Zune uses MTP storage format. It is like the UMS used on USB memory sticks but its more sophisticated. This is the way Zune stores the track ratings, genres, artists etc listings. It also does bad things like DRM. Lets say its like a database and storage format mix.

When away from Microsoft's Windows, libmtp is one way to "contact" devices using it. libmtp is a free open source library that works on Mac OS X and Linux (it works on other OSes too). The XNJB program written by Richard Low for Mac OS X uses this library. But XNJB is written for the Creative Nomad player not for Zune.

A Mac user though tried it with Zune! Prince_Afie is wondering: "Anyone got full Zune compatibility yet? I can only read the files but can't seem to transfer files on and off my Zune here". And he becomes this Sunday's person!

So it looks like libmtp has partial support for Zune even right now. And it is used also on Linux programs like amaroK. We are in good way here, but people on the libmtp developing team could use some help on debugging. So Zune owners who use Mac and Linux systems, this is something you can do!

Linux and Mac users: Welcome to the Social!

Links: libmtp | XNJB | Amarok | Mac and Linux support for Zune.

EDIT2: We have also some Zune connected to a Mac iBook photos.

EDIT1: Erica Sadun has this also on O'Reilly, she tried it with the XNJB program. At first I thought she had taken it from our site, but this seems just to be a coincidence. Great minds think alike!

Check her article here.

Comments (38)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Firmware 1.1 disables the protocol.
written by Albert Wang, November 27, 2006

Actually, it looks like the Mac can't read the Zune after updating to 1.1 from 1.0. Seems like the problem with homebrew a la PSP?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

WHo cares ?
written by Wenzi, November 28, 2006

If I have a mac why in the world would I [1] spend money on a Zune [2] actually connect the thing to my mac ? I would just get an iPod which does not look like a piece of cr@p. Or should I say a piece of Zune?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +21

Well well.
written by Teddy, November 28, 2006

I am a rather faithful mac user....buuut....the Zune doesn't seem that bad. I bought one because of the Wireless, and in hopes that there will be a ZuneLinux to exploit it. i'm still sure there will be.

XNJB is a well needed, and rather quickly acquired start. I can't wait for a full hack.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +3

I care...
written by an Apple user, December 05, 2006

I have an iPod but it is broken. I want a new .mp3 player and was thinking of getting an iPod until I heard that Microsoft is using Microsoft Points as a currency in their Zune Store. I own an XBox 360 and have already made an investment in that currency for micro-transactions in the XBox Live Marketplace, so that mixed with the compatibility the Zune has with the XBox 360 it makes me almost want a Zune over an iPod. But only if I can make it work on my iBook, and if I can buy songs over WiFi from the Zune store directly onto the Zune player itself. If Microsoft pulled that off and Mac OS X is supported that would make me want a Zune.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

Any Luck
written by ryan, December 13, 2006

anyone find out more about this? I just got a zune today for free, but i am a mac user. I would like to keep it even if it is just to use as a big zip drive. Anyone get the mac zune thing worked out yet?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

Boot Camp
written by windows user, December 14, 2006

Has anyone tried using the zune on their mac using boot camp. I'm getting the new macbook and the mac pro and i want to know if they are zune compatible. I have a 360 also. But i think i'm getting the new 8gb nano because the battery life doesn't suck balls like the zunes.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

Boot Camp & Parallels on Mac
written by Zune-Online.com, December 14, 2006

With Boot Camp Zune works fine. But with Windows on a virtual machine its not working for now. Check here for more:
http://playlistmag.com/weblogs.../index.php

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

Bootcamp is NOT a solution
written by jen, December 24, 2006

Thanks for the vote of confidence Zune-Online, but bootcamp is NOT an option for mac users. you need 10gb of harddrive space to run it. besides, you toss it out like its a simple extention or something. Even if you do have the resources on your computer to run bootcamp, it is a TOTALLY unreasonable solution.

Why is this player programmed in such a proprietary way? its such a joke. This is why i have avoided microsoft programs and hardware in the first place!

all i want to do is give you my money so i can use your product, and you make it impossible with this stupid over-programming. sc@#$ you microsoft! gar!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

...
written by etx, December 27, 2006

Keep in mind the ipod was mac only when it launched. I'm sure a solution will come up soon. I'm a mac user and I just picked p a zune. So far I love it!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +2

Renaming Zune with XNJB
written by Justin Richards, January 02, 2007

I was just messing around with XNJB, and I tried renaming my Zune, and at first it didn't show up, but after I restarted the Zune, the name changed to what I had typed in on XNJB.

Where exactly does the Zune store it's info for the name?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

Renaming Zune with XNJB
written by Zune-Online.com, January 02, 2007

Justin: Thats interesting. Expect more compatibility for Macs and Linux in the future:
Richard Low Welcome to the Social!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

Have zune and it is very limited
written by Phoenix, January 03, 2007

I have 5 ipods and just picked up a Zune, Cant seem to fully sync on my mac, but that aside the ZUNE for the money is nice but no where near comparable to the ipod. No syncing with MS office, no Calendars, no drive access, not time, nice Zoom feature with pics, video output to TV is not as clean, no games, radio reception blows, screen shuts off when hooked up to tv, no alarm, outside case is nice (hard to scratch), no podcasts unless you have itunes, then Zune steals its content and puts it on the Zune, and no notes, no syncing with email(using plugins)no real in depth controls for true full custumization (except background) otherwise for 250 I woould just get an ipod again.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

OMG this sucks
written by Dissappointed, January 08, 2007

WOW, i honestly didnt think that this would be such a problem, because Apple made the ipod compatible with Windows AND apple. But microsoft is going to be Extremely greedy and not allow Mac users to use the Zune without going through a super big hassle of downloading ,changing and purchasing $300 programs, just to use an MP3 player. To be honest i was looking forward to getting a zune, now that i have one, Extremley Dissappointed. Unless Microsoft Fixes these problems. I expect The Zune to be a thing of the past, QUICKLY!!! If you own a Mac get an IPOD, this crap is just not worth the time and Effort for a portable MP3 player. So, pissed

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

...
written by jake cohen, January 08, 2007

hey people prince_alfe is offering a reward and the guy that made xnjb just needs to get a zune to find the solution so please donate to him

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by jake cohen, January 08, 2007

sorry hes offering a reward for the solution

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by jake cohen, January 08, 2007

prince alfes blog is @
http://www.zunescene.com/forum...ic=3519.0
hey this is a race first one to get it to work gets the reward
the site is wentnet.com click help th project to donate devices money or send him your codes

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Stacey, January 30, 2007

I have limited technical/programming skills but possess a zune and a linux machine. How do I get involved?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

Are there any updates on this?
written by Jeremy, February 08, 2007

I got my Zune yesterday and have been trying to get involved. I left some posts on the libmtp forums, but it appears from the dev mailing list that richard is away and busy with limited internet access. Do you have any information Kostas? I'm really excited about getting the Zune fully functional on linux. I was thinking if things develop well enough an application for Windows could be built around libmtp that would allow a direct connection with drag and drop capability without the need for drivers. It would be very handy for me since I would like to be able to update my zune collection at work, but I am not allowed the privileges of installation. I wish I knew where to start for trying to implement the authentication, but it's a little beyond my current knowledge. I've already done a USB capture of the connection sequence, but don't know quite where to press on from here.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Zune-Online.com, February 08, 2007

Jeremy: Unfortunately I don't have anything new on this, but Richard now has a Zune to play with.
http://www.zune-online.com/new...ocial.html

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

...
written by jake cohen, March 02, 2007

i found some guy whos done it hes waiting to figure out how to release the information he says its so simple

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by jake cohen, March 06, 2007

never mind he finally said it uses sim and works only on powerpc

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

...
written by shaun, April 13, 2007

find me one mac user who would rather have a zune over an iPod

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

...
written by res, April 15, 2007

*raises hand*. I am a pc AND mac user, and I would rather have a zune than an ipod. Obviously, pure mac users will want an ipod, but only because zune doesn't work with mac.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Amanda, April 24, 2007

I am a Mac user and I like the Zune alot! If it was smaller and mac compatible I would buy one. I think the interface on the Zune is much nicer than the iPod. The Zune's menus look so much more modern and glossy compared to the iPod's which is starting to look out of date. I'm anxiously awaiting however when Apple comes out with something that has a larger screen and other Zune-like features... then the real battle will begin!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

...
written by Travis, May 09, 2007

I have a macbook pro and I have a zune. I've always hated the ipod. The biggest reason is the stupid sroll wheel..just can't stand it. I also like the interface and its much better looking then the ipod's. Also scrolling sideways is a feature that i've grown to enjoy.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Travis, May 09, 2007

I have a macbook pro and I use a zune (never owned an ipod). few reasons why:

- I HATE the ipods scroll wheel. That is one of the stupidest things and its a pain.
- The zune's interface is alot better looking and the whole menu setup and everything i like much better than the ipods
- im starting to really enjoy the scrolling sideways feature
- just the overall look

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

? Zune?
written by Jina Kim, May 24, 2007

I'm sorry to be men but th eonly reasin why people with I-Pods are being so mean to people with Zunes is because they wish they had one... Kommone seriously a ZUNE is much better. My good friend has an I-pod, the quality isn't verry good plus Zunes look way cooler

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

Help
written by katie, June 02, 2007

alright, so i got a zune. Kinda tired of ipods. But i do have a macbook which i love. Now, i recently bought a zune and i love it! its pretty cool. Uno problemo senor, microsoft just had to be OH SO greedy and not allow mac users to use this device! uhm, exsqueeze me?! We macs let our ipods work on macs AND windows. Ughh. Pleeease let me know when someone discovers how to link a mac and a zune.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

zune linux the answer to mac conectivity
written by jcohen9229, June 03, 2007

join the cause today we are in pre alpha state and ready to use your help

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by b, June 14, 2007

i have a mac and an ipod, i've gone through 3 different ipods in about 2 years [mini,photo, and now video] and they all die. of course after the mini crapped out i decided to purchase a warrenty and after the photo was sent back to apple for the 4th time they replaced it with a video since the photo was discontinued. well my video has been sent back once and they replaced it with a refurbished on and for the past 3 days it has been freezing and i have to wait for the battery to run out and wait for it to charge before it works again. i'm fed up. i want a zune but im not gonna waste my time if i cant just use it on my laptop, i mean we have several pc's in my house but the mac is my personal one.

all i need to know is, can i use it on my mac or not? and is it gonna be a big deal cause if it is im not interested.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

No it won't work out of the box.
written by Zune-Online.com, June 14, 2007

@ b: Zune Software is not released for Macs. Currently there is no alternative, so you'll have to run it somehow.
Check this for more:
http://www.zune-online.com/mac-and-linux.html

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +2

Mac user who wants a Zune
written by FR3SH JIV3, June 21, 2007

I only have a Powerbook for a computer right now but I know my next will be another Mac. I am a graphic artist and the Mac caters to my needs much better than a PC.

I am a huge Xbox 360 fan and would really like to get this new Halo 3 Zune but Microsoft has made it so I can't. I am really hoping this gets full support on OS-X

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

too confusing...
written by susan may, August 27, 2007

man zunes are freggin diffifult!! and since i have a mac, that doesnt help at all.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

Microsoft needs to let Mac users into The Social
written by miss.lee, November 16, 2007

i love my zune to death and wouldn't want an ipod, but im a graphic designer so i use a mac book and it totally bites that i cant sync my zune on with my macbook. Doesn't microsoft realize that so many more ppl would buy zune's if they worked on macs too. Not all mac users use ipods. i know plenty of mac users that like zunes and you know what stops them... that zunes aren't compatible. MICROSOFT DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS or you're going to lose all your supporters to the Ipod movement.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +3

Zune? no thank you.
written by Carlos Bittencourt, December 16, 2007

I bought a zune to my daughter in USA. Back home, I tried to use the zune with my PC (Portuguese Windows XP). It's impossible! No one can realy configure this crazy thing. Zune does not work. My windows xp go crazy and my doughter cry every single day. Well, ipod is really more easy to use and install. Zune is beautyfull, but...

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +5

...
written by madBOX20, December 31, 2007

written by miss.lee, November 16, 2007
i love my zune to death and wouldn't want an ipod, but im a graphic designer so i use a mac book and it totally bites that i cant sync my zune on with my macbook. Doesn't microsoft realize that so many more ppl would buy zune's if they worked on macs too. Not all mac users use ipods. i know plenty of mac users that like zunes and you know what stops them... that zunes aren't compatible. MICROSOFT DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS or you're going to lose all your supporters to the Ipod movement.

this is my exact position. i have a zune and love it to death. but i just recently bought a mac for my graphics and it really sucks hard that i can't sync my zune.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

Zune
written by darkvapor, January 31, 2008

I use Windows and Linux but would prefer Linux wish that Zune was more compatable. I think even the ipod works with Linux.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Brett, April 04, 2008

I'd say Microsoft has a couple months to fix this issue. Once Apple comes out with a 80gb or higher touch screen ipod the zune won't have a leg to stand on. I have a 80gb zune and love it to death. I also have a macbook pro. You can imagine how happy it makes me to steal my wifes crapy dell just to sync my zune and get my podcasts.

Microsoft wanted a bigger share of the MP3 player market. They developed a peice of hardware that could really do some damage. Then they developled this software and blew their brains out with it.

Will someone please put Microsoft in a nice padded room so they can't hurt themselves anymore.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (Registered users only)

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment