Can someone explain/flame to me on what this topic is all about?

I'll give it a shot...

Your cell phone is really just a specialized computer with a wireless network connection. It has the software that your cellular provider has picked for you, but their software sucks. Why not replace what they give you with better software that has more features?

You are a real asshole.

I obviously read the forum description.

Why would I want to replace it w/ better software? What other features could I add?

TBP is just trolling.

Yes, this is exactly what I'm doing...

Moron.

The carriers lock down many of the features that the good folks that make your phone have created.

With hacked or alternate software you can regain access to these.

Ok like what features would I possibly be interested in? I don't care about extra games or some gay ring tones.

Some people like to take apart the firmware and change the look of the UI, others like to optimise it to run faster, others still like to load firmwares from different phones.

One of the more interesting ones around at the moment is the ELFPack, which allows you to code C applications for certain SE handsets. It all depends on what you WANT to do, really.

THAT'S AMAZING!

I know that sounds sarcastic, but I just wandered in here thinking it would be all about unlocking people's Nokias, and I find out you can do that!

Can you just code in C and use blue tooth and GPRS and Irda and GPS and serial as inputs and outputs?

That would be perfect for this machine I'm making.

Sorry, looking back I'm not sure if I got the C bit right - you can code *nix ELF applications, but it doesn't affect any phones I've owned so I never looked too hard into it. If you're interested:

http://forums.se-nse.net/index.php?showtopic=20238

Be prepared to jump around a bit, as SE-NSE has a dickload of information but it's not as well organised as one would hope.