IPod gets penguin power

NEWS

One engineer has managed to squeeze the iPod into a penguin suit, although the outfit doesn't quite fit yet. In recent weeks, computer enthusiast Bernard Leach has been able to get Apple's digital music player to run basic parts of the uClinux version of the Linux operating system. However, in running Linux, the device sacrifices many of the iPod's key features. Leach's Linux-equipped iPod can play audio or display simple graphics, but it can't use the iPod's scroll wheel or remote control, and it can't access the FireWire port -- the iPod's only means of exchanging data with other devices. And although the Linux-equipped iPod can play audio, even its MP3 playback doesn't live up to expectations, Leach said in an email interview. "What you are looking at now is the very beginnings of something that could be quite useful," Leach said. As for why he did it, Leach said there were "a number of reasons, but mainly because it (is) there." Indeed, hackers have added new or different features to a variety of devices, such as Microsoft's Xbox, 3Com's ill-fated Audrey and the late Netpliance i-Opener. In theory, Leach says, an iPod running Linux should be able to do anything a PC running Linux can. However, Leach concedes, the current incarnation is far from that reality. "What can it do well? Well, other than run the kernel, at this point not a lot, unfortunately," Leach said. But Leach has high hopes for a penguin-powered iPod. "Down the road you may see a complete alternate firmware for the iPod. But in the short term I would expect to see more specific applications," Leach said. "One that I am looking forward to is being able to dump images from my digital camera to the iPod for temporary storage while on the road." As to whether he is treading on dangerous legal ground by tapping into what Apple says is a closed platform, Leach said he doesn't think so. "I am not aware of any legal issues in using this software," Leach says on the Web site he set up to outline his project. "Having said that, I am not a lawyer, nor could I possibly know all the laws that may apply in your particular locale, so if you have any concerns, either contact someone who would know, or don't use the software." Leach, who was born in Australia but now lives in Germany, said his first goal was to tap in to the existing operating system to add games or something, not add Linux. "Unfortunately, after quite some effort, I kept running into brick walls with no real success," he said.

For all your GNU/Linux and open-source news, from the latest kernel releases to the newest distributions, see ZDNet UK's Linux News Section. Let the editors know what you think in the Mailroom.

Post your comment

In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in.

You can also log in with Facebook. Log in or create your ZDNet UK account below

By signing up for this service, you indicate that you agree to our Terms and Conditions and have read and understood our Privacy Policy. Questions about membership? Find the answers in the Community FAQ

ZDNet UK Live

For Gnome 2 die-hards, it is possible to add icons to the bottom panel (or top top panel, if you prefer) which provide the exact Gnome 2...

9 seconds ago by Moley on A tale of two distros: Ubuntu and Linux Mint

Your comments would seem pretty naive and immature. Your 'solution' appears to be, "gee, let's all just give in to the hackers and give them...

13 minutes ago by ramwellian on Cloud computing security: no more oxymoron?

"Interesting thought ... If you installed Win7 as a dual boot on a machine that previously only had Linux, and it wrecked your Linux installation,...

32 minutes ago by BugStalker on Windows 7 Declares War on GRUB

This is an excellent summary of Ubuntu and Mint and the interface differences between them. Most such articles take a very partisan position for...

36 minutes ago by whs001 on A tale of two distros: Ubuntu and Linux Mint

@ewallace. Not so clear. Anyone can obtain the text, for example from here http://www.ustr.gov/webfm_send/2379. I support ACTA so long as it and...

53 minutes ago by Moley on ACTA: Facts, misconceptions and questions

I think WinRT is fantastic. I just wish it was an option for people that didn't want to go through Microsoft's App Store with its attendant...

4 hours ago by 45283 on Why Windows 8 needs architectural hygiene for WOA

Nine people? £30m? Who's back pocket is that lot going in? And IF they say it is for new buildings, what about all the ones the government has...

5 hours ago by Burn-IT on Police set to launch three £30m e-crime hubs

Just to be clear, nobody knows what is in the text of ACTA, here is a photograph of the text of ACTA http://twitpic.com/8h9iju as submitted to the...

5 hours ago by ewallace on ACTA: Facts, misconceptions and questions

Unfortunately main issue is that ASUS is refusing to accept that they make some mistake on this version of asus Transformer prime. 1 - GPS sensor...

6 hours ago by fgvrg56 on Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime Wi-Fi & GPS problems?

@Marcus A fair question. Just talked with Archos which said it was working on an announcement for next week....

7 hours ago by Ben Woods on Archos confirms G9 Ice Cream Sandwich update schedule

Any update on this, considering the claimed "first week of February"?

9 hours ago by Marcus Karlsson via Facebook on Archos confirms G9 Ice Cream Sandwich update schedule

Bill Goodrich : Just as al_langevin pointed out, with Windows Server 2008 there is no Services for Macintosh anymore. It's gone, not available....

17 hours ago by apexwm on Windows Server 2008 drops the ball for Mac compatibility

Replying to an old topic that I'm currently facing with my CEO (who is on a Mac). Our servers are primarily Windows Servers, office is about...

23 hours ago by txtrainguy on Windows Server 2008 drops the ball for Mac compatibility

Sure, that makes perfect sense. Pay wrong-doers money and thank them for breaching your security and pointing out your flaws, that would surely...

24 hours ago by k0tcs3 on US indicts Romanian over NASA climate change hack

I think he's referring specifically to Android apps, as Apple do regulate their App Store, but Google seem to let any old crap onto the Android store!

24 hours ago by Random_Error on RIM: BlackBerry will keep 'garbage' apps out of store