xtunes: iPod For Linux Hits Beta Release

July 4th, 2002 at 3:00 PM - News by Bryan Chaffin

There are two hard and fast rules for the iPod: Apple designed it to be used only with a Mac, and Linux and Windows users want to use the iPod with their computers anyway. There have been several products designed by third party developers to allow the iPod to interface with Windows machines, but now Linux users have their chance. A company called tex9 has released a beta version of software called xtunes, which will allow Linux users to sync up their iPods with their Linux boxes. From the companyis Web site:

The iPod xtunes plugin provides full iPod support for Linux users. It is a plugin for xtunes that allows simple drag-and-drop of songs and playlists onto an iPod.

It is currently in beta testing. To apply to be a beta tester, sign up here.

Version 1.0 will be released soon. If you would like to be notified when it is released, please sign up here.

Requirements:

• Apple iPod device.
• Latest Linux kernel (2.4.19 recommended).
• Linux-supported FireWire controller (check here).
• xtunes

You can find more information on xtunes at tex9is Web site.