According to reports from gadget-watchers, and a few who have physically ripped open the device, the Zune runs the Freescale i.MX31 multimedia processor - used widely in consumer electronics, such as smart phones and PDAs. This platform is already supported by the top embedded Linux operating system makers: Timesys's LinuxLink supports Freescale's i.MX31 chipset; Monta Vista software's Mobilinux embedded operating system also runs on the chip.
The Zune hardware comes with some interesting features such as a color screen, built-in Wi-Fi, a 30Gbyte hard drive. All of these should lure techie tinkers and embedded-Linux enthusiasts to give Linux-on-Zune a crack. What some are calling annoying holdbacks in the Zune software - such as DRM and the inability to purchase music wirelessly - could also be targets for a Linux hack "improvement."