Sprout modernizes Apple’s iPod with a new circuit board
A project has developed electronics that fit inside old iPod cases and are designed to modernize the devices. A crowdfunding campaign is coming soon.
Sprout circuit board: Crowdfunding launches soon.
(Image: certain things)
A new circuit board can bring Apple’s currently back-in-style iPod MP3 players up to date. The Sprout modding project will soon launch a crowdfunding campaign to add modern features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi streaming and USB-C to third- and fourth-generation iPods and the iPod mini. Sound quality is also supposed to improve thanks to a “Hi-Fi DAC”, according to the creators at British open-source hardware studio certain things. The mainboard, which is expected to go on sale soon, is based on a Raspberry Pi RP2350, with an optional Pi Compute Module Zero. An integrated microSD card reader supports cards with up to 2 TB — unfortunately, they are currently very expensive — significantly more storage than any previous iPod.
Two versions, with or without a Compute Module
The Sprout project will launch “soon” on Crowd Supply. The version without a Compute Module is called “Sprout Pico”, while the one with a Compute Module is called “Sprout Pi”. According to certain things, a converted iPod can hold up to 500,000 songs; users must provide their own microSD cards. Streaming services such as Apple Music and Spotify are supposed to work out of the box on the Compute Module version, Sprout Pi. The scroll wheel controls remain, but new navigation modes such as Cover Flow (a view of albums that users can scroll through) and improved search and text entry are being added.
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AirPods can also be connected and controlled, including displaying their battery level. Sprout Pi, with its Compute Module, is a Linux computer, so it can also run custom apps. The screen is not replaced. According to certain things, installation is nondestructive, so users can restore the original configuration; no soldering is required. Work is underway on AirPlay streaming and Google Cast support. Podcasts can be downloaded and, on Sprout Pi, streamed as well. Two GPIO pins are made available through the original connector to enable further tinkering.
Long battery life planned
With the built-in 2,500-mAh battery, the iPod 3 and 4 are supposed to offer up to 40 hours of Bluetooth playback, and the iPod mini up to 20 hours (with 1,200 mAh) — based on tests with prototype models. The DAC is said to be a Cirrus CS43131, with output through a 3.5-mm headphone jack.
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Supported music formats include MP3, AAC, ALAC, FLAC and Opus. Prices have not yet been announced. This appears to be certain things' first hardware project, so the usual caution with crowdfunding projects — which can also fail — is warranted.
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