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Rockbox firmware overhauls iPod

updated 05:35 pm EDT, Wed May 3, 2006

Rockbox iPod firmware


A new open-source firmware upgrade for Apple's iPod is turning heads, offering users choice and greater control over audio playback. CNET recently reviewed Rockbox, an open-source firmware project that completely replaces the iPod's firmware while expanding the capabilities and limitations of the existing hardware. The firmware features OGG and FLAC support, as well as gapless playback. Users can crossfade, fade in/out, and can configure an antiskip buffer. Rockbox displays photos -- although not in a thumbnail grid view -- and allows users to zoom in or modify slide-show settings. The firmware is slated for release in November.

The software includes customizable file/folder organization, and supports browsing by ID3 tag data. Rockbox enables users to increase volume, control, bass and treble, balance, stereo width, mono/stereo settings, and cross-feed. Rockbox also offers a choice of customizable playback screen skins, as well as a graphical equalizer that helps sculpt sound in real time.


by MacNN Staff

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  1. automorrow

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Oct 2000

    0
    05/03, 06:46pm | report spam | Reply |

    as well as gapless

    finally I will buy a iPod .. but I have to wait till Nov.

  1. porieux

    Baninated

    Joined: Mar 2001

    0
    05/03, 07:13pm | report spam | Reply |

    gapless is the big deal

    what they don't tell you is that it doesn't use the itunes xml file so good luck navigating the ipod...and it kills batter life etc etc.....still maybe it will shame Apple into adding gapless.

  1. lukechip

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2003

    0
    05/04, 01:07am | report spam | Reply |

    antiskip buffer...

    Don't quite know what this means / how they can do it, but I like the sound of it. Having my 3G iPod crash after 15 mins of jogging is annoying.

  1. zro

    Mac Elite

    Joined: Nov 2003

    0
    05/04, 01:44am | report spam | Reply |

    Gapless?

    That's all fine and dandy, but (native) OGG support is what I want to see in the iPod and iTunes.

    And where's my freaking iTunes-iPod custom EQ sync?!?

  1. BabyBloc

    Joined:

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    05/04, 04:21am | report spam | Reply | delete

    Apple should hire them

    Did you see the account of the folks hacking the iPod AURALLY to get firmware? http://ipodlinux.org/stories/piezo/ I don't care if it's useful, that's just brilliant.

    I'm tempted to buy an iPod, but really want a way to take short notes with addresses and numbers. Give me a handwriting recog screen and I'd pay a lot for that.

    PS. I saw a guy talking into his calculator today. Ten years ago we'd all have thought him totally crazy.

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