Can I install embedded Linux on my MP3 Player

mclovin · #1 (**permalink**) 10th Sep 2007, 9:10 pm

I have a nano clone 2 GB second generation can I install embedded linux on it ? I know it may sound ridiculous but has anyone tried out this stuff. Cause there is something called IPodLinux installer for Ipod nano Is there something like that available for chinese mp3 players? Just curious ? Thanks in advance.

lattesurf · #2 (**permalink**) 11th Sep 2007, 12:20 am

mclovin , apparently these players do not support external softwares to be installed. It might be able to, but none are developed as yet.

dsrome · #3 (**permalink**) 11th Sep 2007, 5:20 am

I don't know about your particular player, but you can on the 4gb Glacier. I'm writing this reply with Damn Small Linux 3.4 embedded with qemu emulation. It seems to work fine, albeit a little slow. I don't see why you wouldn't be able to make it like a bootbale pen drive and run it a boot up. With the "toram" boot option you would get better performance. I've already got about 3GB of music on my player sorted just the way I want it, so I'm not going to try it with my player

mclovin · #4 (**permalink**) 11th Sep 2007, 2:17 pm

Thanks guys for your replies. DSrome What I am asking here is not running DSL on your desktop using mp3 player as a primary boot. I am asking whether you can Install it on Mp3 Player and run it on MP3 player itself ? Please let me know if you have a step by step guide for doing it. Currently Simputer is using similar technology http://www.simputer.org

Buzzygirl · #5 (**permalink**) 11th Sep 2007, 4:41 pm

mclovin,

I've checked around on various Linux forums but cannot find any threads which discuss embedded Linux on the current versions of the Chinese Nano clones. For what it's worth, I tried out IPodLinux installer on an erstwhile iPod, and even that didn't work. Unfortunately, I'm not Linux-savvy enough to write my own software for these players.

Moreover, I don't know if the current Nano-clone chipsets will support embedded Linux or not, but would be a cool experiment to find out. After having asked around, though, I don't think it exists yet.

I for one, would love to see an embedded version of Linux in a Chinese MP3/4 player become a reality, whether it be in the current Nano clones, or in the better Rockchip players and beyond.

jp · #6 (**permalink**) 11th Sep 2007, 5:40 pm

This player apparently runs Linux:

http://www.dynamism.com/f-200/main.shtml

Buzzygirl · #7 (**permalink**) 11th Sep 2007, 5:56 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jp";p=&quot

This player apparently runs Linux:

http://www.dynamism.com/f-200/main.shtml

Interesting. I didn't come across that one in my searches for Linux-based music players.

It looks like a large player and it seems optimized for gaming... nevertheless, it's a music player/entertainment gizmo that is Linux-based. It's a start... let's see more of these!

jp · #8 (**permalink**) 11th Sep 2007, 6:03 pm

Looks like an updated model is soon to be launched:

http://www.gamersection.ca/product_i...roducts_id=132

mclovin · #9 (**permalink**) 11th Sep 2007, 7:01 pm

I might go ahead reading further on the following topic

http://uclinux.org/pub/uClinux/FAQ.shtml#2-6

seems interesting as I have already wiped out the firmware on my player.

The IPodLinux installer guy says on his blog that he too has used the same software i.e. uclinux.

dsrome · #10 (**permalink**) 11th Sep 2007, 8:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclovin";p=&quot

DSrome What I am asking here is not running DSL on your desktop using mp3 player as a primary boot. I am asking whether you can Install it on Mp3 Player and run it on MP3 player itself ?

I realized that later after I read the thread again. That's what happens when you post before you have your first cup of coffee.