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.
as well as gapless
05/03, 06:46pm reply
finally I will buy a iPod .. but I have to wait till Nov.
automorrow
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2000
gapless is the big deal
05/03, 07:13pm reply
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.
porieux
Baninated
Joined: Mar 2001
antiskip buffer...
05/04, 01:07am reply
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.
lukechip
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2003
Gapless?
05/04, 01:44am reply
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?!?
zro
Mac Elite
Joined: Nov 2003
Apple should hire them
05/04, 04:21am reply delete
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.
BabyBloc
Joined: