# Rockbox

> custom firmware for digital media players

**Wikidata**: [Q1143754](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1143754)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockbox)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rockbox

## Summary
Rockbox is custom firmware for digital media players, primarily designed to enhance the functionality of devices like the iPod, SanDisk Sansa, and iriver H100 series. It is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, allowing users to modify and redistribute it freely.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Custom firmware and operating system for digital media players
- **License**: GNU General Public License, version 2.0
- **Initial Release**: June 1, 2002
- **Latest Stable Version**: 3.15 (released November 15, 2019)
- **Upcoming Version**: 4.0 (planned for April 1, 2025)
- **Platforms**: IPod, SanDisk Sansa, iriver H100 series
- **Programming Language**: Assembly language
- **Source Code**: Available on Git repository at [https://git.rockbox.org/cgit/rockbox.git/](https://git.rockbox.org/cgit/rockbox.git/)
- **Website**: [https://www.rockbox.org/](https://www.rockbox.org/)
- **IRC Channel**: irc://irc.libera.chat/#rockbox

## FAQs
### Q: What is Rockbox used for?
A: Rockbox is used to replace the default firmware on digital media players, providing additional features such as improved audio playback, customizable interfaces, and support for additional file formats.

### Q: Is Rockbox legal to use?
A: Yes, Rockbox is free software distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, which allows users to freely run, study, change, and distribute it.

### Q: Which devices does Rockbox support?
A: Rockbox supports devices like the IPod, SanDisk Sansa, and iriver H100 series, among others.

### Q: How do I install Rockbox?
A: Installation instructions can be found on the official Rockbox website, which provides detailed guides for different supported devices.

### Q: Can I modify Rockbox's source code?
A: Yes, Rockbox's source code is available and can be modified under the terms of the GNU General Public License, version 2.0.

## Why It Matters
Rockbox plays a significant role in the digital media player ecosystem by offering users greater control and customization over their devices. By replacing proprietary firmware with open-source software, Rockbox allows users to unlock hidden features, improve performance, and extend the lifespan of their devices. This not only empowers users with more flexibility but also promotes transparency and community-driven development. The project has been instrumental in bridging the gap between consumer electronics and open-source software, making advanced features accessible to a wider audience.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Firmware**: One of the first and most well-known open-source firmware projects for digital media players.
- **Community-Driven Development**: Actively maintained by a community of developers who contribute to its continuous improvement.
- **Cross-Platform Support**: Works across multiple brands and models of digital media players.
- **Enhanced Features**: Provides additional functionalities not available in the original firmware, such as improved audio playback and customizable interfaces.
- **Long-Term Support**: Regular updates and maintenance ensure compatibility with newer devices and file formats.

## Body
### Overview
Rockbox is a custom firmware project that enhances the functionality of digital media players. It was first released on June 1, 2002, and has since become a popular choice for users seeking more control over their devices.

### Development and Community
Rockbox is developed by a community of volunteers and is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0. The project's source code is available on a Git repository, allowing users to modify and redistribute it freely.

### Supported Devices
Rockbox supports a wide range of digital media players, including the IPod, SanDisk Sansa, and iriver H100 series. The firmware provides additional features and improvements over the original firmware provided by the manufacturers.

### Features and Improvements
Rockbox offers several enhancements over the default firmware, including improved audio playback, customizable interfaces, and support for additional file formats. The firmware is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to both beginners and advanced users.

### Version History
Rockbox has released several versions since its inception. The latest stable version is 3.15, released on November 15, 2019. The next major version, 4.0, is planned for release on April 1, 2025.

### Official Resources
For more information, users can visit the official Rockbox website, which provides detailed documentation, installation guides, and community support. The project also maintains an IRC channel for real-time communication and support.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Rockbox",
  "description": "Custom firmware for digital media players",
  "url": "https://www.rockbox.org/",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15241312", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockbox"],
  "additionalType": ["Software", "OperatingSystem"]
}

## References

1. [Source](https://www.rockbox.org/history.html)
2. [Release Notes for Rockbox 3.15](https://www.rockbox.org/wiki/ReleaseNotes315)
3. [Source](https://www.rockbox.org/wiki/ReleaseNotes400)
4. [Rockbox - History](https://www.rockbox.org/history.html)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Source](http://snesmusic.org/v2/players.php)
7. Quora