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.

Fresh Gadget and Technology Blog with the Latest Gadgets.

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!

BJC Computer Services

Consumer Victory over DRM Music Restriction?

EMI has announced a move to non-DRM Music format. The first big music label change to freely transferable digital music may set a new trend and benefit consumers! EMI has agreed to provide online music download through iTunes without the use of digital rights management (DRM). If you read our article titled Music Format Frustration you already know that DRM results in compatibility problems using various music players and download providers.

Beginning in May of 2007, EMI will release DRM-free music, encoded for a higher sound quality than current offerings, and selling on iTunes for $1.29 per track in the U.S.

Read the full article

The most universally accepted music format is currently MP3. Apple will offer DRM-free music from EMI in 256-Kbp AAC encoding, which has higher sound quality than current downloads using 128-Kbp AAC encoding with DRM. This can somewhat justify the expected higher price per download.

Unfortunately for iPod users, 256K file sizes will be nearly twice the size of current 128K AAC files with DRM, which will use up valuable storage capacity. But, the trade off is that you will be getting higher quality sound! With iTunes accounting for roughly 70% of legal paid digital music downloads, AAC may even become a future standard for DRM-free music.

Currently, it's estimated that about 10% of digital-audio players support AAC. If you have a player that doesn't support AAC, you will probably need to obtain firmware patches for your music player to achieve compatibility. Firmware patches are simply software downloads which update your player. Usually, they are provided free of charge by Manufacturers.

"The Good, The Bad & The Queen" is the first EMI album available for download in DRM-free MP3 format. You can download it directly from http://www.thegoodthebadandthequeen.com/

At this point, it's too early to determine if other music providers will follow the lead of EMI in removing the DRM requirement. Addressing DRM incompatibilities is one step in a positive direction for consumers wanting to legally download music, while still enjoying the flexibility to use whichever music software or music player they prefer!!

Music Format Frustrations

Frustration on a holiday morning!!?? Not Good...!!

On a rainy and dreary start to the holiday season here in the Northeast U.S., I woke up with a nice positive attitude! Until I decided to play some recently purchased music files... It reminded me that not all music download services are prepared to stuff your plate with gravy and goodies during the holiday season!

Copyright protection methods currently being implemented by online music service providers may likely result in driving customers AWAY from legal services instead of reeling them in! When someone purchases a song or album using online methods, there is an unspoken assumption they will be able to play the music when they want, use their preferred music player, and copy the purchased songs to CD or portable music player for their travel listening pleasure.

Unfortunately, the developing reality is that the protection methods being implemented by some top music download providers LIMIT music purchases from being played or accessed by music players other than their own. If the online providers don't satisfy customer needs and expectations, then they can probably expect the customer to go elsewhere for their downloads.

Examples:

- iTunes downloads using the M4P file format can only be played using iTunes software

- SonicStage (Sony CONNECT) uses a file format of OMA which is restricted to being played on SonicStage software

I'm not trying to isolate iTunes or SonicStage! I know these two service providers are widely accepted in the online music world. And, I'm sure there are plenty of other download services with similar restrictions. If someone selects to purchase a song from one of these providers, it's important that they realize the song format is not supported in common music players like Windows Media Player and Winamp! Suppose the purchasers entire music library has already been cataloged using Windows Media Player? Now they have to start the SonicStage player just to listen to this one particular song? How crazy is that??!!

On a more positive note, Rhapsody uses a music format of RAX which appears to be playable using most players. I also purchased and downloaded songs from other download providers like Wal-Mart.com that use the WMA format. That format also appears to be compatible with most music players.

My editorial comment: The online music industry needs to place additional focus on Interoperability, defined as "The ability of software and hardware on multiple machines from multiple vendors to communicate". The online music purchase process requires a solution that allows users to purchase songs legally, without restriction from playing the songs using whichever music player they choose! I believe we should share a common goal of providing legal copyright protection while respecting the integrity of the purchaser to play songs without unnecessary restriction. Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a term that refers to any of several technologies used by publishers or copyright owners to control access to and usage of digital data or hardware, and to restrictions associated with a specific instance of a digital work or device. DRM is currently in use by many service providers to maintain restrictions on their downloads.

Learn more about DRM.

So, what is my recommendation to online music service users? The common file types that appear to be playable in MOST music players is MP3 and WMA. Pick a music download service that provides one of these file formats. There are plenty of them... If your current provider uses more restricted file formats, you can always reconsider the use of their service. If you plan to make an exclusive commitment and continue to use their service, then great! Just keep in mind that if you change your mind after 6 months or so, then all those songs you purchased will remain orphaned and isolated from other music players.


Webmaster @ BJC Services
http://www.bjc-computer-services.com/joomla/online-services/

Online Music Players

Online music services have exploded onto the Internet scene as a result of copyright violations and legal issues surrounding online music sharing. It seems everyone wants to sell you legal music these days, and they have developed some really good online programs and resources to help you along. Keep in mind, that THESE resources are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and they are NEVER out-of-stock!!

Music players include Windows Media Player (free if you own Microsoft's operating system) which provides access to various online stores directly from within the program. This really simplifies accessing sites and purchasing songs, as well as automatically adding purchased songs to your play list or music library. You can download this program from the Microsoft Download Center.

Another great music player is iTunes. They have arguably the largest and most popular music program possibly because of it's close relationship with iPod. Also, the software is fully compatible with both the Microsoft Windows and MAC operating systems!

Subscription music sites offer online music purchase as well as the ability to access and play "millions" of songs. These sites require subscription (at a reasonable cost), and for the most part you must be online in order to access the subscription music. However, if you purchase songs they are usually downloaded to your PC and then can be played whenever you want.

Subscription sites definitely have their value if you don't mind the monthly expense and you are a heavy music listener. However, when the monthly subscription cost was added to the monthly Internet access cost the dollars start to add up. I found the subscription costs associated with most web sites to be an unnecessary expense for ONE reason alone... WINAMP!

If you run the WINAMP program, it provides access to the vast majority of current hit songs for free! It also provides access to music services provided by various third party companies like AOL and XM RADIO. Using WINAMP, you can listen to songs, watch music videos, and access streaming music channels all for FREE. If you are looking for older songs, this may not be the best route for you though as most of the music is current. They do NOT maintain a substantial archive of older songs.

Good luck with your online music services! This definitely beats driving to a store, buying a CD, then finding that you only really like one or two songs!!

Visit BJC Computer Services for additional information