Audio Input and others

mindsystem · 08-14-2008, 10:32 PM

Is it possible to hack the Zune to give you recording ability? Maybe somebody thought of that already and it won't work, but I just randomly thought of this while trying to get to sleep. So I figured I'd ask and let my mind rest.

On a similar note, would it be possible (only if above works would I consider this) to simply stream your voice recordings/music playlist via the radio/wireless functions in the Zune? so that one, in effect, could become a walking radio station? just asking out of curiosity.

(please no burns. i do not claim to know anything about the firmware/hardware on this device, and am merely brainstorming.)

bluwlf_8503 · 08-15-2008, 05:23 AM

I really want to believe that this is possible but, not for the application you're suggesting. There are accessories for the iPod that allow for audio recording via an external mic so, it makes sense that the Zune should have similar capabilities that simply aren't being exploited.

As interesting as it sounds, the concept of turning your zune into a mobile radio station might be a bit far-fetched. However, I could see something similar. With the ability to transfer pictures, podcasts and songs wirelessly, it's reasonable to believe that one may be able to utilize either the hardware that enables those transmissions or the FM transmitter/reciever to do the same with live audio. This could lead to short range voice-messaging or even a walkie-talkie like feature

Unfortunately, like you, I am much better at conceptualizing possiblities than I am at actually figuring out how to make them reality but, I certainly hope that there is someone out there with the technical know-how and desire to explore the possibility. I highly doubt that something like this would really be all that practical but, hey; it would just be one more thing that I could use to make my wife wish she would have bought a Zune instead of an iPod.

Netrix · 08-15-2008, 07:45 AM

I do not think this is possible at all. The Zune only outputs audio. It does not receive it.

Lucifer · 08-15-2008, 11:17 AM

the zune has an FM receiver built into it, you could then use a microphone connected to an FM transmitter (perhaps even the microphones with built in transmitters?) the rest is complicated, I DOUBT you can do *anything* about recording it.. the zune hardware would support the ability, but the firmware is currently UNhackable, and it's firmware isn't set to record anything... even Radio. XNA 3.0 has no code for handling the FM Radio component so far as I know, so until MS makes it possible, we're completely out of luck.

mindsystem · 08-15-2008, 07:02 PM

okay. thanks for the feedback. i was just exploring the possibilities in my head. too bad the firmware is unhackable thus far. (the radio station was a far fetched idea even in my imagination, but i just thought i'd mention it as an example)

Lucifer · 08-19-2008, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mindsystem

okay. thanks for the feedback. i was just exploring the possibilities in my head. too bad the firmware is unhackable thus far. (the radio station was a far fetched idea even in my imagination, but i just thought i'd mention it as an example)

I wasn't trying to shoot you down.. just giving my honest opinion, was I too harsh about it? I am sorry it won't work.

08-14-2008, 10:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
mindsystem Zewbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3 Reputation: 10	Audio Input and others Is it possible to hack the Zune to give you recording ability? Maybe somebody thought of that already and it won't work, but I just randomly thought of this while trying to get to sleep. So I figured I'd ask and let my mind rest. On a similar note, would it be possible (only if above works would I consider this) to simply stream your voice recordings/music playlist via the radio/wireless functions in the Zune? so that one, in effect, could become a walking radio station? just asking out of curiosity. (please no burns. i do not claim to know anything about the firmware/hardware on this device, and am merely brainstorming.)

08-15-2008, 05:23 AM	#2 (permalink)
bluwlf_8503 Squirt Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 29 Reputation: 10	It would make sense. I really want to believe that this is possible but, not for the application you're suggesting. There are accessories for the iPod that allow for audio recording via an external mic so, it makes sense that the Zune should have similar capabilities that simply aren't being exploited. As interesting as it sounds, the concept of turning your zune into a mobile radio station might be a bit far-fetched. However, I could see something similar. With the ability to transfer pictures, podcasts and songs wirelessly, it's reasonable to believe that one may be able to utilize either the hardware that enables those transmissions or the FM transmitter/reciever to do the same with live audio. This could lead to short range voice-messaging or even a walkie-talkie like feature Unfortunately, like you, I am much better at conceptualizing possiblities than I am at actually figuring out how to make them reality but, I certainly hope that there is someone out there with the technical know-how and desire to explore the possibility. I highly doubt that something like this would really be all that practical but, hey; it would just be one more thing that I could use to make my wife wish she would have bought a Zune instead of an iPod.

08-15-2008, 07:45 AM	#3 (permalink)
Netrix Purger of Ignorance zB Programmer Section Staff Super Zuner Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: In my own world Posts: 1,655 Reputation: 221 Awards Showcase Total Awards: 1	I do not think this is possible at all. The Zune only outputs audio. It does not receive it. __________________ "Against logic there is no armor like ignorance." - Laurence J. Peter Solitaire for your Zune! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Zune Book Reader! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-15-2008, 11:17 AM	#4 (permalink)
Lucifer zB Programmer Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 572 Reputation: 331	the zune has an FM receiver built into it, you could then use a microphone connected to an FM transmitter (perhaps even the microphones with built in transmitters?) the rest is complicated, I DOUBT you can do anything about recording it.. the zune hardware would support the ability, but the firmware is currently UNhackable, and it's firmware isn't set to record anything... even Radio. XNA 3.0 has no code for handling the FM Radio component so far as I know, so until MS makes it possible, we're completely out of luck.

08-15-2008, 07:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
mindsystem Zewbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3 Reputation: 10	okay. thanks for the feedback. i was just exploring the possibilities in my head. too bad the firmware is unhackable thus far. (the radio station was a far fetched idea even in my imagination, but i just thought i'd mention it as an example)

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