Rockbox for Zune Coming Soon
- November 29th, 2006
- Read 4956 times
- 7 Comments
If you’re one of the types who loves the Zune’s hardware (great screen, simple controls, and that WiFi) but bemoan the software or interface (or both), then you might want to take a look at the forthcoming Zune install of Rockbox.
For those not in the know, Rockbox is an opensource firmware replacement project designed to allow you to customize your audio playback hardware (like the Zune, or iPod) to your liking, everything from interface to features. The idea is that you can brew your own Rockbox, and then run it on the hardware of your choice, giving the power and control over the user experience to you.
Though it’s not ready yet, developers are working on a Zune port of Rockbox (on volunteered time, nonetheless), which isn’t much different than the Toshiba Gigabeat port they’d already started work on. This means that sometime in the future, we should see a workable version for download. But before you go and get excited, it’s worth noting that if you run Rockbox on your Zune, you’ll probably not only loose compatibility with the Zune Marketplace, but will most likely void your warranty, as well. It’s not yet for the unexperienced or faint of heart, but it is something to consider.
Rockbox [Website, via Zune-online]
Tyraxus (Who am I?)
1 year ago
I downloaded the Zune software last night and the install went off without a hitch. There was a really long download of an update that was long enough to have me concerned… but otherwise it went fine. Granted, I was installing it without actually owning (and therefore connecting) a Zune. But it seemed cool enough to me. HOWEVER, it is great news to hear that there will be some additional software options to choose from! I’m just wondering how Rockbox is going to end up utilizing the wireless capabilities if they can get past the security features.
webonics (Who am I?)
1 year ago
The only problems that I encountered with the software was the firmware update. It took four restarts of the Zune software before the firmware actually ran. After the firmware was complete, the software did not recognize my Zune was connected despite the device stating “Connected”. I had to restart again. Other than that, no technical issues. However, one big issue that needs to be addressed immediately is that the Zune software does not support Windows Vista and since the new O/S is already rolling out to the enterprise and to consumers in about 6 weeks, this issue needs to be a big priority.
The Zune Marketplace has some opportunities though especially in comparison to iTunes. I’m sure these will come in time. Some things that I would like to see are top downloads for an artist, reviews, aggregation of ratings for a track/video and zunecasts. Oh, and adding video to the marketplace is definitely something needed soon to be competitive.
webonics (Who am I?)
1 year ago
Oh, and Rockbox sounds cool…but not so much at the risk of violating the warranty.
markun (Who am I?)
1 year ago
“Rockbox for Zune Coming Soon” is very misleading. Perhaps you should read the article again.
Only with hard work from people who own a Zune and some luck can a port be done.
ananymous
1 year ago
will the zune rockbox be able to run that doom game like the ipod
Reply
nobody special (Who am I?)
1 year ago
Go with Rockbox when its ready. By that time your warranty probably will have run anyway. If the port is like the Gigabeat you will be able to save your old Zune firmware if you want to go back to it.
I have it running on my gigabeat and it improves the sound 100%, plus tons of .rock file extras like games, wild plasma screens, etc.
THE HANDSOME HACKER (Who am I?)
4 weeks ago
well dudes while we are feeling so exited about that news
then just think about the programmers and testers who are investing
not just hardware they also are doing a massive effort to compille that firmware. i think we have the responsibility of give some thing back
e.g. we could make themes and other stuff