For decades, iPod has dominated the mobile media market. OK, it's actually only been about nine years, but Microsoft has stepped into a world so completely ruled by Apple that Zune would pretty much have to unfold into a portable movie theater with reclining seats and free popcorn to really compete. It doesn't do that.
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- May 24, 2019 I just got a free Zune Hd 32 but im a mac guy can I hack the Zune to work with my mac? EVO says: 3/27/2011 at 12:10 pm.
- Hack #1: Multi-Extension Support mod - This hack makes the Zune program support more types of video, audio, and image extensions. This mod converts files for use on the Zune. Files are automatically c.
Although Microsoft's Zune software was built on Windows Media Player 11, it works with only a fraction of that program's supported file formats. A new mod bridges the gap, enabling you to convert.
If you've read How iPods Work, you know all about the device. In short, the latest version of the iPod is a digital media player that can handle music, photos, podcasts, video, apps, games and with the flip of a setting, any file type at all in its portable-hard-drive mode. Its form factor is unfathomably compact, third-party programmers have developed all sorts of sweet hacks to expand and change its functionality, it's seamlessly integrated with the most popular media-download store in the world, and it works with Mac OS X and Windows XP/2000 or later.
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So how does Zune HD stack up against the iPod touch? The general opinion is that Microsoft did all right, but maybe not quite enough to counter Apple's dominant grip on the MP3 player market.
Zune HD handles all of the basics -- music, video, podcasts, apps, games and photos. The Zune HD and the iPod touch 4G share many of the same features, including a touch screen interface and built-in WiFi. The Zune HD's screen is smaller than the one on the iPod touch -- 3.3 inches compared to 3.5 inches, respectively. The Zune HD also features an HD radio tuner, something the iPod touch doesn't have. But the newest iPod touch features two cameras -- the HD Zune doesn't have a camera at all.
Zune Hacks And Tricks
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Both the Zune HD and the iPod touch can export video, though you'll need additional accessories to pull it off The Zune HD can export video at 720p but its native resolution is standard definition. The newest iPod touch has a retina display and can show video at 720p.
The Zune HD also comes up wanting in a few other departments, including battery life. Apple claims the iPod touch can play music for up to 40 hours without recharging. Microsoft's Zune HD is rated for 33 hours of music before you'll have to plug it in.
The Zune HD comes in three different storage capacities: 16, 32 and 64 gigabytes. The iPod touch has a slightly different lineup with 8, 32 and 64-gigabyte models. One of the biggest differences between the Zune HD line and Apple's iPod touch is the price -- Microsoft's product is, on average, $50 less expensive than the comparable Apple product. As of this writing, Microsoft prices the Zune HD at $179.99 for 16 gigabytes, $229.99 for 32 gigabytes and $349.99 for 64 gigabytes. Apple's iPod touch retails for $229 for 8 gigabytes, $299 for 32 gigabytes and $399 for 64 gigabytes.
See the next page to learn more about Zune music.
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That's how it used to work, anyway. Hackers have now put together a new toolkit capable of unlocking the Zune HD's full potential, giving developers unfettered access to OpenGL ES 2.0, custom shaders, internet access, and everything else XNA built a virtual wall around. It's called OpenZDK and it works by exploiting a flaw in the Zune HD's firmware. Right now there aren't any applications to speak of, but that will change as developers begin kicking the tires on the new toolkit. In the meantime, end users can prepare themselves by following the steps in this guide, while developers will want to give this page a once-over.
Ready for the rub? Because this works via an exploit, Microsoft can patch things up with a firmware update at any time.
No big deal, right? After all, no one from Redmond is going to put a gun to your head and force you to update your Zune HD player, but they might not have to, either. Look at the situation facing PlayStation 3 owners. Sony recently released a firmware update removing the 'Install Other OS' feature, which allowed users to install Linux distros. While the update itself is optional, by opting out, PS3 owners end up losing access to the PlayStation Network, playback of certain software and Blu-ray titles, and other features that previously worked.
Not all companies play hardball like this, however. For the most part, Google has been pretty awesome about supporting third-party ROM developers in the Android community, so long as certain closed-source applications are left out of the mix. In other cases, alternative firmware includes everything an end-user needs, whether officially supported or not (and usually they're not). Take the open-source Rockbox firmware, for example. Rockbox supports loads of MP3 players -- some better than others -- adding all kinds of functionality. This scenario isn't limited to just MP3 players and other gadgets that fit in the palm of your hand.. NookDevs includes all kinds of info on how to root your Nook so you can transform it from a simple ebook reader into a fleshed out media device.
Getting back to the Zune HD, it will be interesting to see how Microsoft responds. If it's true that a new Zune HD is set to come out later this year, one that will run Windows 7 Phone apps, Microsoft could score some major geek points by turning a blind eye towards third-party firmware hacks on the first-gen Zune HDs.
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