Ben Heck transforms Apple iPhone into the Ultimate Hand-Held Gaming Device in element14's "The Ben Heck Show"

Modding guru pays homage to consumer electronics as 2012 CES tradeshow kicks off

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Jan 09, 2012, 03:01 ET

CHICAGO, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- element14, the first collaborative community and electronics store for design engineers and electronics enthusiasts, and modding guru Ben Heck pay homage to the 2012 CES International tradeshow in the latest episode of the "The Ben Heck Show." This week's modding project features an Apple iPhone®that Ben morphs into an enhanced hand-held gaming tool – sure to impress even Android fans.

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"CES starts today, and I couldn't think of a more fitting project than one that combines my love for video games with a device that many consumers are extremely passionate about," said Ben. "Sure, the iPhone is a great device for game play already, but I wanted to take it to the next level for the ultimate mobile gaming enthusiast."

To successfully implement video gaming capabilities onto the smaller-footed iPhone, Ben first deconstructs an iCade®system that enables gaming on an Apple iPad® to integrate a scaled-down version of the circuitry. Then, by connecting a PodBreakout board to a simulated battery, Ben borrows voltage from the iPad to enable the Bluetooth required to power the iPhone for mobile gaming purposes.

"This latest episode is a must-see for gamers, tech gurus and electronics enthusiasts alike," said Kevin Yapp, chief marketing officer, Premier Farnell. "Ben shows viewers how a comprehensive suite of resources available on element14, coupled with a DIY spirit and technological know-how can create spectacularly innovative results – in this case an enhanced version of the popular iPhone."

Ben wraps up the episode by showing viewers how to build the case and required controller components – from designing and routing the shell and laser button pads using an Epilog Laser Engraver to creating and printing buttons. The final result is a tricked-out innovative hand-held Apple iPhone gaming device. Show fans are invited to join the element14 community to send Ben a challenge for a future build, engage with community members, and enter for a chance to win the build from this episode.

In conjunction with CES, Ben will demonstrate his latest mod in a live streaming interview with the host of GT.TV, Geoff Keighley on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 2:15 p.m. PST. Directly following the interview, Ben will go up against "Men's Health" contributor Matt Bean in a live debate on the benefits of robotics. Check out the live stream at allaccess.spike.com or Gametrailers.com

About "The Ben Heck Show"

"The Ben Heck Show" is a bi-weekly online television series aired in English that's dedicated to the science and art of system and hardware modding with a global audience of design engineers, students and electronic enthusiasts. Now in its second year, the show has already attracted more than 3 million views. Sponsored exclusively by element14, each episode spotlights Ben's mods of popular electronic devices while educating viewers on the underlying technology powering each project.

About element14

element14 is a high-service distributor of technology products and solutions for electronic system design, maintenance and repair. It brings together the latest products, services, and development software, all connected to an innovative online engineering community where purchasers and engineers can access peers and experts, a wide range of independent technical information and helpful tools. When researching a new technology, designing an electronic product, or looking for parts to repair an existing system, they can rely on element14 to find the answers and parts they need to keep projects on the fast track, right from the start.

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