Linux coders hash out support for new iPods

Programmers have bypassed a new difficulty in providing Linux support for the latest-generation iPods.

Already, iPods weren't simple to use in Linux, because Apple prefers people use iTunes to access the media players and doesn't supply a Linux version of the software. The newest iPods, though, didn't work at all, according to the iPod-minus-iTunes blog. The database that the iPod uses to keep track of songs, videos, album art and other data was encrypted in the new models, the programmers said. That means Linux music-management software such as Amarok or Rhythmbox wouldn't work.

Over the weekend, a number of programmers cracked the code, and technical instructions for using the new iPods are available. The workaround involves many technical steps, though, and many of them must be repeated each time new music is added to the iPod.

"Thanks to some inspired work by a few heroes, we've managed to work out how to get everything working again," the blog said on Monday. "Let's all hope that (if they haven't already from the iPhone unlocking) Apple learns that fighting against us is pointless. It's a waste of their time if the open-source crowd is going to get past it in just a weekend."

Apple didn't respond to requests for comment.

[chrisfrary]

Good

I am a user of Linux and run Amarok to sync my Ipod, I do not plan on getting a new Ipod anytime soon but I am glad that this moved so fast to convince people that linux can work too.

[dargon19888]

There has to be a simpler way...

You should be able to modify the hash program or at least there should by a Python module to do the same thing. Then you could write a python script to make the process simpler.

[ethana2]

Dang straight!

We /will/ own our hardware, whether they like it or not. And the more they do to restrict us, the more likely it will become that we get pissed and sic the law on them.

Until then, we will simply circumvent every single thing they do to stop us from exercising our rights. Period.

[fred dunn]

I think the EU Commision should step in....

It's Apple's turn in the barrel.
Why provide a client for Windows and Mac OSX and not a 'nix client? I'm a windows user but even I think that is nosensical that Apple does not provide either a client or some open source code to build one for 'nix users.
They do want to sell these things don't they?

[yacahuma]

apple should be ashame

I recently move to the mac platform because I was tired of all the security issues with Windows. I also hated MS attitude towards Linux. But it seems to me that Apple is even worse. It seems that Microsoft is at least doing a little to play nice with Linux. Apple should understand that people like ipods but not necessarily want to move to mac or windows to use it.

[gerardogerardo80]

Killing your own cow ?

Good make it less compatible, nice incentive to a buyer. If I had any doubts the made clear to me, I have no reason to purchase Apple products.