Is it time for a new iPod, 25 years later?

With the rise in smartphone and subscription fatigue, hardware startups like Sleevenote see an opportunity. Despite its relic status, the iPod garners renewed interest as searches for “MP3 Player” have tripled since last fall. Enthusiasts, like musician Tom Kell, are reviving the concept with Sleevenote, an MP3 player focused on album art and full experiences, not streaming. Without playlists or algorithms, Sleevenote offers a vinyl-like experience, prioritizing music ownership from DRM-free stores like Bandcamp. As they prepare to launch in June, Sleevenote aims to connect music lovers with a distraction-free, album-oriented device.