[MAlan]

Does anyone know if 3rd parties can develop software for the iPod? If so what developer tools do you need?

Thanks.

[larkost]

While there are recurring rumors of a iPod SDK from Apple, as of yet there is now way of doing this. Since this is an embedded processor running a non-Apple OS this would require that Apple do a lot of work on a cross-compiler, or create a scripting language for the iPod (not generally something you do on embedded systems).

And I just don't see there being much up-side in it for Apple. What are small developer third-parties going to add to the iPod that would increase sales significantly. And with Apple apparently running at capacity right now...

[Angus_D]

Non-Apple OS? I thought Apple made the iPod Firmware v2.0 and later?

GCC already cross-compiles for the iPod's processor.

[Turnpike]

I know I had a ton of fun getting programs for my TI-89... would love to do the same for my iPod. I'm sure there are a decent number of games that could be made to use the click wheel just fine... and I know there've been times I wish I had different functions for music playback and such. If people could write software for it, I don't see how it'd be much different than my TI-89 as far as the concept goes... the device has a different purpose, but other programs could exist.

[Angus_D]

Have you looked at http://ipodlinux.sourceforge.net/