HiFiBerryOS is our version of a minimal Linux distribution optimized for audio playback. The goal isn't to add as much functionality as possible, but to keep it small. Therefore, it is based on Buildroot and it's not possible to use package managers to add more software.

There is a robust update mechanism that will not overwrite the system, but switch between the current and the new version (they run on different partitions). This is documented in more detail at doc/updater.md.

The user interface is based on the Bang & Olufsen Beocreate project.

At the moment, the following services are supported:

• Spotify (using Spotifyd) - requires a paid Spotify subscription
• Airplay (using shairport)
• Squeezebox (using squeezelite)
• Bluetooth A2DP sind (using BlueZ 5)
• Roon - requires a Roon subscription
• MPD
• Snapcast (experimental)
• analogue input on DAC+ ADC (using alsaloop)

Additional tools that are available:

• sox
• HiFiBerry dsptoolkit

Note that there is no direct support for local music archives (e.g. MP3 files on a NAS) yet. If you have a local music collection, you need to use an additional music server to stream music to HiFiBerryOS, e.g.

• Roon
• Logitech Media Server
• iTunes

You might also configure the included music player daemon, but you have to do this from command line. A simple MPD UI names ympd is running on HTTP port 9000.

There are several ways to add functionalities to HiFiBerryOS or integrate it into other systems.

The main backend controller application is called audiocontrol and offers an API that can be used to start/stop players, switch sources or retrieve metadata. This is often the easiest way if you want to integrate it into other systems, e.g. a automation system.

Audiocontrol provides a plugin system that can be used to add more complex integrations.Also have a look at the "Anatomy of a controller plugin"

HiFiBerryOS is based on buildroot. This means, you can't easily install additional software from command line. Even if you do, it will be gone after the next update as an update will replace the full filesystem. You need top integrate additonal software via the Buildroot build system

The UI also uses a plugin concept. Plugins are called extensions. Have a look at the Beocreate documentation

We're looking forward to your contributions. Depending on functionality and code quality, we will decide if a contribution will be included in the base system or will be provided as a user-contributed module that users need to install by themselve.