Since the iPod became commercially available, many users have wished additional functionality, and those among those users savvy enough with software and programming were able to come up with unofficial iPod software to fulfill their wants.
The official iPod software itself is (as of the fifth generation) reportedly the Pixo OS 2.1 operating system, along with PortalPlayer’s Digital Media Platform. This Digital Media Platform is actually a “system on a chip” that comes with support for customizable firmware, audio decoders, and other software development tools. The iPod interface is also reportedly based on the Pixo Toolbox software (this software was available when Apple was just creating the iPod).
At present, iTunes and the iPod interface are not the only pieces of software that can be associated with and supported on the iPod. Third party software and programs designed to run on the iPod are commonly called iPod hacks, although unlike what the name implies almost none of these software have malicious intent. (However, use of third party software may indeed void the iPod’s warranty, meaning that the people at your local Apple Genius Bar might not be able to help anymore if you decide to modify your iPod’s software or hardware.)
One of the most drastic and effective hacks is getting Linux to run on your iPod. A group called the iPodLinux Project has come up with a way to port Linux to an iPod, as well as a Linux user interface they have called podzilla. Linux is a full-featured operating system, and with Linux on your iPod, it becomes much more like a portable PC than just a digital audio device.
Linux on the iPod allows for the playback of previously unsupported music file formats, such as OGG files. In addition, the appearance of the interface (podzilla) can be easily modified by downloading schemes to your iPod. And, lastly and most importantly, what are called modules can now be downloaded and used on your iPod. These modules are basically applications designed for use with the iPodLinux system.
Now, as can be expected, a lot of these modules are now available, with iPodLinux having been around for intrepid programmers to play with for quite a while. Among the most popular of these are ports of games that are now playable on the iPod. Such games as Doom – a first-person shooter, Bejeweled – a puzzle game, Space Invaders – a space shooter, and even classics such as Pacman have been ported over to the iPod. Other useful hacks include increasing the memory of an iPod Nano, turning the iPod into a universal remote control, and even support for the creation of text files!
Who would’ve thought that the iPod software and hardware would be capable of all these things? And these “iPod hackers” are far from finished.
http://www.frozenipod.com/2007/ipod-software/#more-33
