International Galaxy S and Sprint Epic 4G phones have a handy front-facing camera, but other Galaxy S users aren't quite as lucky. The phones are similar enough, though, that you can install one yourself.


This particular hack was originally done on a Samsung Vibrant (T-Mobile's Galaxy S phone), but it may work on other variations, like Verizon's Fascinate (though some may require heavier modding). It turns out that the camera chip is the same in all versions of the phone, and their cases even have a space where the missing front camera would go. Hacker Siirial over at the XDA Developers forums found that he could just snap a replacement camera right in, add some modded software and have a fully functional camera on the front of his phone.

The replacement camera only costs about $16, and while the mod certainly isn't for the squeamish, it isn't too difficult—everything pretty much snaps right into place (no heavy tools or electrical skills required). Then, you just need to root your phone, flash a certain ROM, and throw a camera data file into the right folder to get it all working. Hit the link for the detailed how-to.


i9000s Camera Installed [XDA-Developers via Talk Android]