A group of developers have successfully taken advantage of an exploit within Microsoft’s Zune players to open the system up for the development of homebrew apps. Announced today at a dedicated Zune forum, the team has released the first SDK, OpenZDK, to get developers started in creating native apps and games for both the classic Zune and Zune HD.
Previously limited by the XNA kit for the Zune, OpenZDK will finally give developers full access to the internals of the Zune. Applications can now be made to take advantage of the Tegra inside the Zune HD using “custom vertex and fragments shaders with OpenGL ES 2.0, programmed using lightning fast C++.” Limitations in 3D hardware acceleration, internet access, and performance have all been lifted with the new homebrew SDK.
Because OpenZDK was just released, no apps have been made yet, though that should eventually change with time as developers get accustomed to the platform to create new games, emulators, ports, and other applications.
In addition to the Quick Start Kit, getting started guides have been made available to end users and developers. The Zune Dev Wiki will serve as the main portal for further developments in homebrew apps and OpenZDK.
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Following last week’s accidental leak on the Zune HD website, Microsoft has officially lifted the wraps on the new 64GB Zune HD model and made it available for order. The large capacity Zune HD 64 is priced $50 less than the 64GB iPod touch at $350. Both the 16GB and 32GB models have also been reduced in price to $200 and $270 respectively.
Microsoft also released the 4.5 update to the Zune firmware earlier this week, which among other new additions, brings Smart DJ playlists and Xvid support. The Zune HD 64 won’t be shipping with 4.5 preloaded yet, so be sure to update it once you receive yours!
Earlier we reported on the latest update to the Zune HD’s firmware, labelled version 4.5. Along with the SmartDJ feature and added video codec support that we mentioned, a message from a Zune spokesperson also describes the addition of the “Picks” feature and improvements to the Zune HD’s TV docking support.
As with the Smart DJ feature, Picks is also a music discovery function that is currently part of the Zune PC software and now making its way to the Zune HD device. Whereas Smart DJ uses the Zune Marketplace catalog and your existing music collections to make suggestions, Picks compares what you like to listen to with other Zune users that are listening to the same things and then makes recommendations based on what they like but you have yet to hear. So whilst Smart DJ can be compared to Apple’s Genius feature, Picks is more social like Last.fm.
The new firmware will also upgrade the functions available when you connect your Zune HD to your TV using the A/V dock. As well as watching and playing music and HD video and photos from your Zune device, you will now be able to access Smart DJ and the Zune Marketplace through the TV connection. This allows you to browse and stream the music available in the Zune store as well as accessing any Picks that have been suggested.
As expected, the firmware update will be available as a free download which, according to Microsoft, should be available within “the next few weeks” – so keep your eyes peeled for its impending release.
Engadget was able to get some information on the next firmware version for the Zune HD. The next firmware versions, 4.5, will bring SmartDJ and added codec support for videos. Microsoft said they will not be bringing DivX support to the ZuneHD, but they will be adding Xvid, which will be fully compatible with MPEG-4 part 2 Advanced Simple Profile.
The SmartDJ will work just like the iPod/iPhone’s Genius, searching for similar artists and songs for you to listen to. Microsoft hasn’t announced any release date for the Zune HD 4.5 firmware, but it is coming.
Other news today about the Zune HD, was a slipup on the Zune website, which made a 64GB model link available, an un-announced new version of the Zune HD. Currently, Microsoft only has the Zune HD available in 16GB and 32GB models, but a curious user noticed the addition of a 64GB model on the website.
Microsoft was quick to remove the link and option from the website. There also wasn’t any mention if Microsoft plans to go internationally with the Zune HD.
