Open-source projects in Firmware & Embedded that exist because someone reverse engineered a closed product. Most-starred: LEDE (Lean), OpenWrt, Tasmota, Unleashed Firmware, Atmosphere.
Search and filter this category →Alternative firmware for ESP8266/ESP32 smart devices with local MQTT/HTTP control
Custom Flipper Zero firmware with extended sub-GHz protocols
Customized firmware for the Nintendo Switch
Flipper Zero firmware with sub-GHz, NFC, RFID and IR protocol decoders
Firmware framework for ESP devices; widely used to replace stock firmware on smart plugs
Feature-rich custom Flipper Zero firmware
Open-source custom firmware for the Xteink X4 e-ink reader
Custom firmware for the Nintendo 3DS
Custom firmware hacks for Xiaomi Dafang and Ingenic T20 cameras
Custom firmware for Xiaomi LYWSD03MMC thermometers and similar BLE sensors
Firmware analysis tool for identifying and extracting embedded files
Tool to investigate and reverse-engineer unknown wireless protocols
Open-source SDR platform for wireless RE
Binary emulation framework used for firmware and IoT analysis
UEFI firmware image viewer and editor
Tool for partially deblobbing Intel ME firmware images
Security analyzer for embedded device firmware
Embedded system simulator for running and debugging unmodified firmware
Unofficial Qualcomm Firehose, Sahara, streaming and DIAG tools
Extraction suite for arbitrary firmware and binary blobs
Popular OpenWrt-based firmware source for routers
Linux distribution for embedded devices and routers replacing vendor firmware
OpenWrt fork with extended router support
Enhanced third-party firmware for Asus routers
on_boot.d and utilities for customizing UniFi Dream Machines
Collect UniFi controller, site, device and client data for metrics
Shell toolbox of add-on apps for Xiaomi routers
PHP client for Ubiquiti's undocumented UniFi Controller API
Reverse engineering and modding RTL960x-based xPON ONT sticks
Fault-injection modchip for the Starlink user terminal
Custom firmware/OS overhaul for the Miyoo Mini and Mini+ handhelds
ArkOS custom Linux firmware for Rockchip-based handhelds (RG351, RGB10, etc.)
ROCKNIX immutable Linux distribution for ARM handheld gaming devices
Minimal custom launcher and libretro frontend for many retro handhelds
Third-party TI-84 Plus CE / TI-83 Premium CE emulator with developer features
Third-party open-source operating system for TI z80 calculators
Custom firmware for BittBoy, PocketGo, PowKiddy V90/Q90/Q20 and other Miyoo handhelds
Handheld firmware for Anbernic RG351/RG552/RG353 and compatible devices
Enhanced custom OS for the TrimUI Smart Pro handheld
JELOS Linux distribution for handheld gaming devices
Reverse engineering Sony digital cameras: install apps via PlayMemories Camera Apps protocol
App to unlock hidden settings on Sony cameras
Alternative firmware for Xiaomi Yi cameras on Hi3518e chipsets
Firmware research tool that adds FL2/FL3 and custom looks to the Sony A7C II
Git-based Magic Lantern, open add-on firmware for Canon EOS cameras
Custom firmware for Yi 1080p cameras based on the Allwinner platform
Reverse engineering and custom code for Fujifilm cameras
Autoexec scripts and mods for the Xiaomi Yi action camera from firmware RE
Build Android apps for Sony PlayMemories-capable cameras
Tools from reverse engineering Nikon DSLR firmware (Nikon Hacker)