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Ask Slashdot: Can You Convert Old iPods Into A Home Music-Streaming Solution?

Posted by EditorDavid on from the home-improvement dept.

Slashdot reader zhennian wants to stream music throughout his entire house, "and was hoping that with three old iPods I might be able to put together a centrally managed house-wide audio system." Ideally it would be possible to control what's playing from a central web interface using an app on an IOS or Android device. With the iPods already plugged into docking stations and on the home wifi network, I assume it should be possible.

A search of the Apple app store didn't bring up much and forking out $AUS400 for a Sonos One or equivalent seems wasted when I've already purchased iPod docks. Can anyone recommend an App that will still be compatible with old (ie. 2007) iPods and might do this?
Or is there a better cheap alternative? Leave your best answers in the comments. Can you convert old iPods into a home music-streaming solution?

4 of 118 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Or is there a better cheap alternative? by jellomizer · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Now to open doors, make calls and adjust lighting. How much extra stuff on top of that $35 do you need?

    For the most part Echo alone is as useful as you voice assist on your smartphone. And for smartphones you can get stuff to open doors, control lighting. However I never checks the specs to see if a smartphone can make calls. They never advertise that feature.

    --
    If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
  2. What site do you think this is? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I love these sorts of questions. Dear Slashdot, I have 8 Linksys routers from 2006 in my closet, I would like to know how to wire them together to create a smart garage door opener. I know cheap turnkey solutions exist, but that would involve googling them. I'll be patiently awaiting your answer. Love, A Faithful Reader

    1. Re:What site do you think this is? by angel'o'sphere · · Score: 4, Funny

      Perhaps you should first make a Beowolf cluster with them?
      Then you could open/close all doors/windows in your neighbourhood!

      --
      Cost free eBook I read (by iBook/Kobo/Amazon/ObookO/Gutenberg etc.): "The Green Odyssey" by Philip Jose Farmer.
  3. Airfoil is close. by darkith · · Score: 4, Informative

    Airfoil will stream content from an iOS device to a computer, and then to multiple target devices (many brands), including iOS 7+ devices running their satellite app. Has balancing and zones, etc.

    My brother has it setup this way, using a mishmash of old iPods, Airport expresses, AirPlay compatible speakers and and Apple TV.