Please help us by taking our survey
ipod

05/03/2006, 5:35pm, EDT

Wednesday, May 3rd

Rockbox firmware overhauls iPod

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.


Filed under: iPod

, , 5comments, del.icio.us, slashdot, digg, buzz, 


5 comments
Reader Reactions (Please use <i></i> for italic text)

subscribe to comments
for this article




Expand All   Global Settings
automorrow
as well as gapless
0
05/03, 6:46pm, EDT
finally I will buy a iPod .. but I have to wait till Nov.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Oct 2000
User is offline
porieux
gapless is the big deal
0
05/03, 7:13pm, EDT
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.
Baninated
Joined Mar 2001
User is offline
lukechip
antiskip buffer...
0
05/04, 1:07am, EDT
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.

Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined Aug 2003
User is offline
zro
Gapless?
0
05/04, 1:44am, EDT
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?!?
Mac Elite
Joined Nov 2003
User is online
Apple should hire them
0
05/04, 4:21am, EDT
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.
Joined
User is
Your Comments

In order to post comments: If you are a registered member, please login with your MacNN Forums username and password otherwise please uncheck the checkbox below.


Registered Member?
macnn forums login:

macnn forums password:

Not a member of the MacNN forums? Register now for free.

Buy from the Apple Store The Apple Store: Get great deals on the iPod video, iPod Radio Remote, Refurbished iPods starting at $79, iPod shuffle or iPod nano with free engraving, other iPod accessories for the road, or education discounts on iPods.

Check Out the VIERA from Panasonic!: Enter a New Visual Era with Panasonic VIERA HDTVs. An Enhanced Experience.

Get an IT Degree Online: Get solid credentials. Take your hobby to the next level. Adult Programs. Affordable.

Check Out the VIERA from Panasonic!: Enter a New Visual Era with Panasonic VIERA HDTVs. An Enhanced Experience.

NewsGator Enterprise RSS: Improve Corporate Communication via Web 2.0, RSS, and Social Computing.

Get an IT Degree Online: Get solid credentials. Take your hobby to the next level. Adult Programs. Affordable.


Buy from The Apple Store, iTunes.com, Amazon.com, TechDepot, OfficeDepot, Computers4Sure, or donate.