Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Developer teases voice control of Zune, using PC and Windows Phone (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/developer-teases-voice-control-of-zune-using-pc-and-windows-pho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/developer-teases-voice-control-of-zune-using-pc-and-windows-pho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/29/developer-teases-voice-control-of-zune-using-pc-and-windows-pho/#comments The great thinkers of the world have long known a secret that we're now happy to disclose: it's not necessity that's the mother invention, but rather laziness. Fortunately, expending a great deal of effort on a project -- simply to perform a task effortlessly -- sometimes brings very cool results. A concept app known as ZuneVoice easily passes muster in this realm, which is used to control Zune software on the PC with only a standard microphone and spoken commands. As you can see in the demo video, its creator, keyboardp, is able to play individual songs, issue commands such a "pause" or "next song", and even display full-screen music videos from YouTube. The developer even crafted an app for his Lumia 800 known as PhoneZune, which serves as a remote control for times when he's away from the box. Neither application is yet publicly available, though feedback is welcome. Next, we're told to expect Kinect integration. Perhaps one day, these gems will see the light of day.

Continue reading Developer teases voice control of Zune, using PC and Windows Phone (video)

Developer teases voice control of Zune, using PC and Windows Phone (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappshackhackskeyboardpkinectlumia 800Lumia800microsoftmobilepostcrossmusicnokiapcphonezunespeech recognitionSpeechRecognitionvideovoicevoice controlvoice recognitionVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionwindowswindows phoneWindowsPhoneyoutubezunezunevoiceTue, 29 Nov 2011 19:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Homebrew utility lets you backup Windows Phone on your terms]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/homebrew-utility-lets-you-backup-windows-phone-on-your-terms/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/homebrew-utility-lets-you-backup-windows-phone-on-your-terms/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/31/homebrew-utility-lets-you-backup-windows-phone-on-your-terms/#comments Are you itching to find a manual backup solution for your Windows Phone? That's a tough one to scratch. Currently, the only way to fully protect your handset's data is to wait for Microsoft to issue new updates -- where backups are automatically created within Zune during install. Now, xda-developers member "hx4700 Killer" is eliminating those long waits with a homebrew solution that works directly with Zune by spoofing an update -- thereby triggering a backup. We're told everything on your phone gets saved, and you can even roll back to your prior software version. To do this you'll need a few things: Zune itself, Windows Phone Support Tools, an update package from any Windows Phone, and this killer utility. So, if you feel like doing the time warp again, hit the source article for the required downloads and some helpful instructions.

Homebrew utility lets you backup Windows Phone on your terms originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 May 2011 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backuphackhackshomebrewhx4700 killerHx4700KillerMicrosoftmobileMSFTrestorewindowsWindows Phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7zunezune softwareZuneSoftwareTue, 31 May 2011 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[How to keep your unlocked HTC WP7 device from re-locking after every sync]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/how-to-keep-your-unlocked-htc-wp7-device-from-re-locking-after-e/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/how-to-keep-your-unlocked-htc-wp7-device-from-re-locking-after-e/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/20/how-to-keep-your-unlocked-htc-wp7-device-from-re-locking-after-e/#commentsHow to keep your unlocked HTC WP7 device from re-locking after every sync Okay, so the WP7 hacking community may not be quite as active as that working tirelessly to keep every facet of Android devices splayed to the breeze, but that's not to say there isn't a skilled group of tinkerers doing their best on Microsoft's best. ChevronWP7 is a clear example of that, and though it's been officially pulled it is still quite certainly being used. Now its functionality has been extended with a second hack that enables you to use Zune to sync your HTC handset without it getting all locked up tight again. You can find all the details on the other end of the source link below, but we'll go ahead and warn you that as soon as the next WP7 version drops this particular unlock will be disabled. Then it'll be on to the next one.

How to keep your unlocked HTC WP7 device from re-locking after every sync originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevronwp7hackhackedhtcunlockwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7zuneThu, 20 Jan 2011 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA['Liberate' for the Zune HD unlocks hidden Windows CE potential]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/liberate-for-the-zune-hd-unlocks-hidden-windows-ce-potential/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/liberate-for-the-zune-hd-unlocks-hidden-windows-ce-potential/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/liberate-for-the-zune-hd-unlocks-hidden-windows-ce-potential/#comments Sure, we just spent the last four or five years chiding Microsoft for its anachronistic Windows CE interface, a UI which was holding Windows Mobile back in a post-stylus world, but now that Windows Phone 7 is here we get to start feeling all nostalgic, right? The ongoing Liberate project for the Zune HD, which just hit version 1.5.1, strips away that flashy Zune veneer and boots the device to Microsoft's stock CE 6.0 copy of explorer.exe. Notably, the latest version adds an onscreen keyboard and better right click support. Folks are using the freedom of CE to run applications like Foxit Reader, Opera Mini and Pocket Word, and with support for GDI, DirectDraw, and OpenGL ES 2.0 there's hope of gaming ports as well.

[Thanks, David R.]

'Liberate' for the Zune HD unlocks hidden Windows CE potential originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 20:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceexplorerexplorer.exehackliberatemicrosoftwindowswindows ceWindowsCezunezune hdZuneHdMon, 01 Nov 2010 20:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD: yes, it plays Doom]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/zune-hd-yes-it-plays-doom/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/zune-hd-yes-it-plays-doom/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/20/zune-hd-yes-it-plays-doom/#comments
 No matter how weak or powerful the gadget, one brave soul will always broach the all-important question: can it play Doom? Just four days after hacking the Zune HD and unleashing the OpenZDK, the Zune community has received its answer. ZuneBoards forumgoer Netrix has opened the portal to the familiar alien hell, where gamers will writhe in agony as they struggle with tilt and touchscreen controls. Those who persevere regardless will find the app runs any of the original Doom WAD files. Full installer available at the source link; see OpenZDK's power in action after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Zune HD: yes, it plays Doom

Zune HD: yes, it plays Doom originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Doomhackhacksid SoftwareIdSoftwareMicrosoftMicrosoft ZuneMicrosoft Zune HDMicrosoftZuneMicrosoftZuneHdOpenZDKportportedvideoZuneZune HDZuneHdTue, 20 Apr 2010 22:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune HD hacked, OpenZDK now available to developers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/16/zune-hd-hacked-openzdk-now-available-to-developers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/16/zune-hd-hacked-openzdk-now-available-to-developers/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/16/zune-hd-hacked-openzdk-now-available-to-developers/#comments
Well, it looks like the first 64GB Zune HDs landing in customers' hands may not be the biggest Zune news today after all. As proudly announced the ZuneBoards website, the Zune HD -- and all earlier Zunes, although the potential there is a tad more limited -- "have been hacked." While obviously not the first hack of any sort for the devices, this is described as the "first true hack," and it has made the concurrently-released OpenZDK possible. That effectively gives developers "access to everything XNA withheld before," which more or less opens to doors to any type of application that can run on the Zune hardware -- games, emulators, app stores, you name it. Of course, there's not a ton for average Zune users to play with at the moment, but developers can find all they need to get cracking at the source link below.

[Thanks, jhoeforth & Dilpickle1]

Zune HD hacked, OpenZDK now available to developers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhackedmicrosoftopenzdkpmpxnazunezune hdZuneHdFri, 16 Apr 2010 13:51:00 EST<![CDATA[zAlternator opens up your Zune to WMP11, iTunes sync]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/21/zalternator-opens-up-your-zune-to-wmp11-itunes-sync/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/21/zalternator-opens-up-your-zune-to-wmp11-itunes-sync/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/21/zalternator-opens-up-your-zune-to-wmp11-itunes-sync/#comments
A new hack and this zAlternator app from PityOnU over at ZuneBoards lets the Zune masquerade as a generic "Windows Portable Device" (gee, imagine that!) or even an iPod, opening the device to new horizons of user-friendly content management. WPD is the real win here, allowing you to use Windows Media Player, Winamp or whatever other popular app you prefer for managing your media. The iTunes features are a bit more untested, but theoretically should work. To get you Zune to cooperate, there's a simple unlock hack to perform, but after that it should be pretty smooth sailing -- let us know what it's like on the other side.

[Thanks, Mike]

Filed under: ,

zAlternator opens up your Zune to WMP11, iTunes sync originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideozalternatorzuneMon, 21 Jan 2008 18:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Workaround puts auto-playlist back on Zune]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/13/workaround-puts-auto-playlists-back-on-zunes/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/13/workaround-puts-auto-playlists-back-on-zunes/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/13/workaround-puts-auto-playlists-back-on-zunes/#commentsJust days after a clever Zune owner figured out a way around the "three-play rule," another has found a method for restoring auto-playlist functionality -- sort of, anyway. As you know, this feature vanished with the introduction of Zune software v2.0, but apparently, getting some semblance of it back doesn't take a whole lot of effort. All you have to do is create an auto-playlist in Windows Media Player, save said playlist as an M3U file and watch your Zune handle the rest. Head on over to the read link for all the details, but don't uncross your fingers for Microsoft to bring the official version back in the not-too-distant future.

[Via Zunerama, image courtesy of SelfHack]

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Workaround puts auto-playlist back on Zune originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto playlistAutoPlaylisthackintelligent playlistIntelligentPlaylistmicrosoftplaylistportable audioportableaudiosmart playlistSmartPlaylistwindows media playerWindowsMediaPlayerworkaroundzuneThu, 13 Dec 2007 11:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Workaround found for three-play rule on Zune]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/09/workaround-found-for-three-play-rule-on-zune/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/09/workaround-found-for-three-play-rule-on-zune/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/09/workaround-found-for-three-play-rule-on-zune/#comments
Finding yourself unhealthily frustrated by that annoying "three-play rule" still included in the latest firmware update for the Zune? Fret not, as a solution easier than easy has been discovered. Apparently, users can simply accept a shared track, go into Windows and switch the genre to "Podcast," and play the tune over as many times as they'd like. Granted, any files which this trick is used for will show up in the Podcast section, but hey, you can't get everything, right?

[Thanks, Michael, image courtesy of Zune]

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Workaround found for three-play rule on Zune originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 play3Playdrmhackmicrosoftportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoworkaroundzuneSun, 09 Dec 2007 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune hacked for Korean and Chinese language support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/02/zune-hacked-for-korean-and-chinese-language-support/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/02/zune-hacked-for-korean-and-chinese-language-support/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/02/zune-hacked-for-korean-and-chinese-language-support/#comments
ZuneBoards has achieved the feat of getting the Zune to support Korean and Chinese languages, using a hack that could open the door for many new interesting hacks for the thoroughly uninteresting player. Apparently, the hackers managed to get access to the System Partition, which until now has been rather hard. Once in, all they had to do was add a new font package -- it all sounds a little dubious to us, but whatevs. By the time more hacks come around, we'll probably be playing with the Zune 2.

[Thanks, Mike]

Filed under: ,

Zune hacked for Korean and Chinese language support originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Sep 2007 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChineseHackKoreanModportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoZuneSun, 02 Sep 2007 16:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune hack wipes out guest syncing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/12/zune-hack-wipes-out-guest-syncing/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/12/zune-hack-wipes-out-guest-syncing/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/12/zune-hack-wipes-out-guest-syncing/#commentsFor now at least, Zune hacks appear to be far outweighing the Zune cracks, although we doubt neither are making Microsoft very happy these days. The latest on hack front comes to us courtesy of Zune Boards member Marshilboy, who whipped up a little something that does away with the Zune's guest sync feature, instead letting you sync any Zune as if it were the "home" Zune. That also does away with the need to erase everything on your Zune and start over from scratch should you ever somehow completely mess things up with it. Of course, as with all such hacks, it's probably not be the best idea to start modifying software you're dependent on unless you know what you're doing, so proceed at your own risk.

[Thanks, Mike]

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Zune hack wipes out guest syncing originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 12:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackmicrosoftportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideozunezune hackZuneHackMon, 12 Mar 2007 12:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune hacked for DivX support (sorta)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/01/zune-hacked-for-divx-support-sorta/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/01/zune-hacked-for-divx-support-sorta/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/01/zune-hacked-for-divx-support-sorta/#commentsThe Zune has already seen its fair share of hacks in its relatively short lifetime, from running Linux to supporting USB drives, but it seems that there's still plenty of room for improvement, the latest addition being a small but significant tweak that forces the device to play nice with your DivX files. Whipped up by a member of the Zune Scene forums, the hack simply consists of a modification to the Windows registry that allows DivX files to be dragged and dropped into the Zune software. Then, the next time you sync the device, the files are automatically transcoded into the more Zune-friendly WMV format, ready to be viewed at your leisure. The hack also apparently supports Xvid files, albeit with less than optimal results. Not exactly the solution that native DivX support on the player would be, but if you've got a pile of DivX file and nothing else to play 'em on, it looks like it's about the best you're gonna get for the foreseeable future. As always, however, if you're not comfortable messing with your registry, you may want to steer clear this one.

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Zune hacked for DivX support (sorta) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>divxhackmicrosoftmodportable videoportablevideozuneThu, 01 Mar 2007 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Hack your Zune FM transmitter, boost output range]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/12/hack-your-zune-fm-transmitter-boost-output-range/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/12/hack-your-zune-fm-transmitter-boost-output-range/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/12/hack-your-zune-fm-transmitter-boost-output-range/#comments
Whether it's for lack of interest or, we doubt, difficulty in completion, we just don't see a lot of Zune hacking going on around here. So even though we wish this one helped extend the range of our lonely, virginal Zune's WiFi to promiscuous new distances, we'll still take on a hack that at least boosts the range of our FM transmissions. Just be careful about the FCC and the RIAA, from what we understand neither are particularly keen on this whole wireless music transmission thing.

[Via hack a day]

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Hack your Zune FM transmitter, boost output range originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 00:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fm transmitterFmTransmitterhackmicrosoftportable audioportableaudiozuneMon, 12 Feb 2007 00:07:00 EST<![CDATA[ZOMG, Zune runs teh Linux!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/14/zomg-zune-runs-teh-linux/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/14/zomg-zune-runs-teh-linux/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/14/zomg-zune-runs-teh-linux/#comments
A tip like "omg its true. mys videl was really workin on teh zune linux." doesn't really inspire confidence -- in the story, or in the future of mankind -- but if this YouTube video is to be believed, it seems as if some foolio named "MysVidel," who can't even manage to get a camera to focus properly, has hacked up his Zune to run Linux. It could very well just be a video playing back on the Zune, meant to fool the casual viewer, but the button presses are well enough timed that we're willing to give this one a fair shake. Don't let us down, MysVidel. As for tipster -- our hope in you is lost already. Like always, check the video after the break.

[Thanks, Jeff]

Continue reading ZOMG, Zune runs teh Linux!

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ZOMG, Zune runs teh Linux! originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Jan 2007 02:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hacklinuxportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideozuneSun, 14 Jan 2007 02:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Zune USB drive hack 'splained]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/24/zune-usb-drive-hack-splained/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/24/zune-usb-drive-hack-splained/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/24/zune-usb-drive-hack-splained/#comments As promised, we have journeyed into the deep recesses of the internets and returned with golden Zune-bustin' instructions. Turns out the hack is just a clever bit of RegEdit action, so you shouldn't have much trouble following along at home and setting your Zune free to load whatever dang files it chooses over USB. The best news is that after renaming your .zip file full of super-secret Thanksgiving recipes to a .jpg, you can transfer it via WiFi to all your Zune-toting pals. Now if you only had some Zune-toting pals...

[Thanks, Nathan W]

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Zune USB drive hack 'splained originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackportable audioportableaudiousb driveUsbDrivezuneFri, 24 Nov 2006 10:39:00 EST<![CDATA[How to bump your Zune to 40GB]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/18/how-to-bump-your-zune-to-40gb/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/18/how-to-bump-your-zune-to-40gb/http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/18/how-to-bump-your-zune-to-40gb/#comments Despite our personal reservations on the topic, if you're rocking a Zune, we say more power to you, and we thought we'd let you know about this simple method to upgrade that little player of yours to 40GB. Ironically, iPodMods did the honors: turns out the Zune uses the same battery as that of the 60/80GB iPod, and while they were mucking about they also discovered that an upgrade to a 40GB Toshiba drive is relatively painless as well. The player also supports 60GB and 80GB drives, but you can't get the back cover back on with those bulkier drives in place, so no dice there. But if an extra 10GB is worth the price and hassle to you, then by all means grab your Xacto Knife and get hacking!

[Via Zune-Online]

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How to bump your Zune to 40GB originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Nov 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>40gbhackhow toHowToportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideoupgradezuneSat, 18 Nov 2006 18:55:00 EST