Bring New Life to Your IPod

There are many methods that are used to hack and mod iPods and in this article we will examine three popular methods: iPod Linux, Rockbox and iPod wizard. Each one requires some technical understanding to insure proper usage and installation. The reason for this is because during the installation process, serious problems may occur if it is not done with care. The iPod may be ruined, the data can be lost, and it might be difficult to recover the iPod.

Mods and hacks for iPods expand the usability of the device and give added customization. The MP3 playlist is not that complete, or if one is not satisfied with the way artists or the titles of the songs are organized. Sometimes the volume is too low or you wish to install a different icon or font. These are just a few of the potential complaints a person can list toward their iPod.

iPod Linux and Rockbox are operating systems which can work as another firmware for the iPod and are more powerful compared to other hacks which simply represent a modified version of the basic ones. This will mean that users will be given the ability to give their iPod a totally different look, thanks to a wider range of customization options, or by adding a new theme to the device. But this also allows for additional changes since possibilities arise for new text document creation, new games, new playlist organization, video playback, and so on.

Also these additional operating systems are constantly updated allowing for the latest version to be installed. However, using a new operating system to hack the iPod like iPod Linux for example means you must first be aware of the challenge it offers not so much in terms of its usage, but mainly for its installation since it replaces your iPod's original firmware.

Using Rockbox as an operating system is not that dissimilar from the Linux one. Aiming at providing even more high quality updates and experiences, Rockbox may be considered one of the best operating systems which focus on improving audio performance by expanding audio format compatibility.

The increased audio format compatibility includes: FLAC, Ogg Vorbis, AC3, WMA, MP3/2/1, WavPack, Speex, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless, ACC, Musepack, and more. Other unique feature includes speaking menus support which allows one to navigate the iPod blindly, plug-in support and advance audio tuning. Rockbox does not remove the original firmware on your iPod instead it is loaded via a boot loader. This makes the risk of installation much lower compared to iPod Linux.

The iPod Wizard is more like a modification utility than a totally different firmware. Itss basically used to work on the quality of the images, changing text, adding icons and its installation is not that challenging. Since this support is only about images and text, others mods exist which only deal with audio, and their focus for example is shifted to increasing the maximum volume perceived in the headphones.

There are many other hacks and mods which can give you added features you never thought possible on an iPod. From transforming your iPod into a remote control to playing the classic 3D first person shooter DOOM, to even just modifying the way your iPod looks on the exterior. If you're interested, explore the internet and discover the new abilities your iPod.

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Download Free Legal Music For Ipod - The Top Solution

The proliferation of P2P file sharing networks on the Internet makes it very tempting and easy for someone to get themselves into a lot of trouble with the Recording Industry Association of America. The increasing sophistication of technology has made it much easier for the RIAA to track who is illegally making songs available for download and the people who are downloading them.

Very recently a student of Utah State University was sued by the RIAA for doing just that. The RIAA is negotiating a settlement of about $3,000 dollars. In another case a 12 year old child was prosecuted for file sharing and the case was settled for $2,000. I'll outline a solution for acquiring legal free music downloads for iPods below which will keep you in good graces with the RIAA.

There are a number of Internet sites that offer free music that's legal to download to your iPod. Accessing these services will prevent law suits against you for illegally acquiring downloads from P2P file sharing networks. Additionally, a number of the file sharing networks will bombard you with popup ads and the files can include a number of viruses and trojans.

The Dilemma

A number of sites like Yahoo Music and iTunes offer music downloads at a per download fee of 99 cents. These sites are certainly legal and will keep you out of trouble with the RIAA. The only drawback about these sites is the songs are coded with DRM and will no longer play on your computer if you discontinue your membership with them. The aforementioned sites are two of the top music download sites available with iTunes being number one.

Another site that's ranked second only to iTunes is eMusic. Their advantage is all their songs are DRM free, in MP3 format and will play on any platform. They offer a monthly subscription which allows a limited number of downloads. But the drawback is they specialize in independent or "indie" music artists. Although you own the music you download, their selection of the major recording labels and music artists is very limited.

The Top Solution

A more economical solution for acquiring unlimited iPod music downloads of the major recording labels without the hassle of per download fees, is to sign up for a membership with one of the numerous iPod music download services. These services typically advertise free music downloads and for all intents and purposes that's true in most cases.

Because, for the most part, they offer a lifetime membership for around $35 to $45 dollars. This one time fee includes unlimited downloads of iPod tunes and the fee is basically to offset administration costs, customer service and to keep their server computers online.

The iPod music download sites typically offer more than just music downloads. Your membership generally includes access to music videos, TV shows, movies, iPod games and cheats, conversion software and other related software. Some require you to download free software you would use to access the music, movies and other downloads. And some offer a rich assortment of incentive software like DVD burners and the Google free software package.

In Summary

The very nominal one time fee required for a lifetime membership is really a no brainer compared to the major sites charging you about a dollar per download. Because, the cost of 35 songs with one of them, would pay for a lifetime membership, with unlimited iPod downloads of not only music but all the aforementioned files. The download speeds are very good, there's no DRM hassle and your tunes continue to play on your computer even if you discontinue your membership. Best of all, you won't get into trouble with the RIAA.

About the Author:
You can find out more about free legal music downloads for iPods at http://quickipoddownloads.ipodsid.com/. Sid Nelson is an avid iPod user and owns a Website with info about iPod music and other media at http://ipodsid.com/ There's also an http://amazon.com/ store featuring iPods, accessories and MP3s.

Download Videos with RealPlayer Plus 11

RealNetworks announced the launch of their newest version of RealPlayer Plus, called RealPlayer 11 Gold. RealAudio and Real Networks have been a leader in computer based music players for many years! New features of RealPlayer Plus include Web Video Downloading, DVD Burning, and iPod Video Transfer.

RealPlayer 11 gives you the ability to download videos from thousands of internet sites, and the player will automatically display a download button on non-DRM protected videos. You will instantly know which videos can be downloaded, and a single click will begin the download process. The result? You can build a video playlist to watch whenever you want. The RealPlayer Plus player also makes it possible to burn videos to DVD, or transfer videos to a video-compatible iPod classic or iPod Nano.

Internet videos have become one of the most popular items available on the Internet today. Thousands of new videos are created and uploaded each day. So it's no surprise that RealNetworks has covered this feature within their new software version.

Some RealPlayer Plus feature highlights:

It Works with iPod! iPod players are no longer isolated from the rest of the music world! You can transfer your videos directly onto your iPod.

You can burn your video downloads onto DVD! Burn your favorite Web videos to a DVD and you can watch them on your TV, laptop, PC, or anywhere else can play a DVD. Unfortunately, the player doesn't supply the popcorn to eat while watching the DVD.

RealPlayer Plus has advanced video controls which allow you to adjust the viewer just like you might adjust a TV set for better picture quality. You can tweak your video controls for brightness, contrast, sharpness, hue, etc. and the RealPlayer Plus will remember your settings.

RealPlayer Plus contains a 10-Band Graphic EQ! Add some Thumpin Bass!! Or Ear shattering high frequencies! You can take control of the music and optimize the sound exactly the way you like it!

There are lots of other features also, you can check our more at the RealPlayer Plus web site. One other thing I will mention, is that RealPlayer plays every major media type, including QuickTime MPEG-4, Windows Media, DVDs and CDs. And, you can tune in to over 3,200 online radio stations worldwide for endless listening!

Download RealPlayer Plus Here

Create an iTunes iMix to share with friends

Well, maybe now is the time to try out this super musical software service called iTunes! iTunes now offers TV shows, movies, audio books and more, IN ADDITION to being the single biggest music provider going, and that offers immediate compatibility with iPod!

With iTunes, you can purchase songs directly from the Itunes Music Store, download them to your iPod, create your own playlists, and even create an iMix of your songs to share with everyone else surfing the net. Whats't that? You don't know how to create an iMix?

Well then, here are some instructions to get you going:

Highlight your playlist in iTunes by clicking it with your mouse.

• Then Select menu items: FILE / CREATE IMIX
• You will be asked to provide your login or screen name and password
• iTunes will search thru your playlist for songs that are availible
• Then you will be asked to give it a Title and Description.
• After that, Select PUBLISH!

Once you've published your playlist as an iMix, you'll receive an e-mail from iTunes with the URL for the iMix. Just send it off to all your friends and they can listen to YOUR music picks!

Simple huh? Be sure to share your iMix with the world... Or maybe just whoever you want to share it with. If you aren't sure how to get to iTunes, just click the button to the right. The software will startup as soon as you get there so you can get started easily.

Good luck with your iMix, and have fun!

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