| There are many methods that are used to hack | | | | original firmware. |
| and mod iPods and in this article we will | | | | |
| examine three popular methods: iPod Linux, | | | | Using Rockbox as an operating system is not |
| Rockbox and iPod wizard. Each one requires | | | | that dissimilar from the Linux one. Aiming at |
| some technical understanding to insure proper | | | | providing even more high quality updates and |
| usage and installation. The reason for this | | | | experiences, Rockbox may be considered one of |
| is because during the installation process, | | | | the best operating systems which focus on |
| serious problems may occur if it is not done | | | | improving audio performance by expanding |
| with care. The iPod may be ruined, the data | | | | audio format compatibility. |
| can be lost, and it might be difficult to | | | | |
| recover the iPod. | | | | The increased audio format compatibility |
| | | | includes: FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, AC3, WMA, MP3/2 |
| Mods and hacks for iPods expand the usability | | | | 1, WavPack, Speex, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless, |
| of the device and give added customization. | | | | ACC, Musepack, and more. Other unique feature |
| The MP3 playlist is not that complete, or if | | | | includes speaking menus support which allows |
| one is not satisfied with the way artists or | | | | one to navigate the iPod blindly, plug-in |
| the titles of the songs are organized. | | | | support and advance audio tuning. Rockbox |
| Sometimes the volume is too low or you wish | | | | does not remove the original firmware on your |
| to install a different icon or font. These | | | | iPod instead it is loaded via a boot loader. |
| are just a few of the potential complaints a | | | | This makes the risk of installation much |
| person can list toward their iPod.iPod Linux | | | | lower compared to iPod Linux. |
| and Rockbox are operating systems which can | | | | |
| work as another firmware for the iPod and are | | | | The iPod Wizard is more like a modification |
| more powerful compared to other hacks which | | | | utility than a totally different firmware. |
| simply represent a modified version of the | | | | Itss basically used to work on the quality of |
| basic ones. This will mean that users will be | | | | the images, changing text, adding icons and |
| given the ability to give their iPod a | | | | its installation is not that challenging. |
| totally different look, thanks to a wider | | | | Since this support is only about images and |
| range of customization options, or by adding | | | | text, others mods exist which only deal with |
| a new theme to the device. But this also | | | | audio, and their focus for example is shifted |
| allows for additional changes since | | | | to increasing the maximum volume perceived in |
| possibilities arise for new text document | | | | the headphones. |
| creation, new games, new playlist | | | | |
| organization, video playback, and so on. | | | | There are many other hacks and mods which can |
| | | | give you added features you never thought |
| Also these additional operating systems are | | | | possible on an iPod. From transforming your |
| constantly updated allowing for the latest | | | | iPod into a remote control to playing the |
| version to be installed. However, using a new | | | | classic 3D first person shooter DOOM, to even |
| operating system to hack the iPod like iPod | | | | just modifying the way your iPod looks on the |
| Linux for example means you must first be | | | | exterior. If you're interested, explore the |
| aware of the challenge it offers not so much | | | | internet and discover the new abilities your |
| in terms of its usage, but mainly for its | | | | iPod. |
| installation since it replaces your iPod's | | | | |