THE CRUNCH
A pair of replacement iPod motherboards called Sprout Pi and Sprout Pico bundle many of the most popular iPod mods into a single upgrade, adding Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, a microSD card slot and FLAC playback. Neither requires any soldering, though cracking open an iPod remains a daunting prospect.
The firmware keeps the classic listening routes working: audio plays over USB for wired headsets or through the original 3.5mm jack, while Bluetooth lets you connect to AirPods or a favourite UE party speaker. Wi-Fi brings Google Cast and AirPlay streaming plus podcast downloads. The higher-end Sprout Pi goes further with Spotify and Apple Music streaming and apps, which The Verge argues misses the point, since iPods are popular again exactly because they get you away from the algorithm and limit distractions.
There is a catch for anyone rummaging through a drawer: Sprout Pi only works with 3rd- and 4th-generation iPods and the iPod mini, which will limit its appeal somewhat. The project plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign soon through Crowd Supply, but no price has been announced yet.