This video is a short demonstration showcasing the unexpected capabilities of a cheap, 15€ 4G LTE router sourced from AliExpress. The presenter reveals that the device's Qualcomm MSM8916 System-on-Chip (SoC) runs a minimal version of Android 4.4.4, despite having no standard inputs besides a power button and a low-resolution 128-pixel screen. By connecting to the device via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), the presenter successfully sideloads and runs the classic video game "Doom." The video concludes with the observation that because the device is essentially a stripped-down Android phone, a cheap smartphone could be used as an alternative for LTE routing.
Hacking a 15€ 4G LTE Router to Run "Doom"
0:00 Hidden Capabilities: The video demonstrates that a very cheap (~15€) 4G LTE router from AliExpress has surprising hidden functionality.
0:10 Android-Based System: The router's internal Qualcomm MSM8916 SoC is revealed to be running the Android operating system, specifically version 4.4.4.
0:18 Minimalist Hardware: The device's native interface is extremely limited, featuring a low-resolution 128px screen and no user inputs other than a power button.
0:31 Running "Doom": The presenter proves the device's versatility by sideloading and running the classic game "Doom" on the router.
0:36 Remote Control via ADB: Since the router lacks physical controls, the game is controlled remotely from a PC using a mouse via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
1:21 A Viable Alternative: The presenter concludes that because the router is fundamentally an Android device, a cheap, used smartphone could perform the same function as this dedicated LTE router.