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I turned my old Android phone into an iPod Classic for $5, and I couldn’t be happier

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Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

We live in fascinating times. On the one hand, the latest cutting-edge LLMs and AI models are giving us a real-time sneak peek into a sci-fi future. Simultaneously, there’s a growing analog resurgence, where tech enthusiasts are willingly turning away from the conveniences of modern hardware for a simpler, more organic technology experience.

Look no further than the sudden, massive spike in popularity surrounding vintage Apple hardware. Modified iPod Classics from the mid-2000s have become extremely popular items, with refurbished units packed with modern flash storage and fresh batteries frequently selling for hundreds of dollars.

Fortunately, you don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars on a vintage piece of hardware to experience that same distraction-free musical experience. If you have a spare, old Android smartphone sitting unused in your drawer, you already have everything you need to build yourself a similar experience, minus the tactility of the hardware.

All it takes is $5 and a very cool piece of software I discovered recently. Dubbed NostalgicPod, this app lets you perfectly replicate the visual language and user experience of the iPod Classic while incorporating concessions to modern conveniences. I love it.

Would you use a dedicated music player today? 5 votes Absolutely. Its a better experience. 40 % Maybe, if it delivered something unique. 60 % No. You can't beat music streaming on a smartphone. 0 % I never stopped using one. 0 %

From old Android phone to virtual iPod in minutes

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

I already have a collection of iPods, but were I in the market today, there’s just no way I would pay current average asking prices for a 25-year-old piece of technology. To see if NostalgicPod could evoke that same sense of nostalgia, I pulled out an old Android phone collecting dust in my drawer.

NostalgicPod costs just $4.99 with no ads, subscriptions, or trackers, making it an easy recommendation.

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