No software V3 update for 3G ipod?

[ElPapa]

I just saw that the latest software update for the iPod doesn't include all the neat goodies for the 3G iPod that are in the 4G iPod. LAME! What's up with that??

[BigIzz]

They want you to buy the 4G iPod. Apart from the click wheel and extended battery life, the only difference is really firmware updates so why would they give them to you when they are selling them for $3/400?

[ElPapa]

Well, they can get bent... I'll buy a 4G iPod when my 3G wears out... :P

[Mountain Man]

While this is expected, it's disappointing that Apple so quickly abandons previous iPods when a new model is released. In comparison, look at Creative. They supported their original Creative Jukebox player long after the Jukebox 3 was on the market. In fact, there were times improvements were added to the original firmware before it was added to the latest model! Now that's what I call support.

Well, Apple can shove it as far as I'm concerned. I'm keeping my eye on the Linux on the iPod project (http://ipodlinux.sourceforge.net/) which proposes to offer a fully functional replacement firmware for the Apple iPod. And this being an open source community project, you can be sure they won't abandon previous generation iPods!

[ElPapa]

I'm keeping an eye on that project, too. Personally I'm not impressed with apples attitude toward customers and never have been. I mean they're treating the 3G owners like "legacy platform" customers and we just bought these damn things!!

[BigIzz]

I can see your frustration but I wouldn't say Apple has abandoned the iPod. Your iPod does everything you expected it to when you paid for it and Apple has done a pretty good job fixing any bugs. I'm sure if a significant bug in 3rd gen software was found, Apple would release a firmware update. Yes there are some little nitpicky problems with the iPod firmware but nothing that is that big of a deal. Creative and other companies had better support their products real well because they don't have nearly the market share Apple does.

As for the Linux project, I'm all for it. Let people figure it out for themseleves, they will probably do a better job then Apple does anyway. But don't say Apple has abandoned the iPod.

[kayle12]

I know what this is like.

When I baught my 2G 10GB, 3 months later they came out with the 3G, we didn't get On-The-Go, Alarm Clock, New Games, or any other new features. It really stinks, that they don't release new features, to previous owners. If it wasn't for the previous owners, there wouldn't be a new iPod.

Kayle

[Mountain Man]

Originally posted by BigIzz
I can see your frustration but I wouldn't say Apple has abandoned the iPod. Your iPod does everything you expected it to when you paid for it and Apple has done a pretty good job fixing any bugs.
There's more to customer support than just fixing bugs. I see no technical reason why Apple couldn't incorporate new features into older iPods. The only reason they're not is to try and provide incentive to "upgrade" to the latest model. For all intents and purposes, they're telling previous customers, "If you don't buy our latest and greatest then screw you."

Creative and other companies had better support their products real well because they don't have nearly the market share Apple does.
So you're saying that Apple's market share gives them the luxury of shafting the customer? I don't get this bassackwards logic. If anything, increased market share should translate into better customer support, not worse.

[BigIzz]

I'm saying Apple has done an adequate job supporting the iPod. Not exceptional, but the product does pretty much everything it is supposed to do. Creative and other companies are more gimicky; ie they add features that look nice but I don't think really prove all that useful.

There are a couple of upgrades that would be nice (getting rid of the "Ok to Disconnect" problem but it is clear Apple wants it to be that way, cross fading would be nice, and other small things) but nohting major. What firmware upgrades do you want? If you want the 4G upgrades, it isn't going to happen. More games? What else do they need to provide?

[MOCKBA]

List of upgrades is quite big, here just few items:
1. crossfade
2. Ok to discon...
3. Be able to view bitrate, comments, arts, and so on
4. No 4K limitation and html support
5. lock by code
6. Ogg, Flac support
7. Creation playlists without desktop PC, some basic playlist item manipulation, like delete, copy...
8. more advanced smart list with and, and or
9. Contacts with tone dial
10. go next album/playlist automatically

[BigIzz]

Originally posted by MOCKBA
List of upgrades is quite big, here just few items:
1. crossfade
2. Ok to discon...
3. Be able to view bitrate, comments, arts, and so on
4. No 4K limitation and html support
5. lock by code
6. Ogg, Flac support
7. Creation playlists without desktop PC, some basic playlist item manipulation, like delete, copy...
8. more advanced smart list with and, and or
9. Contacts with tone dial
10. go next album/playlist automatically

Crossfading would be nice. That is in fact an overlooked feature.

Ok to disconect isn't going to be changed no matter how many firmware updates there are, its pretty clear that Apple wants it that way.

Being able to view bitrate and other things...I guess it would be nice, but this isn't really anything major.

The 4K limit is kinda dumb, it would be nice if it were changed.

Never gonna see Ogg and Flac support. Apple is trying to promote AAC and the Music Store so as nice as it would be, it will not happen.

The playlist features again would be nice but these are (unfortunatley) one of the main selling points of the 4G. They aren't going to give these away for free.

The problems with smart lists are more with iTunes then iPOd firmwarel

Im not sure what you mean by contacts with tone dial but I don't think contacts are really all that important. Certinaly not for me. I keep my contacts and schedule on my PDA and listen to music on my iPod.

Going to the next playlist or album would also be nice, there are a couple of issues I have with the way iPod handles that sorta thing.


I don't think the lack of any of these features is proof that Apple abandoned the iPod or even lack of support. Most of these are extra features that while they would be nice, aren't necessary. If Apple didn't for example, fix the L-R stereo channel switching that was going on when the 3G was first released, that would be poor support.

[MOCKBA]

Probably you are right, we all can live without these futures, and without many others. Just lower our requirements and be happy. But what to do if firmware has sort of bugs, for example iPod just hangs on some MP3 files which can be played on other mp3 players? I think it isn't big deal either, since I can convert the "bad" songs to AAC using iTunes and enjoy them again on my iPod.

Actually different companies understand upgradeable firmware differently, if it's for Apple a possibility just extend development time (ship unfinished product for fast ROI). When others give new features giving new generation of the product for free in appreciation of support. It's your choice to make selection.

[Mountain Man]

Originally posted by BigIzz
I'm saying Apple has done an adequate job supporting the iPod. Not exceptional...
At $500 a pop for the high-end iPods, the support should be stellar.

But in the end, I guess my iPod really does everything I want it to. It just doesn't have a few bells and whistles that I'd like. I still love my iPod but I'm less than thrilled with Apple.

[BigIzz]

I dont see how you can so easily seperate Apple and the iPod.

[richpjr]

Originally posted by BigIzz
Ok to disconect isn't going to be changed no matter how many firmware updates there are, its pretty clear that Apple wants it that way.


Except people are reporting that this has been "fixed" in the 4G models! This is my single biggest gripe about the iPod - I cannot sit at my desk at work and listen through my dock. I either have to unplug the cable or take it out of the dock - stupid, stupid, stupid!

[BigIzz]

Has it? Its wierd though because it popped up 2 firmware versions back and I'm sure a number of people complained to Apple about it. If it were in fact a bug, I'm certian they would have fixed it in the most recent 3G firmware.

[richpjr]

Since I don't own a 4G yet I can't say for sure, but I have read several posts where people claim that it does work now.

[Razorwing]

We should start a riot :D

* puts up sign * " Apple Must Update 3G Firmware or else!!! "

hahahahaha

imagine the posibilties.. imagine if apple would take back our 3Gs and put the new battery (from the 4G) in it.. *drool* and also new firmware... *drool* :D but then one is just imagining. :( :(

[MOCKBA]

I do not know about Apple, but my car maker did recall, so I should just bring my car to a dealer to replace something for free. I understand it could be safety feature, so if iPod battery could blow, then we all could get upgrade, what do you think?

[mike5889]

Yup. OK to disconnect sign goes off and you can view the menu on my 4G.

[cadman83]

Hey guys do not worry. Now that Realplayer can upload/download purchased songs from the REAL store to the ipod you can be sure that we will get at least one more firmware upgrade. Of course the only "benefit" we will see will be that apple will make sure we get the best quality songs, but only from them. Funny, I think us consumers really should be able to decide where we purchase our music from.

[EvilDude]

Originally posted by cadman83
Hey guys do not worry. Now that Realplayer can upload/download purchased songs from the REAL store to the ipod you can be sure that we will get at least one more firmware upgrade. Of course the only "benefit" we will see will be that apple will make sure we get the best quality songs, but only from them. Funny, I think us consumers really should be able to decide where we purchase our music from.

hahaha so true! woot a firmware update, even if it does nothing much like the previous one :p

[Coma Black]

Originally posted by cadman83
Hey guys do not worry. Now that Realplayer can upload/download purchased songs from the REAL store to the ipod you can be sure that we will get at least one more firmware upgrade. Of course the only "benefit" we will see will be that apple will make sure we get the best quality songs, but only from them. Funny, I think us consumers really should be able to decide where we purchase our music from.

You make it sounds like something having to do with Realplayer is a good thing :-D

[VDozier]

Forget new features..how about if Apple fixed the battery meter in 3G's?
I can't believe they couldnt get that thing right.

[ElPapa]

I thought the fixed the battery meter with the latest version of the software for it...