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ZunePet · 05-11-2008, 09:44 PM

> would it be feasible to create an alternate framework that runs off of XNA?
Yes, it is already there. It is called XNA ;->

XNA programs provide common features needed by games. They run in a restricted and highly controlled 'sandbox'. Programs can't maliciously change the regular Zune data, or the regular boot process (ie. no Rockbox or Linux or WinCE hacks)
The Zune music database is off limits. Apparently you can play (non-DRM) music as part of your game.
This is similar to XNA game feature under the XBox360. Very restricted. Great for simple games that don't need optimized ARM native code. Not good for high performance games or system hacking.

ie. you can't add more features that extend beyond the XNA restrictions. If you find one it is likely a bug (and a chance for an exploit!!) but will be short lived until they fix the bug.
------
Bottom line (for system-level hackers): nothing has changed. The system is closed off and intentionally designed *not* to run arbitrary code. Programmers are not to be trusted. Users must be protected from malicious code at any cost - so they get a choice any number of intentionally crippled programs.

For hackers still interested in RockBox or Linux or system modifications (like getting around the game exit feature, or running true ARM code, or web browsing...) the only option is finding a bug/exploit in the secure system and 'cracking' the system. It will be short lived.
With Zune 2.5 firmware, the list of possible exploits goes up. You may be able to find a bug/exploit in the XNA runtime, or the XNA "CLR" byte-code runtime (a general exploit may work for Zune or XBox360), but it will be short lived.

Or invest your time in an open platform...

05-11-2008, 09:44 PM	#25 (permalink)
ZunePet Zuner Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 74 Reputation: 9 $zB: 11 Donate	> would it be feasible to create an alternate framework that runs off of XNA? Yes, it is already there. It is called XNA ;-> XNA programs provide common features needed by games. They run in a restricted and highly controlled 'sandbox'. Programs can't maliciously change the regular Zune data, or the regular boot process (ie. no Rockbox or Linux or WinCE hacks) The Zune music database is off limits. Apparently you can play (non-DRM) music as part of your game. This is similar to XNA game feature under the XBox360. Very restricted. Great for simple games that don't need optimized ARM native code. Not good for high performance games or system hacking. ie. you can't add more features that extend beyond the XNA restrictions. If you find one it is likely a bug (and a chance for an exploit!!) but will be short lived until they fix the bug. ------ Bottom line (for system-level hackers): nothing has changed. The system is closed off and intentionally designed not to run arbitrary code. Programmers are not to be trusted. Users must be protected from malicious code at any cost - so they get a choice any number of intentionally crippled programs. For hackers still interested in RockBox or Linux or system modifications (like getting around the game exit feature, or running true ARM code, or web browsing...) the only option is finding a bug/exploit in the secure system and 'cracking' the system. It will be short lived. With Zune 2.5 firmware, the list of possible exploits goes up. You may be able to find a bug/exploit in the XNA runtime, or the XNA "CLR" byte-code runtime (a general exploit may work for Zune or XBox360), but it will be short lived. Or invest your time in an open platform...