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Improved MTP Support For Linux

By: Grahm Skee on March 17, 2008 3:22 PM

mtpfs.jpg

Linux users have in the past been confined to using MSC based MP3 players, ones that act like basic drag and drop memory cards, so choices have been limited. In order to get MTP based devices to work Linux users had to used programs like Gnomad2, Rhythmbox, or Amarok to transfer media to these devices.

In the latest Ubuntu version 8.04 a simple command (sudo apt-get install mtpfs) will install full MTP support. MTPFS provides a full file browsing experience just like an MSC based device with the ability to browse playlists, write playlists, and write metadata to music tracks.

This is great news to MTP only devices like the Creative Zen family, but I also throw out a proposal for the Zune. The Zune uses a modified version of MTP called MTPZ. If this isn’t too modified from MTP, then could this be a slight hack to get full drag and drop Linux support to the Zune?

[Linuxtechie via MTP on Linux Forums]

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Comments

Aaron on March 17, 2008 3:39 PM

Some of the best Linux news I've heard in a while! Makes me like my Zen Vision:M even more, because using Amarok/Gnomad was a big pain in the butt and they just didn't cut it as a substitute for the Creative software (MediaSource/Media Explorer). Now then, is there anything I need Windows for anymore.....

nywytboy68 on March 18, 2008 7:58 AM

Guess I'll have to update the Old HP and see how this goes (the older version of Ubuntu was still a bit rough but I've been hearing good things lately!!!) - should work w/my S618 & Zen then - YAY!!!

Ivan on March 19, 2008 2:23 AM

The Zunes' MTPZ protocol sends an encryption "challenge" to which the computer must respond. In order to respond, however, a key and proper reply needs to be found. This would be illegal in the US due to the DMCAs law on reverse engineering.

I propose Microsoft release a bootloader which does not have encryption so as to allow any other OS (i.e Rockbox), but at the same time write to EEPROM so it is no longer covered by warrant (and doesn't allow loading the original firmware without replacing the bootloader). This way they would have all bases covered...but I guess they are not interested.

John Giotta on April 2, 2008 10:55 PM

Zune support is a must. Challenge Shmallenge IMHO.
I paid for device; let me use the way I want to.

Rahul on June 23, 2008 3:09 AM

it's good for user

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