 8...

The news comes by way of their official forums and is currently lacking details on how it was accomplished. Only a handful of photos showing what looks to be an earlier build of Windows Phone 8 running on the HD2 is given as evidence. The poster though is 'Cotulla', whose reputation is very well known in the hacker-mod community, meaning we can safely assume this isn’t a hoax.

Still, until we have more details on the project we'll have to go with a 7 on our rum'o'meter.

The project, if successful, is remarkable if only because Windows Phone 8 features some extensive software-hardware security “handshaking” in the form of Bitlocker. That form of security is reportedly tied to a physical chip on the device, something that the HD2 is missing. How such a system is bypassed, as mentioned above, is currently not known.

Hopefully more details will be coming out soon with an actual release because as you have probably figured out, if the HD2 can run Windows Phone 8, there might be a chance for Windows Phone 7 devices too.

Source: DFT; Thanks, talan1314, for the tip!

Of all the Nokia devices to have been graced by custom ROMs, the Lumia 900 to our knowledge remains an exception. Before one applies a custom ROM, the so-called bootloader needs to be “unlocked” (and that’s very different from SIM unlocking). We won’t get into the messy details, but that’s the gist of it and so far, the 900 has not been unlocked  for loading some sweet custom work.

Now a report coming out of WinPhoneViet seems to show that the Lumia 900 can be unlocked as well, but it’s going to be way more advanced than what most users can do on a weekend afternoon. Evidently the process here requires an ATF Box, which is a physical third-party device used for flashing around Nokia phones, and taking the phone apart. Yes, you read that correctly. Throw in the fact that the info comes via a Vietnamese phone forum (for translation challenges) and this could be quite the DIY Project.

Physical bootloader unlocks are messy, to say the least. But this could be the first step in getting a software bootloader unlock and something more readily applicable for you “enthusiast” users out there.

Source: WinPhoneViet; Thanks, Tùng Hà, for the tip!

The Samsung ATIV S Windows Phone 8 smartphone is favoured among many, including ourselves. We rated the handset highly in our in-depth review and rightly so - it's a top notch device. If you've been wanting to hop on the custom ROM path with the ATIV S, now's your opportunity with a new solution released over on XDA Developers.

The ROM, authored by WOLF, enables you to unlock the ATIV S, as well as take advantage of some other unique functionality not currently available in the retail version. We haven't loaded up the ROM ourselves, but judging by the response on the ROM thread so far, it's safe to say this is a sound solution. That said, there's always a risk involved when it comes to flashing custom ROMs.

Here are some highlighted features:

• Unlock / Interop Unlock / Relock prevent
• Volume limit disabled
• No pre-pinned tiles of Samsung apps
• Some of Samsung apps removed
• Full access to APNs and Internet Sharing
• Two search providers: Yandex and Google. Both can launch its app from search key (if app is installed). Here're those apps: Yandex, Google.

If you're considering the process, we strongly urge you to carefully read through the post by WOLF. It's recommended you perform a hard reset after flashing (which can be loaded with a stock flasher). While the CSC is based on SER (Russian), the default language is indeed English. There are some differences to general flashing, which have been highlighted by the author.

Be sure to head on over to XDA Developers to try out the new custom ROM, as well as get in touch with the author. If you've gone ahead and flashed your ATIV S with WOLF's custom ROM, be sure to shout out in the comments to let us know how you got on. Thanks to everyone who tipped us!

The presence of WP7 Root Tools demonstrates this Lumia 800 is interop-unlocked

It has certainly been a very exciting 24 hours for Nokia fans between the early release of the 900 data-fix, that hilarous video from India or the prospect that "the Woz" may pick up a Lumia. And now we can add one more.

Over at XDA they have successfully figured out how to get the Lumia devices into unlocked bootloader mode (or rather, to detect if your phone has an unlocked bootloader). In turn, you can install a custom ROM with build 12070 (RM819_059P453_1600.2487.8107.12070_002) on board plus an interop-unlock.

The interop-unlock method goes deeper than developer unlocked on Mango phones but not as deep as a full-unlock. However, it will allow users to install some more sophisticated homebrew apps (e.g. registry editors) as opposed to just sideloading signed apps.

Unfortunately a lot of Lumia 800's won't have an unlocked bootloader (you'll need to check your phone first) but biktor_gj and the rest of the crew over at XDA will surely get to devices with newer firmware on board and unlock their bootloaders eventually.

At time of this writing, biktor_gj is still uploading the custom ROM for the Lumia 710 with interop unlock, though it should be up shortly and use the same process.

Certainly this is a big day for Lumia owners and just the tip of the iceberg for the custom ROMs to follow on these devices.

Source: XDA Forums; via Nokia HD Blog; Thanks, niccolo, for the tip

Metro^7 is a custom Lumia 710 ROM built on the Tango release, and is now available over at the XDA developer forum. The author, XDA member vova1609, states that you need to have your Lumia 710 interop unlocked, but then you should be good to go with flashing. 

Some highlighted features:

• Fully unlocked
• Install XAPs using Internet Explorer
• Bazaar pre-installed
• Bluetooth File Transfer by DFT pre-installed
• Exclusive wallpapers "metro ROCK"
• Added tethering functionality
• Deleted Nokia's apps (Nokia Music, etc.)
• Added Google and Yandex as available search engines

As well as the ROM and included functionality, an exclusive pack of 'metro ROCK' wallpapers are included, featuring multiple designs to match the system theme. Please note that Windows Phone Central does not take any responsibility for any issues your device may develop using this (or any other) available ROM. Use at your own discretion.

Source: XDA, via: Plaffo

It was only yesterday that we covered the availability of Metro^7, a custom ROM for the Lumia 710. Now we're pleased to announce another custom ROM has been published on the XDA forums - RainbowMod. This custom mod, by XDA Forum member lucifer3006, is based on Windows Phone "Tango" and is available in Spanish, French, Hungarian, Swedish, Czech, German, English US, Italian, Polish, Russian, Dutch, Finnish, Greek, Portuguese (Portugal & Brazil), and Danish.

So what's featured in RainbowMod?

• Full Unlock from UltraShot
• Removed OEM applications (Nokia Drive, Maps, etc.)
• Search key remapping
• QuickLaunch menu for quick switching the state of WiFi, 3G, Flight mode, Power save, etc.
• Ability to access file system via WiFi/USB
• Integrated Live ID, DppImplant no longer needed, but the new key can also be banned
• Orientation locker
• Added many color themes
• Easy installation xap from a browser or file manager
• Added Google and Yandex search engines
• xb0xmod cert for cab-updates
• Cab-updatable
• Lots of minor changes
• Updatability via Zune (not guaranteed)

Check out the video below for a quick glance at the ROM.

Two versions are available, the full version and a 'lite' version that strips most languages (leaving English and Russian) and bundled apps away. As always, Windows Phone Central cannot take any responsibility for damaged Lumia 710s, especially if they startup Skynet.

Source: XDA, via: Plaffo

RainbowMod? Sounds familiar, right? We previously covered a custom ROM for the Lumia 710 sharing an identical name, and now it's out for the Lumia 800. Built on Windows Phone "Tango" (7.10.8773.98) and based on Chinese firmware, RainbowMod is shipped with both English (US) and Russian languages.

It's required that the owner has configured the Qualcomm boot loader on their Lumia 800. So what's included in RainbowMod?

• Full Unlock from UltraShot
• Removed OEM applications (Nokia Drive, Maps, etc.)
• Search key remapping
• QuickLaunch menu for quick switching state of WiFi, 3G, Flight mode, Power save, etc.
• Ability to access file system via WiFi/USB
• Integrated Live ID, DppImplant no longer needed, but new key can also be banned
• Orientation locker
• Added multiple colour themes
• Easy installation xap from browser or file manager
• Unlocked Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts (limitation of Chinese firmware)
• Added Google and Yandex search engines
• xb0xmod cert for cab-updates
• Cab-updatable
• Lots of minor changes
• Updatability via Zune (not guaranteed)

It must be noted that the ROM creator does not own a Lumia 800, and thus this may well bust a cap in your Lumia's ass. Windows Phone Central takes no responsibility for any damage caused to your device. Proceed with caution and at your own risk. Head on over to the XDA thread for more information and support.

Source: XDA; thanks Maersk for the heads up!