Windows Phone Internals update paves way for custom ROMs on any Lumia

Microsoft's own plans for mobile may be on the outs, but enterprising developers are proving there's some life left in Windows phone devices if you're willing to tinker. Driving that point home is an upcoming update to Windows Phone Internals, a tool that was last updated in 2015, which will allow for Root access, and subsequently flashing of custom ROMs, on all Windows Phone 8 and Windows 10 Mobile-based Lumia devices.

The update itself isn't yet available, but its developer, who goes by the handle Heathcliff74, has teased its release with a brief overview of version 2.2. The tool essentially automates a number of processes required to unlock the bootloader on any Lumia device, disabling security features and allowing you to gain Root access. Once Root access has been achieved, the device is completely unlocked, allowing you to do things like flashing custom ROMs, creating full device backups, or even using your Lumia in Mass Storage Mode. Other hacks are also possible, but we'll have to see what developers can conjure up. You can see a demo of the tool in action in the video below:

There's no word on when Windows Phone Internals 2.2 will be available, but it should prove interesting for anyone looking to tinker with their Lumia.

Should Microsoft consider full Windows 10 on the Surface Neo?
Editorial

Should Microsoft consider full Windows 10 on the Surface Neo?

At this point, who knows if Windows 10X will ever ship. I'm more worried about the Surface Neo, which is at risk of never launching if Windows 10X doesn't. Should Microsoft attempt to ship Surface Neo with full Windows 10 instead? I think they could and should. Here are my thoughts.