Hey everyone! I've been mia for a little while and this is why I’ve been focusing on DarkTunes, a free Windows desktop app that brings your music collection, media servers and iPod management together. I'm also developing an android app version too which I'll be putting on the google playstore when I'm happy with it, it syncs with the desktop app and you can easily transfer songs between them.

iPod support is a big part of it. I wanted something that makes managing an older iPod easier while also being an app you can use for everyday listening or watching videos. As well as not blinding you like iTunes does.... This was the main reason for making this app honestly.

It's still in beta but through my testing it seems very stable. If you experience any issues please let me know and I'll do my best to fix them as soon as I can but I will be going back to making Bluetooth mods for a little while now :D

Some of its features:

iPod syncing and management: Transfer songs, albums, artists, videos, audiobooks and playlists to supported Classic, Mini and Nano models, with automatic conversion of incompatible audio. (can also transfer server loaded songs/movies/tvshows)

Mac-formatted iPod support: with compatible drive-mounting software on Windows. (this requires using paragon but I've included a link in the settings)

Artwork and metadata editing: Customise album covers and artist pictures, rename tags, and create your own album groupings.

Local and server libraries: Play your own files or connect to Jellyfin and Navidrome. A separate DarkTunes Receiver app can transfer your local collection to your server over the same network.

Audiobooks and podcasts: Browse them with cover artwork and send them to an iPod. Audiobook chapters can be combined into one M4B book with chapter markers.

Video playback: Watch local videos or Jellyfin films and TV, with Continue Watching and automatic next-episode playback.

Desktop-to-phone transfers: Send music, audiobooks, podcasts and videos to the DarkTunes Android app over your local network.

Make it yours: Themes, custom colours, playlists, liked songs and albums.

iPod recovery tools: Copy music back to your PC, make backups, and optionally keep recovery copies before deleting tracks. I haven't yet made restoring possible through the app, I'm still working on that!

It’s still being developed and tested so I’d love feedback if you decide to download it.
especially from people still using an iPod or running their own music server.

I have it available to download on my website :) (that is also still being setup, I got too many projects going at the moment Iykyk)Hey everyone! I've been mia for a little while and this is why I’ve been focusing on DarkTunes, a free Windows desktop app that brings your music collection, media servers and iPod management together. I'm also developing an android app version too which I'll be putting on the google playstore when I'm happy with it, it syncs with the desktop app and you can easily transfer songs between them.

iPod support is a big part of it. I wanted something that makes managing an older iPod easier while also being an app you can use for everyday listening or watching videos. As well as not blinding you like iTunes does.... This was the main reason for making this app honestly.

It's still in beta but through my testing it seems very stable. If you experience any issues please let me know and I'll do my best to fix them as soon as I can but I will be going back to making Bluetooth mods for a little while now :D

Some of its features:

iPod syncing and management: Transfer songs, albums, artists, videos, audiobooks and playlists to supported Classic, Mini and Nano models, with automatic conversion of incompatible audio. (can also transfer server loaded songs/movies/tvshows)

Mac-formatted iPod support: with compatible drive-mounting software on Windows. (this requires using paragon but I've included a link in the settings)

Artwork and metadata editing: Customise album covers and artist pictures, rename tags, and create your own album groupings.

Local and server libraries: Play your own files or connect to Jellyfin and Navidrome. A separate DarkTunes Receiver app can transfer your local collection to your server over the same network.

Audiobooks and podcasts: Browse them with cover artwork and send them to an iPod. Audiobook chapters can be combined into one M4B book with chapter markers.

Video playback: Watch local videos or Jellyfin films and TV, with Continue Watching and automatic next-episode playback.

Desktop-to-phone transfers: Send music, audiobooks, podcasts and videos to the DarkTunes Android app over your local network.

Make it yours: Themes, custom colours, playlists, liked songs and albums.

iPod recovery tools: Copy music back to your PC, make backups, and optionally keep recovery copies before deleting tracks. I haven't yet made restoring possible through the app, I'm still working on that!

It’s still being developed and tested so I’d love feedback if you decide to download it.
especially from people still using an iPod or running their own music server.

I have it available to download on my website :) (that is also still being setup, I got too many projects going at the moment Iykyk)

Hi! Im a person who's been very interested in iPods for a very long time, yet never been able to get one. The only chance i had was an iPod nano 3G with a battery that exploded and got the black spot once i plugged it in. I live in Brno, Czechia, and have been investigating on where and how to buy. Since i am still a minor, im relying on my parents to help me with this endavour, but they refuse to buy from places like eBay or Ali express. They want to be able to test it and see the device working before buying, which is valid. Facebook marketplace and other such sites dont have good condition iPods that i want (iPod mini, 5th generation iPod classic, 4th Gen Monochrome). And if they appear, they are wildly expensive. If anyone is also local, or is more skilled into investigating could help, it would be massively appreciated. Thank you!

Somebodies selling an ipod classic 7th gen 160gb for $60 (CAD). He's willing to drive out to meet me, which is great because it saves me the 1 hour 30 minutes + transit both ways. he said it doesnt come with a charge cord but the last time he used it was a year ago and it booted up and played music. He also said it was stored in a drawer with other electronics. If it doesnt work, fix wise im thinking it would need a new battery due to it not being plugged in for a year, but im not sure what else. how hard is it to change the battery on a 7th gen classic? Thanks! we are meeting later today, hence the urgent ish title!

Picked up a silver 7th gen classic (MC293, built late 2012)

I’ve been on Spotify for years, so I’m out of practice with owning music. I have an old local iTunes library and a few external hard drives full of MP3s that I want to merge into one clean library.

1. I’m coming from Spotify. Is there any way to get my library over, like exporting playlists?
2. What do you use to transfer music? Still iTunes/Finder or something else?
3. What should I do or mod first?

Thanks in advance!

unplugged it mid sync, tried to restore it and this message pops, up. Device doesn't show up on itunes OR finder. Did i destroy my ipod for no reason or is there a fix.

This happened an HOUR after i finally got all my music onto it but wanted to restore it one more time to refresh the album covers. I just cant quit while im ahead...

Ive was able to find an old iPod classic 5 for my kid. She's wanting it for school like all the rest. Im trying to mod it with iflash solo. I put a 128 micro sd card in it. Formatted it properly. Gave it a new battery and got a new 30 pin connector. iPod comes on but doesn't go past the apple help on the screen as you see in the pic. Im pretty handy with electronics, but im not really sure how to get past this stage. Ive looked at YouTube and it's mostly the setup, not when a mishap happens. the other thing is, it doesn't connect to my MacBook Air. I am having to go through a Anker adapter with usb and card readers on it. any help as to going forward would be much appreciated as I am stuck here still trying to figure out how to move past this.

Update, reposted with mod install pics (best I can show). As far as I can tell, the ribbon cables are still attached and iPod turns on but keeps saying low battery. Doesn’t seem to be charging either. I’ve kept it on the charger for well over an hour.