JP
A common complaint levelled at Microsoft’s Zune is the relative scarcity of aftermarket accessories like speaker-docks and charging cables compared to the better-established iPod. Obviously it would’ve been too much to hope that Microsoft and Apple could’ve worked together for the good of the consumer, so we’ll have to rely on enterprising enthusiasts instead. The guys and gals over at Zuney.net have set themselves the goal of not only producing a pin-out diagram for the Zune’s connector, but constructing a Zune to iPod cable too.
So far the pin-outs have been two-thirds identified, and they’re in the very early stages of looking at possible cables. Right now it seems like some sort of chip will be needed to process the conversion on-the-fly, but as DRM and so-called “locked systems” developers have found the aftermarket tinkerers are not to be underestimated.
The question is whether a cable like this, if created, could ever reach a point of commercial sale, or whether it would be prevented by one or both of the companies thanks to some sort of patent or intellectual protection.
Zuney [via Zune-Online]
9 Responses to “Zune to iPod cable in very early stages of gestation”
Zune March 4, 2007
I doubt they would let anyone sell such a cable but the idea for the design is quite interesting. I wonder if they will be able to get it to work with this need for chips and what not. Figuring out what some of the cables do is one thing but installing a chip to process and convert seems far fetched doesn’t it?
+2Zune owner September 13, 2007
I’d buy it
+1Previous iPod owner November 24, 2007
Screw third party no way in hell apple would let that sell for more than 2 seconds. Honestly I think a better idea would be to have a website that teaches you how to make one (i mean really, you could just plug in the zune in the computer and another ipod cord but unless you have a lap top and even still you wont have your computer with you when your gonna need it). Teachings please?
NeutralPrevious iPod owner November 24, 2007
beter yet just make a ipod to 3.5mm headphone jack cable (that might actually work)
NeutralGreenhorse December 30, 2007
Does anyone know what happened with this? It does not appear that the Zuney website is still in operation.
NeutralTroy September 9, 2008
Yeah I’ve been wondering what happened to this.
Microsoft and these third-parties are foolish not to take advantage of the situation and make a cheap cable that would allow old iPod users to use the Zune players.
NeutralMike December 27, 2008
I’ve put together a Zune -> iPod cable that works for me. It provides charging to the Zune, and gets audio output from the Zune, both through the iPod connector.
http://mike.kruckenberg.com/ar.....-dock.html
Not the solution that is hoped for here, but it might be enough for some folks.
Neutral