The open-source firmware for portable music players, Rockbox, just updated to version 3.0. Along with the upgrade, three years in the making, comes the RockboxUtility. This makes it even easier than before to install the firmware on your MP3 player, and is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
RockboxUtility is meant to start off with an error.
(Credit: The Rockbox Crew)The first time I looked at Rockbox, its appeal was obvious--especially to iPod users who were less than impressed with Apple's laissez-faire approach to iPod firmware improvements. Who wouldn't like the capability to customize their space-age MP3 player with an old skool retro cassette skin, the capability to enlarge the font size, or having a the device read to you what you were scrolling over? Audiophiles were sure to love the in-depth equalizer, too.
However, the biggest problem was making sure that you configured it properly. The process was complicated and time-intensive, and the old auto-installer was buggy and unreliable. The new RockboxUtility transforms the installation process from a confusing session of manually loading files onto your PMP and then praying that they work into a graphic user interface-based experience, greatly simplified.
The new RockboxUtility simplifies a formerly complicated and buggy installation process.
(Credit: The Rockbox Crew)According to the instructions on the Rockbox Web site, once the Graphic Install has been installed, the process starts off with an error message that warns you that you're starting a new installation. There is the possibility that your MP3 has not been mounted as a drive, in which case you'll need to assign it one. For most people, though, this won't occur. The utility then guides you through choosing the correct MP3 player, and installing the appropriate version of the firmware.
When finished, you'll need to safely disconnect your player and then reboot it. Even though the RockboxUtility streamlines the process, I strongly advise reading the manual before playing around with your new firmware.
If you can't stand the native operating system on your portable MP3 player, you can make it rock out with Rockbox. Open-source Rockbox is firmware that represents the first step for audiophiles regaining control over how they interact with their portable devices.
Compatible with more than two dozen MP3 players, including most iPods, iRivers, and Archoses, Rockbox comes with a detailed and lengthy installation and usage guide. The last time I tried out the auto-installer I found it easier to install Rockbox by hand. Reading the manual thoroughly is a must, given the complexity and potential risk to your device. Once installed, though, Rockbox's features are impressive, from customizable skins to support for users with visual impairments to complicated sound equalizing.
If you have an MP3 player but--to put it mildly--think its operating system leaves a lot to be desired, there is a way to make that player rock out with Rockbox. Open-source and free, Rockbox is downloadable firmware for your MP3 player that represents a big leap for audiophiles who want to control how they use their portable devices.
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You might love your iPod or other portable music player, but can it play OGG and FLAC files? How about a game of Pong? Tom Merritt shows you how to install Rockbox, an open-source operating system for digital music players.
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