For many of us, the news of Winamp going open-source stirred a wave of nostalgia. While streaming services dominate music consumption today, Winamp was a beloved media player that practically defined the late 90s and early 2000s for some. Now, thanks to a creative tech enthusiast, Winamp is back, sort of, but with a modern twist. Let’s explain.

A nostalgia play

Rodmg, from Hackaday.io, has brought Winamp into 2024 with their new invention – the Linamp. This isn’t just a software update; it’s a standalone media player designed for the home, built specifically for the Raspberry Pi 4. The key feature? A touchscreen that displays the classic Winamp UI, allowing you to interact with your music library just like you did back in the day.

Linamp caters to both traditionalists and those who’ve delved headfirst into streaming. It plays all the familiar formats like MP3, MP4, and FLAC, so you can start dusting off those old music files. Furthermore, if you’re feeling extra nostalgic, then pop in a CD and relive your favorite albums from back when. We want one too, though of course, you’ll have to build it yourself.

Not stuck in the past

Linamp isn’t stuck in the past. Recognizing the shift towards streaming, Rodmg is actively working on integrating Bluetooth and Spotify playback. This way, you can seamlessly switch between your downloaded collection and your favorite streaming service, all within the familiar Winamp interface. While Rodmg keeps the technical details under wraps, they’ve generously provided a hardware list and a general overview of the build process. They’ve also opened up the comments section for questions. So, if you’re feeling inspired and possess the technical know-how, building your own Linamp might be a fun challenge.

In an age of streaming, Rodmg’s creation offers a unique way to revisit the past while embracing the conveniences of the modern day. This project is built on pure nostalgia and a celebration of a media player that continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many.

About the Author

Tom Valentine

Tom is a tech writer with a detailed view on ensuring the best buying advice, most useful information, and latest news makes its way into PC Guide's articles.