# 111: Potty Train Your Tamagotchi

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2015-07-29
- Length: 50m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-29-111-potty-train-your-tamagotchi
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/embedded-ep111mp3

## Summary

Natalie Silvanovich, a security engineer at Google's Project Zero, discusses her reverse engineering of Tamagotchi devices, ranging from early 6502-based models to modern NFC-enabled versions. She details how she bypassed General Plus mask ROM limitations using a vulnerability in programmable figure accessories to dump code and create a Tamagotchi development kit. Silvanovich also explains her 'Hardware Excuse Generator' tool and her work on Flash exploits, highlighting the contrast between high-end mobile security and low-end hardware constraints.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-29-111-potty-train-your-tamagotchi#t=6) Introduction: Natalie Silvanovich and Tamagotchi Overview
- [5:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-29-111-potty-train-your-tamagotchi#t=338) Reverse Engineering General Plus 6502 Hardware and Mask ROM
- [10:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-29-111-potty-train-your-tamagotchi#t=645) Exploiting Figure Accessories to Dump Code and Create Dev Kit
- [15:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-29-111-potty-train-your-tamagotchi#t=905) Career Background: Blackberry, Google Project Zero, and Flash Exploits
- [26:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-29-111-potty-train-your-tamagotchi#t=1570) The Hardware Excuse Generator and Engineering Culture
- [34:20](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-29-111-potty-train-your-tamagotchi#t=2060) Tamagotchi Development Board and Modern NFC Features
- [40:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-07-29-111-potty-train-your-tamagotchi#t=2405) Conclusion: Vintage Collecting and Future of Virtual Pets

## Topics

- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Security & privacy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/security-and-privacy)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Tamagotchi (product)
- General Plus (chip)
- Bandai (company)
- Google (company)
- Project Zero (other)
- Blackberry (company)
- IDAPython (tool)
- Saleae Logic Analyzer (tool)
- Arduino (tool)
- Furby (product)
- Fitbit (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [039 - Changing the Nature of Reality](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2020-09-13-039-changing-the-nature-of-reality) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [049 - Reversing Your Childhood One Game At a Time](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2021-07-11-049-reversing-your-childhood-one-game-at-a-time) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [002 - Cheap And Easy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2017-08-30-002-cheap-and-easy) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [004 - 0x0FF the Rails](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2017-10-13-004-0x0ff-the-rails) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)
- [047 - The Sun, The Moon, The Stars](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2021-05-16-047-the-sun-the-moon-the-stars) (Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast)

## Citing this page

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