Comments on: USB Support getting closer

By: Zim

Zim — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:56:37 +0000

@Crash91:
It's not illegal to rip Youtube videos unless it's music video, or the video creator has a copyright on it.

@Chrisjs169:
I do wish Firefox could be coded, but a Rockbox internet Browser would be cool, too.

By: chrisjs169

chrisjs169 — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:09 +0000

I don't know the specs of the Connect, but I suppose it's possible it would have the processing power. I'm not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice in any way, but I believe in some countries it isn't illegal to rip videos from youtube. In addition, some videos give you an option to download the video, while with others, you need to use...another method.

As with extra features coming to the Sansa when USB is supported (mic, soundcard, etc) it all depends on if the developers think it'd be worth creating (or porting) a browser to the Connect, IF it were even Rockbox'd. I think people seem to be getting away from this though: a port for the connect hasn't even started yet. Maybe once the connect has been ported, and is supported, these requests could be made, but right now, it seems these are requests for something that might not even happen.

As for WinAmp, I do agree with you, Crash91. Rockbox was designed to play music, having extra plugins available for those who want them. It seems people are trying to turn it into a complete operating system, with lots of things that might not even be possible. As any other developer would probably say, if you want a feature, you can try submitting a feature request, and see if anybody else likes it, and hope someone else would be willing to code it, otherwise, you might just have to code it yourself.

/rant

By: Crash91

Crash91 — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:14:54 +0000

Does the Sansa Connect have enough processing power?? Anyway, thats a long shot off, i mean, isnt it illegal to rip vids from youtube and also, why would you bother browsing websites with a scroll wheel and like....6-7 buttons when you can power up your PC and do the same thing, much quicker.

Why the hell would you want winamp? ROCKBOX plays music!!?! There is already a WPS gallery, and sites to get firmware are up.

By: chrisjs169

chrisjs169 — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 02:45:37 +0000

I'm not sure about WinAmp, but I don't think Firefox could be included, because it's license and Rockbox's license (GNU GPLv2) aren't compatible. As for a flash video ripper, I think some form of it could be coded, once a port is started and wifi works.

By: Zim

Zim — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 02:33:00 +0000

When I suggested a Rockbox port for the Sansa Connect, I had a few ideas(that could work with that new Wi-Fi iPod as well)... maybe you could pass these on to the developers:

Firefox, and a website to download files like .rock files, themes, firmware, ect.
WinAmp Plugin
.flv ripper (to get videos from Youtube)
These are just a few possibilities.

By: chrisjs169

chrisjs169 — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 23:40:13 +0000

After USB many other features *may* come out ;). It all depends on if people have the time (and the need) to code the feature.

I think we could have a mic via the Sansa, though as I said before, we'd need someone who would want to code it.

By: Zim

Zim — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:51:32 +0000

Using the Sansa as a Mic. ... very good idea. As a Sound Card, I don't know about that one. I'm wanting to get a microphone for my computer, but don't want to waste money, so if this comes out anytime soon, that would be great. I don't think it will take much longer. For example, within 2 months of the Nintendo Wii's release, a team wrote a program to use the Wiimotes (via Bluetooth) as a mouse, gaming controller, and a virtual drum. Although this is a very different situation, I think we could do it.
...that's all I have to say right now.

By: Jeton

Jeton — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 20:24:53 +0000

Cool, so after USB many other features will come out.
Thanks for the explanation.

Cheers.

By: chrisjs169

chrisjs169 — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:18:53 +0000

Jeton: I suppose it could be possible, but I think it'd be better to have an application on the computer to do it, vs having it done via the Sansa - if that'd even be possible. I haven't messed with it recently, but I do sort of have a script for Debian based (all Linux?) distros to update the build. I can probably still find a copy of it, if you want me to add it to the site.

The plugin might be a little tricky, but I think I'd be able to figure it out once USB works. I suppose I could do it right now...

As for the possibilities, there are quite a few things that could be done once USB works. Someone in IRC (GodEater, IIRC) said that it would be possible to use the Sansa as a sound card, provided that someone wrote the code for it. Likewise, I'm sure it'd be possible to use it as a microphone, but again, someone would need to code it. While you couldn't combine any of them (file transfers + sound card) the possibilities aren't too limited once USB works, provided that there's code for it.

Crash91: The application would need to be based on the computer, and because Rockbox will be using the same Vendor/Product IDs as the OF (there was some talk about Rockbox having it's own vendor id, but we'd need a few thousand dollars ;)) the program would update Rockbox regardless of whether the Sansa was connected via Rockbox or the OF. However, if done via Rockbox, the sansa would need to be restarted for Rockbox to use the new build.

By: Crash91

Crash91 — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 17:08:56 +0000

I dont think that will happen unless someone actually makes an application for it, and anyway...what would be the difference if rockbox/OF connects? The build would still have to be updated.
Anway..congrats and many thanks to Zagor for actually working on it!
Crash