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

image via The Verge

April 23, 2026, 3:30 PM

• •Sleevenote is a new MP3 player designed to focus on the album experience.
• •It features a square screen for displaying album art and encourages listening to full albums.
• •The device aims to provide an alternative to streaming services and the distractions of smartphones.
• •Sleevenote is compatible with DRM-free music and targets those buying digital music.

Amid subscription fatigue and a longing for single-purpose devices, startups like Sleevenote are creating new MP3 players. Sleevenote aims to focus on the album experience, offering a square screen to display album art, and encouraging users to listen to full albums without playlists or algorithms. The device is compatible with DRM-free music, with plans to expand its database of album art and is targeted at those buying digital music from platforms like Bandcamp. Sleevenote hopes to offer a focused music experience, appealing to those seeking an alternative to streaming and the distractions of smartphones.

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