YouTuber transforms regular calculator into a device with internet and ChatGPT

First released by Texas Instruments, the TI-84 Plus is a 10-year-old calculator that still has a monopoly in the education market.

And now, a new hack by hardware hacker ChromaLock has transformed this device into a powerful tool with internet access, ChatGPT integration, and other advanced features.

The modification, known as TI-32, introduces capabilities far beyond the calculator’s original design, sparking concerns over its potential use for academic cheating.

The mod uses an ESP32 C3 microcontroller to emulate another TI-84, enabling the two devices to connect over Wi-Fi. This allows users to discreetly access ChatGPT, input complex math problems, and even browse the web, all without visible signs of modification.

The TI-32 mod is undetectable by standard anti-cheating protocols, making it a serious concern for educational institutions.

ChromaLock has made the mod available through GitHub and emphasized that it was created for educational purposes, not to promote "academic dishonesty."

Despite this disclaimer, the hack’s potential to bypass traditional exam safeguards raises ethical questions.

The mod also supports additional features like viewing color images, changing Wi-Fi settings directly from the calculator, and downloading apps from a pre-configured server.

In a video demonstration, ChromaLock showcased how the mod could be used to input math problems into ChatGPT or obtain vocabulary definitions instantly.

He also teased additional apps under development, including a camera app. Users can further enhance the calculator by developing custom apps and making them available on the server.

As the mod gains attention, it highlights the growing intersection between technology and education, and how easily powerful tools can be repurposed for unintended uses.