iPod Hash Defeated

For those who don’t know, the new iPods all would not work initially with Linux.  The reason is the iPod checks for a hash that is written by iTunes to the iPod.  If the hash isn’t there, even id the files and the iTunes DB on the iPod are in the correct format, the iPod will show no music on it.  Well, the inventive hackers have found a way:

“iPod Classic Will Be Supported – Amarok Blog
correct” solution is for folks to stop using Apple products. The iPod might have its own version of DAAP’s iTunes 7 which has a checksum more difficult (apparently) to crack. But for the time being, things are fine.”

Some say that the solution to avoid this is to not buy iPods, however I have yet to find a mp3 player that does not have a horrible interface.  The interfaces sometime let you do too much where the iPod only let’s you do what you need when your using the player.  The only thing I wish iPod’s would do is let me delete a file from the iPod.  Other then that, I am happy with it.  The other thing is integration.  As I listen to music and podcasts on it, it keeps track and when I plug in to iTunes, it will  update the play counts.  Also, iTunes has smart play lists.  I can create a playlist that changes on a daily basis and it will automatically change things.  I have a play list that has only unheard podcasts in it. I also have one I use each holiday season that looks to see if the song has been played in the last year and once I play everything once, it goes away and I don’t hear the song again until I change the date on the playlist.  There’s so many ways why I like the iPod.  Sure it doesn’t play oggs, but I frankly don’t care.  Until someone makes a MP3 Player that is as good with the interface and integration as the iPod, Apple will continue to rule the market.

If the Linux zealots figure that out, then they too can do what Apple has done.  To be a success, here’s what’s needed:

1.  Same or better interface as a iPod.
2. Total integration.  When something is played on the iPod, it should also update the counts when it is synced back up to the desktop.
3. iTMS support isn’t possible.  How about doing what Amarok has done and integrate Magnatune?
4. Support MP3, WAV, Unprotected AAC and possibly Unprotected WMA(but that may not be possible).  OGG support is ok too as well as FLAC.  For video, support non protected iPod video and Xvid.  Also, H.264 should be supported as well.  Sure, add Theora in there too.

If open source can’t do this, then Apple will continue to rule the space.  Don’t bitch about Apple, start trying to be BETTER then them!  Think different for once!  (wait, isn’t that what Apple has done??)