A new project called Sprout offers two drop-in replacement mainboards, Sprout Pico and Sprout Pi, that upgrade 3rd- and 4th-generation iPods and the iPod mini with modern connectivity. Built on Raspberry Pi RP2350 boards with a custom OS, the no-solder mods add Bluetooth audio, Wi-Fi, USB-C, expandable microSD storage up to 2TB, and support for formats like FLAC and ALAC, while keeping the original click-wheel interface. The pricier Sprout Pi version adds a Compute Module Zero for AirPlay and streaming from Apple Music or Spotify.
techspot.com
· 2026-10-15
A project called Sprout Pi (and a lesser Sprout Pico version) replaces an iPod's motherboard to add Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C charging, a microSD slot and FLAC playback without requiring soldering. The upgrade supports audio over USB, the original 3.5mm jack, AirPlay and Google Cast streaming, podcast downloads, and on the Pi model, Spotify and Apple Music apps. It works only with 3rd- and 4th-generation iPods and the iPod mini, and will launch via a Crowd Supply crowdfunding campaign with pricing not yet announced.
theverge.com
· 2026-10-14
The Family Fund's invite-only Founderland event brings together roughly 1,000 founders, retail buyers and investors from the food, beverage, beauty and wellness sectors at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. Past attendees include founders of Bloom, Happy Dad and Ghost alongside buyers from Sprouts, Target and Kroger, with the next edition scheduled for October 1. The gathering originated from a private annual summit The Family Fund had run since 2021 for its own investors and network before opening it up more broadly.
entrepreneur.com
· 2026-08-27
GoKawiil